Lakers Edge Celtics in Game 7, Win 16th Title

 LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Los Angeles Lakers have won their 16th
NBA championship, dramatically rallying from a fourth-quarter
deficit to beat the Boston Celtics 83-79 Thursday night in Game 7
of the NBA finals.

Kobe Bryant scored 23 points despite 6-of-24 shooting while
winning his fifth title with the Lakers, who repeated as NBA
champions for the first time since winning three straight from
2000-02.

Ron Artest added 20 points for the Lakers, who shot terribly
while trailing for most of the first 3 quarters. Yet they
reclaimed the lead midway through the fourth quarter and hung on
with big shots from Pau Gasol and Artest.

With their fifth title in 11 seasons, the Lakers moved one
championship behind Boston's 17 banners for the overall NBA lead.

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