The Los Angeles Lakers captured their 15th NBA Championship and 10th ring as a coach for Phil Jackson. The Lakers defeated Orlando Magic in Game 5 of their NBA Finals series via a 99-86 win in Amway Arena.
Undeniably, it was Kobe Bryant’s night. He scored 30 points, dished out 5 assists and blocked 4 shots. Pau Gasol’s defense in the interior was a big part of Dwigth Howard’s limited effectiveness in the paint. The Lakers trailed halfway through the second quarter, 40-36, but took off on a 16-0 run that seemed to stun the Magic. Trevor Ariza had seven points during the run, and Fisher had five as the Magic went 4 minutes 25 seconds without scoring a point.
In the end, Los Angeles’ defense was just as up to the task as Los Angeles’ vaunted offense. Orlando’s screen-and-roll attack was barely a factor, as the Lakers’ spacing and efficient perimeter shooting on the other end made this a one-sided game by halftime. Technorati Profile Read more…
The Los Angeles Lakers need only one more win to capture their 15th NBA Championship, but rumors are said to be spreading that even if the Lakers become champions, officials said they can’t afford to throw the team a victory party, which they were doing in the past, to celebrate the victory.
The Lakers have taken a commanding 3-1 lead over the Magic in their best-of-seven- series, and will have the chance to clinch the championship on game 5 in Amway Arena. The win will set the stage for a triumphal parade through downtown LA.
Officials say such celebration could cost the city $1 million or more at a time when city leaders, faced with a deep budget deficit, were considering worker layoffs and cuts in services. Read more…
LOS ANGELES (AP)—The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic in their Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Kobe Bryant had a dominant performance scoring 40 points together with 8 rebounds 8 assists while center Pao Gasol scored 16 points. Lamar Odom snatched 14 rebounds and scored 11 points to help the Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers are seeking it’s 1st NBA title after Shaquille O’Neal left the Lakers in July of 2004. It’s going to be the 15th overall NBA title for the Lakers and 10th for coach Phil Jackson.
Game 2 will be on Sunday, June 7, at Staples Center.
Orlando Magic’s Dwigth Howard and Rashard Lewis struggled the whole game. Orlando shot only 29.9 percent from the field.
Mickael Pietrus and Hedo Turkoglu had 14 and 13 apiece, respectively, for the Magic.
