Kobe Bryant (C) of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with teammates at the end of Game 5 in the NBA Finals against the Orlando Magic at Amway Arena on June 14, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. (Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant won the first NBA Finals MVP of his career as he led the Los Angeles Lakers over the Orlando Magic to win the 2009 NBA Championship.
The Lakers defeated the Magic 99-86 in Orlando on Sunday night. It was Bryant’s fourth NBA title and Lakers coach Phil Jackson’s record tenth, surpassing the legendary Red Auerbach.
Bryant scored 30 points as the Lakers won the series 4-1. Also for the Lakers, Lamar Odom scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and forward Pau Gasol contributed with 14 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks.
Shaquille O’Neal got his wish, and Bryant got his ring.
Earlier on Sunday, a twitter from O’Neal read, “I am saying it today and today only. I want Kobe Bryant to get number four, spread da word.”