The top-seeded Lakers are into the National Basketball Association Western Conference finals after they beat the under-strength Houston Rockets 89-70 in game seven in Los Angeles
Houston had surprisingly forced a decider despite missing All-Star center Yao Ming since game three but were outclassed, as the home side charged 20 points clear by halftime and never relinquished their grip.
The Lakers will meet the Denver Nuggets in the best-of-seven Conference finals, starting in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
