On June 14, 2009, Kobe Bryant led the Los Angeles Lakers to a Game 5 win over the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals to capture the organization’s 15th championship.
Bryant and the Lakers came into the 2008-09 season extra determined after being embarrassed by the rival Boston Celtics in the Finals the season before. Bryant had still yet to win a championship without Shaquille O’Neal and was on a mission to leave no doubt that he could accomplish the feat.
The Lakers finished the regular season with the best record in the Western Conference at 65-17.