Lakers Get Redemption from Last Season’s Championship Loss

The Lakers celebrated winning the NBA title on Sunday night (June 14) for the 15th time in Lakers’ franchise history, the fourth time in this decade and the first time since 2002. After the Lakers’ clinching 99-86 victory over the Orlando Magic at Amway Arena Kobe Bryant gave four first pumps, one for each championship ring, in celebration. “This feels like a dream. This doesn’t feel real,” said Bryant afterward. He won the Finals MVP title for the first time without former teammate (and rival) Shaquille O’Neal.

Lakers’ Coach Phil Jackson echoed the sentiment of the Finals MVP saying, “It’s surreal.” Jackson became the greatest championship coach in NBA history, with his 10th title beating the nine won by Boston Celtics’ Coach Red Auerbach, and donned a gold cap with the Roman number for 10 on it (given to him by his kids), X. Jerry Buss also reached a milestone, becoming the best sports owner of the 21st century as the Lakers’ fourth title since 2000 is more during that time span than any other franchise in any other major sport. One of Jerry’s younger sons, Joey Buss, said afterward, “We have two more to go to meet the Boston Celtics,” referring to the Celtics’ record 17 titles, although most everyone was happy that the Lakers redeemed themselves after losing to the Celtic in the Finals last season.

Get all your Los Angeles Lakers tickets at StubHub.

Permalink - Posted in General on June 19, 2009 - Post a comment