1996 NBA offseason
Shaq, Kobe and a loaded new generation
The Lakers signed Shaquille O'Neal and traded for Kobe Bryant while a historic draft also delivered Allen Iverson, Steve Nash and Ray Allen.
Why this window matters
#3 in the Sportsboxd NBA offseasons ranking
Los Angeles assembled the partnership behind a three-peat, while the draft supplied multiple MVPs and Hall of Famers across the league.
In the order it happened
The transaction timeline
Major signings, trades and roster decisions are ordered by announcement or completion date. Open linked trades for the original package and every downstream asset.
June 26 · NBA Draft
Iverson goes first; a historic guard class arrives
Allen Iverson opened a draft that also included Ray Allen, Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant.
July 11 · Draft-rights trade
Kobe Bryant officially becomes a Laker →Los Angeles completed its deal with Charlotte, sending Vlade Divac for the rights to the 17-year-old guard.
July 13 · Free agency
Michael Jordan re-signs for a record salary
Chicago retained the centerpiece of its second three-peat on a one-year contract that reset the salary ceiling for a superstar.
July 18 · Free agency
Shaquille O'Neal signs with the Lakers
The summer's largest free-agent decision paired O'Neal with the newly acquired Bryant and laid the foundation for three straight championships.