NBA PLAYOFFS

REGULAR SEASON IN REVIEW

Oct. 31 at Forum, Lakers 104, Utah 87--In the season opener for both teams, Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 23 points. The Lakers played without Shaquille O’Neal, who was sidelined by an injury. Lakers trailed by as much as 12 before going on a 14-0 run late in the second quarter to take the lead. Utah was outscored 81-48 over the final 32 minutes.

Nov. 18 at Utah, Lakers 97, Utah 92--Bryant scored 19 points and blocked Bryon Russell’s potential game-tying three-point attempt with 3.9 seconds remaining. The Lakers trailed, 92-88, with 2:28 left, but outscored the Jazz, 9-0, down the stretch. Utah scored only 14 points in the fourth quarter.

March 28 at Utah, Utah 106, Lakers 91--Karl Malone scored 31 points (17 from the free-throw line) in a game the Jazz dominated. Utah led by eight at halftime and put the game away with a 12-4 run late in the third quarter. Lakers had only 23 rebounds, tying the record for fewest in Los Angeles franchise history.

April 19 at Forum, Lakers 102, Utah 98--in the season finale for both games, the Lakers started fast and had a 28-19 lead after the first quarter. The Jazz rallied to tie the score at the end of three. Bryant then scored 12 points in the final quarter to help the Lakers win.

LAKER LEADERS VS. JAZZ IN REGULAR SEASON:

* Points--O’Neal, 27.0; Van Exel, 19.0; Bryant, 17.3

* Rebounds--O’Neal, 9.7; Horry, 9.3; Rooks, 5.5

JAZZ LEADERS VS. LAKERS IN REGULAR SEASON:

* Points--Malone, 26.0; Eisley, 12.5; Stockton, 12.0

* Rebounds--Malone, 10.0; Anderson, 5.5; Ostertag, 5.5

LAKERS’ RECORD IN WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

(Before 1971, it was listed as Western Division)

1971--lost to Milwaukee, 4-1

1972--defeated Milwaukee, 4-2

1973--d. Golden St., 4-1

1977--lost to Portland, 4-0

1980--d. Seattle, 4-1

1982--d. San Antonio, 4-0

1983--d. San Antonio, 4-2

1984--d. Phoenix, 4-2

1985--d. Denver, 4-1

1986--lost to Houston, 4-1

1987--d. Seattle, 4-0

1988--d. Dallas, 4-3

1989--d. Phoenix, 4-0

1991--d. Portland, 4-2