Los Angeles Lakers: A look back at the 2009 NBA Finals

ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 14: The Los Angeles Lakers celebrate after defeating the Orlando Magic in Game Five of the 2009 NBA Finals on June 14, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. The Lakers won 99-86. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

It has been 10 years since the Los Angeles Lakers won Kobe Bryant’s fourth championship with the team and thus, we take a look back.

Ten years ago, the Los Angeles Lakers were a team on a mission, losers in the 2008 NBA Finals in a six-game series with the Boston Celtics, the Lakers wanted redemption after being blown out by 39 points in the championship-clinching game.

On an individual level, Kobe Bryant was looking for a bit of redemption as well. After an MVP season that was marred by the crushing Finals loss, Bryant went on to lead Team USA to Olympic gold that summer. What still lingered was the perpetual noise that Bryant couldn’t win a title without his old teammate Shaquille O’Neal.

The Lakers had a strong regular season and an up an down playoff campaign to reach the 2009 NBA Finals to face off against the surprise winners of the east the Orlando Magic.

The Lakers would down the Magic in five games to claim their 15th title in franchise history and gain ultimate redemption after their 2008 defeat. These are some of the highlights from the series.

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