LOS ANGELES — Kobe Bryant proved a steadying presence for his wildly inconsistent teammates, taking over in the fourth quarter and delivering a come-from-behind victory.

Bryant scored 40 points, including six free throws in the final 30 seconds, to lift Los Angeles to a 105-103 win over the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals opener last night after the Lakers trailed most of the game.

"Once I sensed we didn't have the energy, I had to take it upon myself to lead by example," he said. "It's just part of my responsibilities to this team."

He did it even with an injury.

Bryant had the right ring finger on his shooting hand taped after the game. He dislocated it against Cleveland in January and had to have it popped back in place yesterday.

"He was the scoring opportunity for us," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "We had very little else going on. He muscled his way through."

Pau Gasol added 13 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers, who faced a seven-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Gasol's two free throws tied the game for the last time at 99 before Bryant started his closing streak at the line, offsetting a 3-pointer by Chauncey Billups and a free throw by J.R. Smith.

Carmelo Anthony scored 39 points and Billups added 18 for the Nuggets, who hadn't played since taking care of Dallas in five games last Wednesday.

"There's no moral victories in playoff basketball," Denver coach George Karl said. "The next 48 hours are going to be difficult."

Game 2 is tomorrow at Staples Center. The Nuggets have lost 11 consecutive playoff games to the Lakers, including a first-round sweep last season.

Bryant, who was 9 for 9 from the line in the fourth quarter, made two for a 101-99 lead with 30 seconds left. Trevor Ariza stole the inbounds pass near midcourt and the Lakers were able to run the clock down to 10 seconds when Bryant made two more free throws.

"He threw the ball and gave me just enough air to go get it," Ariza said of the steal off Anthony Carter, a former University of Hawai'i standout. "That's all it took."

Billups hit a 3-pointer to get the Nuggets to 103-102 with 5 seconds left, but then Anthony fouled Bryant, who made his final two foul shots.

"They have the best closer in the sport and we didn't do enough," Karl said.

Smith made one free throw with 3.2 seconds left and missed the second intentionally. Bryant grabbed the game's last rebound.

"Any great player would love that moment, get the ball in their hands every time down the court and make something happen," said Anthony.

Denver led most of the game in its return to the conference finals for the first time in 24 years. But the Nuggets couldn't stop Bryant over the final 6:48, when he scored 15 points, including seven straight to help the Lakers improve to 7-1 at home in the playoffs. They are 8-0 this postseason when scoring 100 points.

"You get used to greatness," Lamar Odom said. "He was amazing. He wanted the ball. Kobe is always going to help you or bail you out more than he hurts you."

Bryant got the better of Anthony, his U.S. Olympic teammate.

"It was a lot of fun, he's a bull down there," Bryant said. "I am a little out of my weight class, but I'll give it my best shot."

DENVER 31 23 22 27 — 103

L.A. LAKERS 23 32 19 31 — 105

DENVER—Anthony 14-20 7-8 39, Martin 7-14 1-2 15, Nene 6-9 2-3 14, Billups 5-13 6-9 18, Jones 0-3 1-2 1, Smith 2-7 2-6 8, Andersen 2-4 4-5 8, Carter 0-4 0-0 0, Kleiza 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 36-74 23-35 103.

L.A. LAKERS—Ariza 2-8 1-2 6, Gasol 5-9 3-5 13, Bynum 2-4 2-2 6, Fisher 5-13 0-0 13, Bryant 13-28 12-13 40, Walton 2-6 0-0 5, Odom 3-7 0-0 7, Vujacic 1-5 0-0 3, Brown 1-4 0-0 3, Farmar 2-5 0-0 5, Powell 1-1 2-2 4, Mbenga 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 37-90 20-24 105.

3-Point Goals—Denver 8-19 (Anthony 4-5, Smith 2-5, Billups 2-7, Carter 0-1, Jones 0-1), L.A. Lakers 11-25 (Fisher 3-6, Bryant 2-3, Odom 1-1, Walton 1-2, Brown 1-3, Vujacic 1-3, Farmar 1-3, Ariza 1-4). Fouled Out—Nene. Rebounds—Denver 53 (Martin 8), L.A. Lakers 54 (Gasol 14). Assists—Denver 24 (Billups 8), L.A. Lakers 25 (Fisher 6). Total Fouls—Denver 26, L.A. Lakers 26. Technicals—Anthony, Bryant. A—18,997 (18,997).