LOS ANGELES — In an inconsistent start to the Western Conference finals, Kobe Bryant was the steadying presence the Los Angeles Lakers needed.

He took over in the fourth quarter, finishing with 40 points, including six free throws in the final 30 seconds, to lift Los Angeles to a 105-103 win over the Denver Nuggets in the opener on Tuesday night after the Lakers trailed most of the game.

"Once I sensed we didn't have the energy, I had to take it upon myself to lead by example," he said. "It's just part of my responsibilities to this team."

He did it even with an injury.

Bryant had the right ring finger on his shooting hand taped after the game. He dislocated it against Cleveland in January and had to have it popped back in place Tuesday.

"He was the scoring opportunity for us," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "We had very little else going on. He muscled his way through."

Pau Gasol added 13 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers, who were down by seven in the fourth quarter. Gasol's two free throws tied the game for the last time at 99 before Bryant started his closing streak at the line, offsetting a 3-pointer by Chauncey Billups and a free throw by J.R. Smith.

Carmelo Anthony scored 39 points and Billups added 18 for the Nuggets, who hadn't played since taking care of Dallas in five games last Wednesday.