The Los Angeles Lakers took a 1-0 series lead Thursday night, behind the 40-point, 8-assist, and 8-rebound performance of Kobe Bryant. LA crushed the Orlando Magic 100-75.

The Lakers stifled the offense of the Magic, who shot only 29.9 percent from the field. Apart from their shooting woes, Orlando could not stop Bryant who scorched hot in the second and third period. Bryant outscored Orlando’s top three scoring players by himself. He had 40 points, while Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, and Hedo Torkuglu combined for 33 points.

Bryant had ample support from Pau Gasol with 16 points and Lamar Odom, who finished with 11 markers and 14 boards.

The Lakers are now one win closer to the franchise’s 15 NBA title. The team’s coach, Phil Jackson, is aiming for his 10th title, which would secure him in the record books with the most championships by any coach.

The pressure is now applied to the young and energetic Orlando Magic, who will try to equalize the series on Sunday at Staples Center.