HOUSTON 100, LAKERS 92

Laker players huddle before their game with the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinal series at Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

May 5, 2009 7:51 AM PT

Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets blocks the shot of Lamar Odom but is called for a foul in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Rockets forward Shane Battier strips the ball from Kobe Bryant in the second half of game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at Staples Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Houston’s Shane Battier tries to call for time after getting hit in the face during game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals at Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Kobe Bryant drives to the basket between Houston’s Shane Battier, left, and Luis Scola in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series at Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Houston forward Ron Artest has a special haircut for Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series at Staples Center. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers guard Sasha Vujacic shows his frustration with an officials call in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series at Staples Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Pau Gasol of the Lakers struggles to get a shot off against Yao Ming of the Rockets in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series at Staples Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant argues a call late in the fourth quarter of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinal series at Staples Center. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Lamar Odom and Sasha Vujacic cheer their teammates on during the fourth quarter of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinal series at Staples Center. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

The Laker Girls perform during a break in the action in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinal series at Staples Center. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Rockets Juis Scola bites the basketball after being called for a foul against the Lakers in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series at Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers head coach Phil Jackson listens to the National Anthem before Game 1of the Western Conference semifinal series at Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)