Despite a great performance by the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers were able to add another championship to their franchise record. With a 99-86 road win at Amway Arena the Lakers were able to win the series in just five games to secure their 10^th NBA title.

In the final encounter between the Lakers and Magic, Orlando did not play up to their potential and looked tired after a crucial loss in game four. Most importantly, their two greatest offensive weapons could not deliver in game five which led to a relatively uncontested Lakers’ win. Dwight ‘Superman’ Howard was not able to dominate the low-post as he used to and finished the game with only 11 points. Moreover, Orlando’s three point shot was not falling as they were only 8-of-27 from beyond the arc.

Although a 4-1 series win might sound very convincing it does not tell the real story of this year’s NBA Finals. More specifically, Dwight Howa and the Orlando Magic forced Los Angeles into two overtime showdowns, but were not able to win either game. Nonetheless, the Lakers proved to be the better team and certainly deserved their NBA Finals win. Especially their ability to deal with pressure and make the right decision when the clock was winding down turned out to be of essential importance to beat the Magic. In this context multiple All-Star and franchise centerpiece Kobe Bryant definitely was the key difference between Orlando and Los Angeles. In fact, Bryant had an impressive 32.4 point, 7.4 assist and 5.6 rebound average throughout the finals series and made various clutch plays when the game was on the line.

While a championship ring is something truly special for any player, Lakers’ coach Phil Jackson already collected his tenth ring to set another record. No coach in NBA history has won more titles than Jackson who supposedly is considering retirement after a long career. Whatever the future might hold for him, the Lakers can be expected to come out on the floor with the same motivation and energy next season to defend their title.

You can watch all games of the Los Angeles Lakers right here on www.watchlivenba.com, the home of live NBA streaming.