Lakers Andrew Bynum jumps to steal a pass away from Rockets Aaron Brooks as teammate Carl Landry gets in between the two during Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinal series at the Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant drives around Rockets forward Ron Artest in the fourth quarter of Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinal series at the Staples Center. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers Kobe Bryant defends against Rockets Ron Artest in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinal series at the Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Rockets Aaron Brooks goes flying after a block by Trevor Ariza, left, and a recovery by Jordan Farmar in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinal series at the Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers Shannon Brown gets an elbow to the eye from Rockets Kyle Lowry in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinal series at the Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers Pau Gasol, right gets high-five’s from teammates Luke Walton, left, Andrew Bynum and Derek Fisher during Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinal series at the Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers center Andrew Bynum puts up a shot over two Rockets defenders during game 7 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Staples Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers center Andrew Bynum slams home two of his 14 points over Rockets defender Aaron Brooks in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinal series at the Staples Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Rockets forward Shane Battier strips the ball from Lakers guard Shannon Brown in the fourth quarter in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinal series at the Staples Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Rockets forward Ron Artest charges into Lakers defender Luke Walton as Jordan Farmar sneaks in from behind during the first half in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinal series at the Staples Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers coach Phil Jackson walks off the floor following after Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinal series at the Staples Center. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
A security guard watches a pre-game presentation at the start of Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinal series at the Staples Center. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant argues an official’s call in the fourth quarter of Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinal series at the Staples Center. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
Fans celebrate following the Lakers’ win in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinal series at the Staples Center. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
Rockets forward Ron Artest, center, consoles teammates Von Wafer, left, and Carl Landry late in a game 7 89-70 loss to LA in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinal series at the Staples Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers Kobe Bryant and Rockets Ron Artest meet after the game in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinal series at the Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)