Lakers: NBA Champs

By Stephen M. Silverman

11/24/1997 at 12:00 AM EST

The Los Angeles Lakers claimed the NBA championship title before a screaming home crowd at Staples Center last night, beating the Indiana Pacers 116-111. (They took the series 4-2.) Shaquille O'Neal, who finished last night with 41 points and 12 rebounds, took home the trophy for Most Valuable Player of the finals. Laker Kobe Bryant was responsible for a 22-footer from the right wing with three minutes and 28 seconds left in the game, which gave his team a 109-103 lead.