Pau Gasol becomes first Spaniard to reach NBA final

The LA Lakers have reached the NBA finals for the first time in four years after battling back to beat San Antonio Spurs 100-92 last night to take an unassailable 4-1 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference finals.

Spain captain Pau Gasol, who contributed to the victory with 12 points and a PB 19 rebounds, said after the game: "There's no doubt that I've wanted this for a long time, I dreamed of being in a situation like this, to be fighting for the championship, to be playing at this level, with a great team ... I didn't know when, how or with whom, but I dreamed that it could come true and here we are, living the dream."

Gasol joined the Lakers from the Memphis Grizzlies last February since when he has forged an excellent understanding with All-star guard, Kobe Bryant, who top scored last night with an incredible 39 points.

In the final, the Lakers will be up against either the Boston Celtics or the Detroit Pistons.