The Lakers, one game away from eliminating the Jazz in five games, would prefer not to make a return trip to Utah later this week.

"I love Utah," Bryant said, "but I'd rather not see it again until next year."

In reality, Los Angeles just doesn't want Utah to feel as though they have any life in the series.

"You don't give them any life, any hope. Set the tone early and control the game," Pau Gasol said. "Make the game yours, and that's what we're going to try to do."