Bryant can re-sign with the Lakers for five years and about $135 million, more than any other team can offer. The return of the Lakers as a dominant power will also affect Bryant's decision, according to sources close to the 13-year veteran.
The "M-V-P" chants from a surprisingly vocal contingent of Lakers fans again had meaning for Bryant after he was selected Finals MVP a month after Cleveland's LeBron James earned the regular-season award.
It's safe to say Bryant would rather have this one.
He was somber throughout the Finals, but, of course, it was just his definition of being focused.
"I was grumpy for a while," he said. "Now I'm just ecstatic, like a kid in a candy store."
After the game, Bryant embraced several teammates, Jackson watching it all while smiling. Bryant and Fisher then shared a long hug.
Jackson acknowledged the importance of passing Auerbach, calling it a "remarkable accomplishment," and then praised the Lakers.
"I think I've always said this before -- the journey is important," Jackson said. "This was no exception, this team."
A year after being demolished by Boston in Game 6 of the Finals, the Lakers handled the Magic to become the first team since Detroit in 1989 to win the championship the season after losing in the Finals.
The Lakers trailed halfway through the second quarter, 40-36, but took off on a 16-0 run that seemed to stun the Magic. Trevor Ariza had seven points during the run, and Fisher had five as the Magic went 4 minutes 25 seconds without scoring a point.
Orlando made a brief run early in the third quarter, cutting a 10-point deficit to five, but Odom answered with three-pointers on consecutive possessions and the Magic never threatened again. Odom had 17 points and 10 rebounds. Gasol had 14 points and 15 rebounds.
The victory marked the culmination of a twisting, turning postseason. The Lakers looked uninspired in getting past Utah in the first round before being taken to the maximum seven games by an undermanned Houston team.
But they won the Western Conference by breaking a 2-2 series tie against Denver with two impressive efforts.
Then came the Finals, and the restoration of the Lakers as a championship franchise.
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mike.bresnahan@latimes.com
