LA Lakers Takes a 2-0 Lead in NBA Finals

Kobe Bryant proved himself to be an NBA star again as LA Lakers grabbed an 101-96 overtime victory against Orlando Magic to take a 2-0 lead in 2009 NBA Finals. Kobe led Lakers with 29 points but they failed to repeat the domination as they did in Game 1. Pau Gasol, who had 24 points and 10 rebounds, scored seven of the Lakers' 13 points in the overtime to key Lakers' victory.




Both Lakers and Magic had chances to win the game at Staples Center in regulation, Kobe squandering an opportunity when his short jumper with 0.6 seconds remaining was blocked by Hedo Turkoglu. Orlando could have won in regular time had Courtney Lee's layup at the buzzer not missed.

The best of seven series now moves to Orlando's Amway Arena for the next three games, if necessary. Game 3 is on Tuesday, June 9.

Kobe Bryant: Game 2 Won't be the Same

LA Lakers are convinced they will not see the same Orlando Magic team in Game 2 of NBA Finals. Magic was outplayed, out-hustled and out-coached in Game 1, a 100-75 blowout by Lakers, and Lakers star Kobe Bryant said a repeat performance was unlikely to happen.


Orlando Magic used deadly accurate shooting from the outside to oust LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers in Eastern Conference finals but lost that touch against LA Lakers. Magic All Star center Dwight Howard dismissed the notion that the Lakers won because they had more big game experience.

LA Lakers Won Game 1 of NBA Finals

Orlando Magic made a comeback to NBA Finals for the first time in 14 years and soon learned the biggest star in Hollywood right now is Kobe Bryant. Kobe Bryant welcomed back Orlando Magic to their first NBA Finals since 1995, scoring 40 points to lead LA Lakers to a 100-75 rout in Game 1 of 2009 NBA Finals at Staples Center.




They fed off his talent and tenacity to overwhelm Orlando Magic in the second half after taking a 10-point lead at intermission, building the margin to as many as 28 points with a 29-15 third-quarter display. Magic star Dwight Howard struggled to even get shots and make shots, finishing with just 12 points on only 1-of-6 attempts.