Kobe Bryant wanted his fourth NBA Championship ring more than any other.  Not because he is now only one diamond-encrusted ring behind Magic Johnson and two behind Michael Jordan.  Not because he would be helping coach Phil Jackson earn his 10th gold ring.  Kobe Bryant wanted this purple, gold, and diamond ring because it would be his first without the shadow of “The Diesel” Shaquille O’Neal over him.

Last night, Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to their 15th NBA Championship title and was named Finals MVP a month after Cleveland’s LeBron James was given the regular season award.  In last night’s game alone, Bryant had 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.  Although he can become a free agent on July 1, Bryant can re-sign with the Lakers for $135 million over 5 years, far more than any other team can offer.  Although he demanded to be traded from the team two years ago, he seems to be ready to stay now. 

“When next season comes around, we’ll be ready to go from there,” he told the Los Angeles Times.  “We’ll be ready to work again, that’s for sure.” 

So it seems that he isn’t going anywhere.  He is also looking forward to going out without facing the criticism from fans he has gotten over the past few years.  “They won’t see us as losers,” he said.  “L.A. is brutal, man…I don’t have to answer questions about, ‘What…happened to you guys?’” 

Finally out of the shadow of Shaq, Kobe Bryant can start fresh as the leader of the new, winning Lakers franchise.  O’Neal even praised his former teammate on his Twitter page, writing, “Congratulations kobe, u deserve it.  You played great.  Enjoy it my man enjoy it [sic].”  Together, O’Neal and Bryant won three straight titles from 2000-2002.  Bryant has been criticized by the press ever since for not being able to lead his Shaq-less team to another championship. 

Now, Kobe Bryant can relax for a while and enjoy the spoils of his hard work, his continuation of the “Purple Reign” without Shaquille O’Neal.  He has led his team to a fourth title, which, for him, is the sweetest.

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