The glory days are back for the Los Angeles Lakers. After a splendid playoff run, they have won their 17th title in franchise history. The Larry O’Brien trophy has returned to LA, a decade after Kobe Bryant led them to the title.

As the final buzzer went off, the city of Los Angeles erupted. Fans thronged the streets and celebrated their team’s success outside the Staples Center. Despite the lockdown, fans went ahead with their celebrations and chanted “Kobe” as they dedicated this win to the late legend.

The Lakers won the title almost nine months after Bryant passed away in an accident. This was the best way the team could honor him; by winning the title for him.

Kobe Bryant: Lakers hero

During his playing days, Kobe won five titles for the Lakers. That cemented his place in franchise history and also made him a hero to the city. Throughout LA, many murals have been dedicated to him as a sign of the love and respect he earned from the city.

When Kobe passed away in January, pressure mounted on the Lakers to win the title this season for him. They were already among the title favorites but after Mambas’s demise, players knew that they had to put in the extra work to bring home the title for him. Kobe always wanted to win a sixth ring to be on par with his idol, Michael Jordan, but was unable to do so.

Led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers fulfilled what was expected from them. They channeled their inner Mamba to honor the late Black Mamba. It was indeed a poetic victory for the Lakers and for the city of Los Angeles.