Kobe Bryant poured in 40 points as the Los Angeles Lakers tied their Western Conference semi-final series at 1-1.

Having led his side in the series-opening defeat two days ago, Bryant again was the Lakers' star performer, but this time he had an able assistant in the form of Spain's Pau Gasol, who added 22 points while pulling down 14 rebounds.

The hosts stormed out of the blocks, racing to a 39-25 lead by the end of the first quarter, but they were pegged back in the second as the Rockets rallied to tie the game at 57-57 going into half-time.

But as the game boiled over into a physical affair both Ron Artest and Derek Fisher were ejected for the Rockets, who fell off the pace in the second half and allowed the Lakers to tie the series at 1-1.

Before leaving the game Artest scored 25 points and Carl Landry added a career play-off-high 21 points and 10 rebounds.

Yao Ming, who starred in the Rockets' win on Monday night, had 12 points and 10 boards.