
SEVEN years after their last championship, five years after a series of humbling losses, and 362 days after a futile finals effort against the Boston Celtics, the Los Angeles Lakers were back.
A victory parade will snake its way through downtown Los Angeles, the celebration becoming official after the Lakers thumped Orlando Magic on Sunday night, 99-86, to win the National Basketball Association finals 4-1.
It was Kobe Bryant's night. He had 30 points, six rebounds, five assists, and finally won a championship without Shaquille O'Neal.
For Bryant, it meant a fourth championship ring, leaving him one behind Magic Johnson and two behind Michael Jordan. It was similarly triumphant for Lakers coach Phil Jackson, who earned a 10th championship ring, one more than Celtics luminary Red Auerbach. It was the Lakers' 15th championship.
"I don't have to hear that idiotic criticism any more," he said. "That's the biggest thing. I don't have to hear that stuff any more. I can't believe this moment is here.
"They won't see us as losers. LA is brutal, man. Now when I go to Disney World and Disneyland, I can enjoy the moment. I don't have to answer questions about, 'What the hell happened to you guys?' "
Bryant can opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but can re-sign with the Lakers for five years and about $135 million. The return of the Lakers as a dominant power will also affect Bryant's decision, according to sources.
Jackson acknowledged the importance of passing Auerbach, calling it a "remarkable accomplishment", and praised the Lakers. "I think I've always said this before — the journey is important. This was no exception, with a strong finish next year should be smooth sailing and hopefully kobes 5th ring with the Lakers