Kobe Bryant has long played under the enormous shadow of Shaquille O'Neil. Tonight, however, he stepped out of that shadow to lead his Los Angeles Lakers to not only a victory but the NBA title as Los Angeles Lakers became the winners against the game with Orlando Magic

In what could be bad news for ABC's telecasts of the NBA finals, the LA Lakers took the first game of the NBA finals over the Orlando Magic, crushing them 100 - 75.

The NBA wanted the matchup of Kobe Bryant vs. LeBron James, but it was not to be. Instead, we have Kobe vs. Dwight Howard, and the Lakers are pursuing their 15th championship (10th in Los Angeles), while the Orlando Magic have never won a game in the Finals.

You can bet the NBA wanted to see the marquee matchup in the finals, but it's not to be: no Kobe vs. LeBron. No, Cavs Magic Game 6 is over, and the Cavs are out, as the Orlando Magic enter the NBA finals for the first time in 14 years.

Predictions of a dire result for the Los Angeles Lakers in game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals series came to naught as the Lakers dominated against the Houston Rockets, winning 89 - 70.

The Los Angeles Lakers bolstered their banged-up front line Friday, acquiring 7-footer Pau Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies.

With everyone waiting for the LA Lakers to trade Kobe Bryant, they pull off a trade, but not involving Kobe. The Lakers trade is Trevor Ariza.