Los Angeles Lakers guard Derek Fisher says the road to the NBA title goes through San Antonio since the Spurs are the defending league champions.

He also pays homage to New Orleans as an up-and-coming club that must be taken seriously. Fisher is well-schooled in diplomacy.

But the Lakers, who await their opponent in the Western Conference final that begins Wednesday night at Staples Center, could very well be the team to beat. They are at the halfway point of a potential journey to their first title since the Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant days of 2002.

The Lakers are an NBA-best 8-2 in the playoffs in the rugged West. They are 6-0 at home, where they haven't lost since March 28.

And they just got through handing the Jazz. It was Utah's sixth home-court loss in 47 games this season, including the playoffs.

"It feels great," Kobe Bryant said after scoring 12 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter of a 108-105 victory against the Jazz. "It's been a great journey and we want to keep it rolling."

Lakers coach Phil Jackson gave his team off yesterday and today, although many players are expected to show today at team headquarters in suburban El Segundo for conditioning and treatment.

The San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Hornets meet tomorrow night in New Orleans to decide that series. The Lakers were 2-2 against both teams in the regular season, beating each at home in the final week.