Can the Los Angeles Lakers win the 2008 NBA Finals?

After three years of absence, SHOWTIME is back on the biggest stage of pro basketball.

You read it people, the Los Angeles Lakers return to the NBA Finals after winning Game 5 of the 2008 NBA Western Conference Finals, beating the defending champions Spurs 100-92, to clinch their best-of-seven series, 4-1.

Kobe Bryant wants that NBA title BAD and with the way he led the Los Angeles Lakers past the Spurs in Game 5, his hunger for the title this year was on display. Hell, he IS the NBA Most Valuable Player of the Year and highlighting his season with a championship ring is just the perfect ending to a ''dream season.''

The San Antonio Spurs just had no answers for Kobe as No.24 came up with one of the best performances of the 2008 NBA playoffs. Kobe Bryant came up with a game-high 39 points in dethroning the NBA champions. Pau Gasol chimed in with 12 points and 19 rebounds while Lamar Odom added 13.

Who knew the Lakers will end their series with the San Antonio Spurs in five games? This is a testament how BAD the Lakers, specifically Kobe Bryant, wants to win the title in the 2008 NBA Finals.

''I think it is a tremendous accomplishment,'' Kobe Bryant said. ''I think the West is extremely tough. We're all extremely excited and proud about it. Now, it's time to go on and see if we can't finish it off.''

''My heart's still pumping, that adrenaline is still running from the game,'' Lamar Odom said after Game 5. ''Maybe when I sit down and have something to eat, I'll realize what just happened.''

''We came out here, played our game, and won. It's satisfying, but one more step.''

''I like not to get involved personally in this and think of this as a team effort,'' Lakers coach Phil Jackson said regarding what playing in the NBA Finals means to him as well as the opportunity to overtake legendary head coach Red Auerbach for most championships won by an NBA coach.

''As much as I appreciate the league trying to emphasize the Western Conference trophy, that doesn't mean too much when that big prize is still out there.''

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Los Angeles Lakers NBA Finals