The Los Angeles Lakers have taken a 2-0 lead in the NBA finals series, beating the Orlando Magic 101-96 in overtime on Monday.

Hedo Turkoglu (R) of the Orlando Magic guards Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers during Game 2 of the NBA Finals in Los Angeles, June 7, 2009.[Xinhua]

Kobe Bryant scored 29 points, and Pau Gasol had a big overtime and finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds as the Lakers moved within two wins of their 15th championship.

Rashard Lewis had 34 points and 11 rebounds, and Hedo Turkoglu had 22 points. But rookie Courtney Lee missed a layup at the buzzer that would have won it in regulation for the Magic, who have still never won a finals game.

Game 3 is tomorrow in Orlando.

Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard (12) dunks over Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball finals Sunday, June 7, 2009, in Los Angeles.[Qi Heng/Xinhua]