Why the Lakers beat Orlando

With all the talent in the NBA, it's still amazing that great teams can kick it up a notch come playoff time. As much as it pains me being an LA sports hater since the womb, the Lakers were definitely the best team and wholeheartedly deserved the championship. Here's why:

1. Kobe - the highlight reel looked similar to Jordan in his heyday
2. Kobe - he led his team, getting them all involved using their strengths and sheltering their weaknesses
3. Phil Jackson - yes, he is the best coach because he created the environment where the players could flourish (Mike Brown, coach of Cleveland - take note)
4. The support players - Gasol ran the floor and played great defense like he's never played, Odom played clutch minutes, Ariza was the hidden, unsung goldmine throughout the playoffs and Fisher was just Fisher when they needed him (reminded me of Horry nailing clutch 3's)
5. They played a team that was two-dimensional. While Dwight Howard has amazing talent and they shut down the heavily favored Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Championship, they lived by the 3 and died by the 3. It showed in Game 5.
   
6. And lastly, the Lakers played like a team. Just like Boston last year, the Lakers proved that great team defense is what wins championships.

So in closing this NBA season, even though it's the Lakers winning their 15th championship, it was great to see a TEAM win it all. And much congratulations to Phil Jackson! He has to be a hero and the envy basketball coaches around the world. I personally hope that he comes back for another year - just get rid of Luke Walton (sorry Bill - but he's just too slow and too small).