Los Angeles-Orlando: Lakers Get Their 15th Title, Phil Jackson His 10th

Both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic knew that Game Five of their NBA Finals series could be the closeout game.

For veterans Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, Pau Gasol, and Lamar Odom, the bitter memory of how last year’s NBA Finals ended in Boston, not with just a loss but with a beat down, was still very much in their minds.

This team knew what they had to do, but could they do it here tonight in Orlando?

The Orlando Magic were fast out of the gate tonight building a nine-point first quarter lead against the Lakers as six Magic players scored.

Phil Jackson, coaching his 300th playoff game, watched as Andrew Bynum went 0-for-6 before hitting his first shot. Then three field goals each from Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol cut the lead down t...

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