Lakers Kobe Bryant is fouled by Nuggets Kenyon Martin late in the 4th quarter of Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals in Denver. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers Kobe Bryant, left, and Sasha Vujacic dispute a call with a referee in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals in Denver. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers Derek Fisher tries to protect the ball as Nuggets Chauncey Billups, left, and Linas Kleiza try to steal it during Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals in Denver. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Nuggets Chauncey Billups is sandwiched between Lakers players in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals in Denver. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers Pau Gasol holds on to the ball as Nuggets Chauncey Billups tries to steal the ball as Nene looks on in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals in Denver. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Nuggets J.R. Smith taunts Lakers Sasha Vujacic after making a three-pointer at the end of the 3rd quarter in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals in Denver. Smith was called for a technical foul. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Nuggets Chris Andersen grabs a rebound in front of Lakers Jordan Farmar, left, and Lamar Odom in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals in Denver. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers Kobe Bryant gets a hug from D.J. Mbenga after making a basket against the Nuggets in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals in Denver. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers Kobe Bryant drives past Nuggets Nene for a basket in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals in Denver. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers Trevor Ariza walks out of the locker room in preparation for a game against the Nuggets in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals in Denver. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
