NBA: LA Lakers 128, Denver 114

LOS ANGELES, April 20 (UPI) -- Pau Gasol scored 36 points and Kobe Bryant 32 Sunday for the Los Angeles Lakers, who whipped Denver 128-114 in their Western Conference playoff opener.

Gasol added 16 rebounds and eight assists. Bryant scored 20 of his points in the fourth quarter.

The Lakers broke away with a 13-2 run and built a lead that reached 19 points during the third quarter.

Lamar Odom contributed 17 points and 14 rebounds and Luke Walton scored 16 off the bench for the Lakers.

Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony tallied 30 points apiece for the Nuggets. Linas Kleiza added 23.

Game 2 is set for Wednesday in Los Angeles.