The Houston Rockets managed to level the NBA Western Conference semifinal series at two games apiece after beating the Los Angeles Lakers 99-87 in game four on Sunday.

Kobe Bryant finished with 33 points Friday night and the Los Angeles Lakers ground out a 108-94 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series.

Kobe Bryant scored 31 points as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Utah Jazz 107-96 on Monday to finish their Western Conference quarterfinal series in five games.

Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers is picking his team to repeat as NBA champions and raise their 18th championship banner.
But the west is loaded. The Lakers should be the favorite, but don’t count out the Spurs, Jazz, Hornets, and Rockets (if Yao and T-Mac stay healthy.)
Not since Shaq and Kobe were together has there been so much chat about the NBA champions repeating. In a league where dynasties were once ordinary, the last six champs have been incapable of holding on to their titles. But if any team has the …