* GO LAKERS *

NBA final: Kobe Bryant stars as LA Lakers win opening game against Orlando Magic

Kobe Bryant, who has been simmering nicely throughout the play-offs, exploded into full glorious action with a 40-point haul for the Los Angeles Lakers as they dismissed Orlando Magic 100-75 in the opening game of this year's NBA final.

Eyes on the prize: Kobe Bryant of LA Lakers and Dwight Howard of Orlando Magic compete for the ball Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Bryant also had eight rebounds and eight assists for the Lakers in front of a sellout crowd of 18,997 at Staples Center arena.

"I was taking what they gave me. They want to back off and give me a shot, I am happy to take it," Bryant said. "We wanted to keep our energy up and make sure we stayed the aggressor."