Lakers: Livin’ large at the line

Kobe Bryant went 18 for 18 at the free-throw line in Game 3 on Friday.

The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Thunder 99-96 in Game 3 on Friday night thanks to their near-perfection at the free-throw line.

The Lakers converted an astonishing 41 of 42 from the line (.976), the second-best percentage in NBA playoff history (30 or more attempts) to the Dallas Mavericks making 49 of 50 (.980) against the San Antonio Spurs in 2003.

During the regular season, the Lakers were a middle-of-the-road team from the line, ranking 16^th in the NBA (.756). Had the Lakers shot their usual percentage at the line, they would have had scored nine fewer points (32 for 42).

The Thunder, which converted 26 of 28 (.929) in Game 3, led the league in three-throw percentage (.806) for the second straight year.

Here is what the Lakers shot on Friday compared to the regular season:

PLAYER; GAME 3; REGULAR SEASON

KobeBryant; 18-18 (1.000); .845

PauGasol; 4-4 (1.000); .782

Metta World Peace; 2-2 (1.000); .778