MVP Kobe Leads Lakers to Title No. 15

The Lakers captured their 15th NBA title tonight in Orlando, polishing off the Magic with a 99-86 victory that gave coach Phil Jackson his record 10th title, the Los Angeles Times reports. Last season's runners-up, the Lakers saw five players score in double figures, led by Finals MVP Kobe Bryant (30 points), who collected his fourth championship and first without Shaquille O'Neal.

"This really feels like a dream," said Bryant. "This doesn't even feel real right now. It's unbelievable." After a competitive first quarter, the Lakers went on a 16-0 run in the second quarter and never looked back. His team's 4-1 series victory and first title since 2002 meant Jackson broke Celtics legend Red Auerbach's record. "I'll smoke a cigar tonight in memory of Red," said Jackson.
(More NBA Finals stories.)