Bryant, Lakers reign once more

The Los Angeles Lakers captured their 15th championship and first since 2002 with a 99-86 victory over the Orlando Magic in Game Five of the NBA Finals yesterday.

Los Angeles won the best-of-seven series 4-1, giving coach Phil Jackson his record 10th title.

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant scored 30 points in the series finale on 10-of-23 shooting, and had five assists.

Los Angeles saw their 10-point halftime lead sliced to 58-53, but Lamar Odom hit two three-pointers during a 13-2 run to give the Lakers a cosy 71-55 advantage with just over three minutes left in the third quarter.

(Agencies via Shanghai Daily June 15, 2009)