Los Angeles  - Reigning league MVP Kobe Bryant wasn't at his best, but Pau Gasol was and the Los Angeles Lakers won the West.

Gasol scored a season-best 36 points, to go along with 11 rebounds and seven assists as the Lakers clipped the New Jersey Nets 103-95 on Friday night, to clinch the top playoff seed in the Western Conference.

"That's the way I like to describe myself as an efficient player," said Gasol, who made 14-of-19 shots. "I try to be effective, try to contribute in different ways because I think I can.

Los Angeles  - Spaniard Pau Gasol of the Los Angeles Lakers is officially an All-Star again.

Gasol was named to the Western Conference for the second time in his career on Thursday, as the NBA announced the list of 14 players chosen by the coaches as reserves for the All-Star Game, to be played on February 15 in Phoenix, Arizona.

"I think it's something that gives me a lot of pride and it's an honour to be part of that game," said Gasol, who played in the 2006 mid-season showpiece as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies.