Lakers closer to finals

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Lakers held off Utah Jazz 111-104 on Wednesday to move within one victory of advancing in the National Basketball Association playoffs.

Pau Gasol made two key baskets down the stretch for the Lakers, who took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference second-round series. Spain’s Gasol finished with 21 points, eight assists and six rebounds, and NBA Most Valuable Player Kobe Bryant scored 26 points for the Lakers, who can wrap up the series with a victory in the sixth match on Friday.

The Jazz were 37-4 at home during the regular season, with one of their rare home defeats coming against the Lakers. (AFP)