Forget Shaq; The Lakers Won This Title Without Kobe

That's a lie, obviously.

Kobe Bryant was the clearly the biggest part and the moving force behind the Lakers' 2009 championship run.

But in the Finals, it felt like Kobe was behind the scenes. Like he was conducting the orchestra, instead of playing a solo, for five games.

And perhaps it's because of Kobe's deference to his team, and not in spite of it, that he has a fourth ring to add to his trophy case.

The numbers sure don't lie. Kobe's line of 32.4 points and 7.4 assists per game is the most prolific points-assists combo since Jerry West—who is responsible for Kobe being a Laker, and subsequently called Bryant the most talented player to ever wear a Lakers uniform—averaged only slightly more points in the 1969 Finals....

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