Article:No Surprise

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic in game five of the NBA Finals, 99-89. The Lakers are now 2009 NBA Champions, which surprised everyone, NOT.

Lakers guard, Kobe Bryant, finished with 30 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assist.

Bryant admits hearing the criticism wasn't pleasing. "He can't win championships without Shaquille O'Neal." Now Bryant gets his fourth NBA Championship ring and his first without former teammate O'Neal.

“I don’t have to hear that criticism, that idiotic criticism anymore,” said Bryant. “It was annoying.”

Bryant was named MVP of the 2009 NBA Finals. He felt like a kid in the candy store.

“I was just completely locked in,” Bryant said. “I was grumpy for a while and now I’m just ecstatic, like a kid in a candy store.”

Feeling relieved is something Bryant feels. Enjoying this moment and not hearing any criticism is makes him happy; Bryant feels like a big old monkey was off his back. “It finally felt like a big old monkey was off my back,” Bryant said. “It felt so good to be able to have this moment. For this moment to be here and to reflect back on the season and everything that you’ve been through, it’s top of the list, man.”

Lakers head coach, Phil Jackson, now passes former Boston Celtics head coach Red Auerbach with 10 NBA Championship rings. Bryant said, Jackson took off his glasses and soaked it all in.

“He’s (Bryant) learned how to become a leader in a way in which people want to follow him,” Jackson said. “That’s really important for him to have learned that because he knew that he had to give to get back in return, and so he’s become a giver rather than just a guy that’s a demanding leader. That’s been great for him and great to watch.”

Lakers forward, Pau Gasol, finished with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Trevor Ariza, had 15 points and guard Derek Fisher scored 13 points. Lamar Odom had 17 points and 10 rebounds.

Magic head coach, Stan Van Gundy, felt the Lakers had an answer for everything and the Magic couldn't stop them.

Magic forward, Rashad Lewis, finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assist. Guards Courtney Lee, Rafer Alston and forward Hedo Turkoglu had 12 points each. Center, Dwight Howard had 11 points and 10 rebounds.

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