The Los Angeles Lakers beat the ever resilient Orlando Magic in Game 5, 99-86 to close out a season that has been everything but easy. The Magic came out swinging right out of the locker rooms with them taking on an early 9 point lead in the first quarter befor Kobe Bryant and the Lakers made several runs to cut it down to 2 at the end of the first. Then, it was all Lakers for the second quarter as the pesky Los Angeles defense lead by Trevor Ariza sparked a 16-0 Laker run, and closing out the half with a 56-46 lead. Then, it was Kobe Bryant controlling the game the rest of the way, holding off every Magic run en route to an impressive 30 points, 6 rebound, 5 assist game. The Magic were lead by Rashard Lewis who ended up with 18 points and 10 rebounds but most of his points came late in the fourth when all has already been cast in stone. Dwight Howard had a quiet night scoring only 11 points and 10 rebounds as he was plagued with foul trouble all game long. The Lakers bench was also a key factor as Lamar Odom hit perfect from downtown to chip in 17 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.
Kobe has now proven to all the critics that he can win an NBA title without Shaquille O'Neal, referring to the fact that he has not won a title since the duo's divorce with Shaq being traded to the Heat. Now, all those who doubted have been silenced with Bryant winning the NBA's Bill Russell Finals MVP Trophy as the Lakers superstar has averaged more than 32 points per game, 5.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists for the finals in a superb all around performance. Phil Jackson also reached a milestone as he passed Boston's great coach Red Aurbach by claiming his 10th title as a coach, being the winningest coach in the NBA.
Now, the celebrations will begin as the Los Angeles Lakers will be bringing home the Larry O'Brien Trophy to the city of Los Angeles. Congratulations to the Los Angeles Lakers, your 2009 NBA Champions!
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