LOS ANGELES: Kobe Bryant made just the opening statement he wanted.

He exploded for a career finals high 40 points as the Los Angeles Lakers rolled over Orlando 100-75 in the NBA finals. 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."