Of all the championship banners that adorn the walls of Staples Center, none will elicit more feelings of pride than the 16th.
From the agony of a 39-point embarrassment to the ecstasy of a hard fought win in Game 7. It has been said of Phil Jackson that for the 11-time champion the destination is the journey. In winning the 2010 NBA Championship, the Los Angeles Lakers have officially arrived at their destination having completed an epic journey.
Far from pretty and filled with unwatchable moments, Game 7 was anything but a beautifully played game of basketball. What began as a sexy matchup of dueling strategies between the two most storied franchises in hoops history devolved into an ugly barroom brawl between old foes.
Certainly each of the 16 titles the Lakers have won are special and unique in their own way. But none compare to the most recent addition to the Larry O’Brien collection in Los Angeles.
There have been more talented teams in Lakers history. There have been better championship moments. But there has never been a win quite like this.