(6-14-09)

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - The Los Angeles Lakers have won their 15th
NBA championship, easily beating the Orlando Magic 99-86 to win the
Finals in five games.
Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 30 points, six rebounds, five
assists and four blocks. Bryant keyed a 16-0 Lakers run in the
second quarter that propelled L.A. into a 12-point lead. The Lakers
outscored Orlando 30-18 in the decisive second quarter as the Magic
never mounted a serious late run.
Bryant won the MVP award in being a part of his fourth NBA
championship team. This is Bryant's first title without Shaquille
(shah-KEEL') O'Neal, the former Lakers center. Bryant averaged over
32 points a game in the five-game NBA Finals.
Lamar Odom came off the bench and contributed 17 points and 10
rebounds. Pau Gasol was a huge force inside with 14 points and 15
rebounds. Trevor Ariza added 14 points as one of five Lakers in
double figures.
Lakers coach Phil Jackson became the all-time coaching leader
with his 10th championship in 12 tries. That breaks the record held
by legendary Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach, who coached 10 of
the Celtics' 17 titles.
Afterward Jackson, wearing a yellow baseball cap with the Roman
numeral 10 on it, called winning another title "surreal" and said
he would smoke a victory cigar in honor of the late Celtics coach.
Rashard Lewis scored 18 points for the Magic, who were in the
finals for only the second time.