Basketball News
Brilliant Bryant wins NBA title for Lakers
Kobe Bryant starred as the LA Lakers won the NBA championship for the 15th time. The Lakers were brilliant against the Orlando Magic and Bryant's 30 points helped them to a 99-86 win at Orlando's Amway Arena on Sunday. The victory meant the Magic won the series 4-1 and with it, the championship. Lakers' head coach Phil Jackson celebrated his 10th title - surpassing the legendary Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach.
"I'll smoke my cigar tonight in memory of Red," Jackson said. "He was a great guy."
The Lakers were behind 28-26 after the first quarter but following an unanswered spell of 16 points in the second quarter, they edged ahead and never looked back.
Rashad Lewis netted 18 points for Orlando but it was never enough as the Lakers cruised to victory.
Bryant stole the show and after seeing him win the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player accolade, Lakers' coach Jackson hailed his star player.
"He's learned how to become a leader in a way in which people want to follow him," Jackson said.
"That's really important for him to have learned that because he knew he had to give something to get something back in return."