LA Lakers reach conference finals

LOS ANGELES: The top-seeded Los Angeles Lakers finally saw off the under-strength Houston Rockets with a crushing 89-70 victory on Sunday to advance to the Western Conference finals.

Spanish forward Pau Gasol posted a game-high 21 points and 18 rebounds, while Trevor Ariza added 15 points as the Lakers clinched the best-of-seven series 4-3 at Staples Center.

Watched by a capacity crowd including Hollywood actors Jack Nicholson and Dustin Hoffman, the home team charged 20 points clear by halftime and never relinquished their grip.