Howard channels Kobe: Lakers' job 'not finished'

Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard conjured memories of a franchise legend Friday when asked to describe his team's mentality as it prepares for Game 5 against the Denver Nuggets.

"It's simple. Job is not finished," Howard told reporters.

The center's answer may have been a reference to one given by Kobe Bryant during the 2009 NBA Finals. After Los Angeles took a 2-0 series lead over Howard and the Orlando Magic, Bryant was asked why he didn't appear to be happy, to which he produced a stoic response.

"What's there to be happy about? Job's not finished," Bryant said. "Job finished? I don't think so."

The Lakers went on to secure their 15th championship before Bryant led them to back-to-back NBA titles in 2010.

Howard has yet to return to The Finals since squaring off against Bryant in 2009. With the Nuggets having come back from two separate 3-1 series deficits this postseason, the 34-year-old center outlined what he believes Los Angeles needs to do to put away a resilient Denver side Saturday.

"Go out there and dominate, first quarter to fourth quarter. Don't worry about the refs, don't worry about missed shots," he said. "Just go out there and do what we do best and play Laker basketball and get a good win."