Kobe takes care of business

I stayed up ‘til 4-ish last night to watch the Lakers seal the NBA championship with a Game 5 win over the Magic in Florida.

I would’ve posted up a YouTube clip of the defining moment – another spectacular three from D-Fish, a well-worked alley-oop or a Junior Sky Hook from Kobe. But there was no eye-catching moves; no shrug, and no shot.

Winning in Orlando, there was no Jack Nicholson to rush the floor at the buzzer, no Di Caprio, Spike Lee, cast of Entourage or hip-hop stars to celebrate in Hollywood. English golfer Ian Poulter was courtside however.

Perhaps that’s why watching Kobe complete a personal quest to lead a Shaq-less LA to a Finals win, witnessing one of the great statistical performances in their history, was dimmed by the anti-climactic denoument.

Bryant failed to provide a sound-byte of ostentatious skill to add to American basketball’s sporting folklore which is written in a hyperbolic vernacular and bold font.

But he took care of business – hitting 30 points to claim his fourth NBA title and the MVP award. Job done.