As the Los Angeles Lakers look for their fifth straight win today, at Amway Center against the Orlando Magic, thoughts turn to the happy times of the 2009 NBA Finals. The Lakers beat the Magic in two of three games in Orlando to capture their 15th NBA title in five games, and the fourth championship of Kobe Bryant's (and Derek Fisher's) career. Dexter Fishmore of Silver Screen and Roll has very fond memories of those NBA Finals as well:
...my thoughts have drifted to great moments in Lakers-Magic history. There was the signing of Shaquille O'Neal in 1996. There was the 2007 acquisition of Trevor Ariza for Maurice Evans and Brian Cook (LOLZ). And of course, there was Dwight Howard's sign-and-trade deal that landed him in purple and gold in the summer of 2012. Yeah, I know that last one hasn't officially happened yet. But it's just a matter of time, folks....
My favorite Lakers-Magic memory is from the spring of 2009, when the Lake Show went into Orlando and won their 15th NBA championship. Naturally, any time your team wins a championship is an occasion to be savored. But this one was especially sweet because it was just a few months after the launch of SS&R. We were in our infancy then, but the championship help put us on the map and bring us together as a community.
Despite winning the title in just five games, the Lakers had their hands full with Orlando in that series. Two of their wins came in overtime, so a bounce here or there could have changed history. I will always remember Derek Fisher somehow getting, and hitting, and open three to tie Game 4 late, then hit another three-pointer to seal the game in overtime, followed by a wry, veteran smile.
The Magic have the talent to get back to the Finals this season, but will have their hands full in the Eastern Conference. The Heat and Celtics are forces to be reckoned with, while the Chicago Bulls have quietly played their way near the top of the conference. Orlando is just 19-17 in their last 36 games.
For more information on today's game, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.