Lakers Sweep Jazz Again, Will Meet Suns Monday In Western Conference Finals

Over at SB Nation’s Lakers blog, Silver Screen and Roll, there was nothing too spectacular about the Lakers’ performance against the Jazz in Game 4. It was just ruthless execution:

That last point... Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. When those two play as well as they did this series, combined with some timely contributions from teammates, the Lakers are very nearly unbeatable.

To read more on Boozer’s future, the Jazz free agency plans, and what might come of the draft, check out SB Nation’s SLC Dunk. Utah’s season may be over, but clearly, the fans are moving on quickly.

Kobe Bryant added 32 points for the top-seeded Lakers, who will play Phoenix in the conference finals, starting next Monday night at Staples Center. The Suns completed a second-round sweep of San Antonio Sunday night.

Shannon Brown tallied 12 points, while Lamar Odom and Derek Fisher each netted 10 for the Lakers, who are attempting to become the first repeat league champions since they won three in a row (2000-02) with the tandem that featured Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.

With the game on the line, Williams shook off Artest at the top of the key and had a great look but came up empty with his 22-foot attempt. Matthews had a chance at the tip-in just before the buzzer sounded, but the putback rimmed out, putting the Jazz at a 3-0 series disadvantage that has never been overcome in NBA history.

“I wanted to get (the shot) a little deeper, but I saw Ron (Artest) stumble a bit, so I felt if I took another dribble or two he might have recovered. I had a wide open look and just missed it,” recalled Williams.