Bryant scored 25 of his 27 points in the second half in a game the officials allowed to become extra physical down the stretch.

The defending champion Spurs, with only one day of rest between their seven-game triumph over New Orleans and the opener of this series, led for the first 45 minutes. San Antonio's advantage grew to 65-45 midway through the third period.

Los Angeles came back to take its first lead at 83-81 with 2:42 to play when Bryant made two free throws.

A tip-in by Tim Duncan brought San Antonio into a tie with 47 seconds left, but Bryant put the Lakers in front for good with 35 seconds remaining. Manu Ginobili then missed a three-point attempt for the Spurs and Sasha Vujacic hit two free throws for the Lakers with seven seconds to go for the final score.

Pau Gasol added 19 points for the Lakers. Duncan led the Spurs with 38 points and 18 rebounds while Tony Parker had 18.

Los Angeles will host Game 2 Friday.