Kobe Bryant, playing like a man possessed, scored 40 points and the Los Angeles Lakers pounded the Orlando Magic 100-75 in Game 1 on Thursday night.

It was the 10th time he has scored 40 or more in the NBA betting playoffs.



Game 2 is Sunday night at Staples Center where celebrities had front-row seats to see another amazing performance by Bryant, who scored 18 points in the third quarter as the Lakers opened a 26-point lead and embarrassed the Magic.

The Magic, who went 2-0 against the Lakers in the regular season, appeared a touch overwhelmed in their first Finals appearance since 1995.