The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Orlando Magic four games to one in the NBA Finals, earning the team’s 15th NBA title.  Put in a historical perspective, they are now 15-15 in NBA Finals match-ups and are second only to the Boston Celtics and their 17 NBA titles for most championships by a franchise.  Phil Jackson also moved ahead of Red Auerbach for the most titles by a head coach, winning his 10th NBA title, the fourth with the Lakers.  His other six came with the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls. Perhaps, most importantly, Kobe Bryant won a title with Shaquille O’Neal… okay, it’s only important to all those that hated on Kobe and said he couldn’t win a title without Shaq (this group includes Shaq himself), well, in your face!

Bryant was a symbol of will and determination and getting the job done.  In fact, such ferocity and competitiveness hadn’t been seen since Jordan took the court.  And now, the monkey is off his back and if the Lakers can somehow sign both Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom, the Lakers could win a few more championships.  Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum are locked in and provide great interior presences, Derek Fisher looks as if he can still play for a few years and it looks like Jordan Farmar will be ready to take up the PG mantle.  Contractually, Jackson only has one more season left, but if the core group of players can stay intact, don’t be surprised if he signs another extension.  This season, Jackson seemed less stressed because of team chemsitry and the lack of two alpha males (Kobe and Shaq) going at it.

Congratulations to the Lakers and their fans.  And to all the Kobe haters, bite it!