Lakers 111, Jazz 96

SALT LAKE CITY -- The Lakers handled their business and eliminated the Utah Jazz in Game 4 tonight, advancing to the Western Conference finals for the third consecutive season. They will face the Phoenix Suns. Game 1 is set for Monday at Staples Center. The Lakers will have until then to rest, recover and prepare for the Suns, who are similar to the Jazz in many ways. Both teams are undersized up front, but both are driven by superb point guards. The Lakers counter with Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol up front. Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom could be X-factors for the Lakers, who beat the Suns, 3-1, in the regular season. Jason Richardson could fill the same role for the Suns.