Kobe, Lakers Crowned

Kobe passes, defends
Plays team game to perfection
Easy Lakers win

(A Haggy Haiku)

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Kobe Bryant wasn't about to let the Orlando Magic spoil his quest for a fourth NBA championship and first without Shaquille O'Neal. Rather than trying to go it alone -- as done unsuccessfully in the past -- he entrusted his teammates to the task.
The result: an impressive 99-86 win by the Lakers Sunday to earn their fourth title since the Y2K scare.
Bryant played perhaps his best basketball game of the playoffs -- an effort which had the Magic hopelessly searching for a program that would thwart the Lakers' star to avoid elimination.
No such luck.
Bryant was his usual unstoppable self, offensively, scoring 30 points on 10-of-23 shooting, and defensively, recording two steals and four blocked shots.
He got his, no doubt.
But what stood out was the way he involved everyone else.
Either as the primary passer or setting things up with his ability to score at will, Bryant time and time again found open teammates who in turn made Orlando pay.
Four other Lakers finished in double figures, highlighted by Lamar Odom's 17.
Few of Bryant's own shots were forced. And the fluidity, prowess and efficiency of Los Angeles forced even the imposing Dwight Howard and his Magic to bow; they discovered Bryant is king.

Notes:
Phil Jackson passes Red Auerbach and sits atop the record book for most NBA titles won by a coach. He now has 10.

Derek Fisher and Bryant join a select few of active players (O'Neal and Tim Duncan) with four rings.

(Photo taken by Robert Gauthier of the Los Angeles Times)