SportsDope

Lakers Hold Off Jazz, Reach Western Finals
SALT LAKE CITY — Kobe Bryant scored 34 points and Los Angeles held off a furious rally by the Utah Jazz for a 108-105 victory Friday night, putting the Lakers in the Western Conference finals for the first time in four years.

As Expected, N.F.L. Owners Opt Out of Labor Deal
In a unanimous decision Tuesday, National Football League owners decided to shorten the term of their labor deal with players, forcing sides to begin new negotiations.