LA Lakers

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Kobe Bryant has the NBA title he needed most -- the one without Shaq.

2009 NBA Finals

Bryant's seven-year chase of a coveted championship is over. He's got his fourth, and Los Angeles coach Phil Jackson his record 10th, a ring for each finger. One year after failing in the finals, Bryant and the Lakers have redemption, and all the rewards that go with it.

They earned their 15th title on Sunday night as Bryant scored 30 points and Pau Gasol added 14 and 15 rebounds in a 99-86 win in Game 5 over the Orlando Magic, who ran out of comebacks.

It took longer than Bryant expected, but he has stepped out of former teammate Shaquille O'Neal's enormous shadow -- at last. His fourth championship secured a strong case can be made for Bryant being the league's best player since Michael Jordan hung up his sneakers.

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"LA Lakers Anthem" by Jay Rock -

Los Angeles Lakers play host to the opening of 2008-09 NBA Finals series versus Orlando Magic. The Left Coast ballin' to the fullest.


Lakers in 5 games - Rip [Ed]