| 26 | 30 | 20 | 23 | |
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 28 | 18 | 15 | 25 |
Recap: Orlando vs. LA Lakers
By Sports Network
Orlando, FL (Sports Network) - Kobe Bryant proved he can win a championship without Shaquille O'Neal, while Phil Jackson became the all-time leader in NBA titles among coaches as the Los Angeles Lakers finished off Orlando, 99-86 in Game 5 of the Finals.
Despite falling behind by nine points in the first quarter, the Lakers stepped on the gas in the second, reeling off 16 unanswered points, a run keyed by Trevor Ariza, and took a 56-46 lead at the half. The Lakers were in front by as many as 18 in the second half and didn't allow the Magic a rally to send the series back to Los Angeles.
The 15 titles by the Lakers are two shy of Boston's all-time record. It was also a sense of redemption for the Lakers, who lost in the Finals to the Celtics last year. It's their first time raising the trophy since 2002, the last of three consecutive championships.
Jackson and Bryant each have four crowns with the Lakers. For Jackson, his 10th championship surpassed the legendary Red Auerbach for the most in history. Coaching his 300th career playoff game, Jackson also passed Bill Russell (11) for most titles won by a player/coach.
Orlando was making its second Finals appearance. In 1995, the Magic, who were swept in the championship series by Houston, were led by the power of O'Neal.
Aside from the loss to the Celtics in six games of last year's Finals, the Lakers have essentially dominated their opponents. They didn't lose three in a row this entire season. The last time the Lakers dropped three straight was January 23-27, 2008, just before Pau Gasol was traded to the Lakers.
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