Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, Pau Gasol had 23 points and 14 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers got tough in a 102-89 victory over the Boston Celtics in the NBA finals opener Thursday night.
Ron Artest scored 15 points.
Paul Pierce scored 24 points for the Celtics, who might not want to know Lakers coach Phil Jackson's teams in Los Angeles and Chicago have won 47 straight playoff series after winning Game 1.
The two teams have a long history behind them. The /*Lakers*/ and /*Celtics*/ have squared off in the NBA finals 11 times in the last half century. Thursday night's game was their twelfth meeting in the finals.
The Finals banner has been draped over the arena, and large posters of stars like /*Kobe Bryant*/, /*Lamar Odom*/ and /*Pau Gasol*/ are displayed on pillars.
In 2008, the Celtics embarrassed the Lakers in the finals. The Lakers were back in the finals in 2009 and won. This year, fans want their sweet revenge on the Celtics.
Even though the Staples Center has sold out, some fans camped out overnight hoping to somehow get a coveted ticket.
The NBA Finals series between the Lakers and Celtics can be seen on ABC7. Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday night in L.A. at 5 p.m. on ABC7.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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