Lakers beat Magic to win 15th NBA crown

• Source: Global Times
• [11:33 June 15 2009]
• Comments

By Zhu Shanshan

The Los Angeles Lakers won their 15th championship today, outrunning the Orlando Magic 99-86 to win the NBA finals in five games.

Photo: Sina.com

It’s the fourth NBA crown for Lakers super star Kobe Bryant, but it was his first without former teammate Shaquille O’Neal. 

The title also was a milestone for Lakers coach Phil Jackson who broke Celtics legend Red Auerbach’s record to win his 10th crown as a coach in NBA finals.

Bryant scored 30 points, and Pau Gasol added 14 points and 15 rebounds for the Lakers.

Orlando’s Dwight Howard finished with only 11 points and 10 rebounds, and Rashard Lewis scored 18 points.