Los Angeles Lakers · Franchise era 6 of 8
Kobe's second act: the Los Angeles Lakers story
Franchise era
2004–05—2011–12
Kobe's second act
Los Angeles Lakers
The story in one sentence
Bryant carried transitional teams, then Gasol's arrival created a skilled, versatile champion in 2009 and 2010.
From scoring burden to back-to-back titles
Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for the difficult rebuild.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 2004–05
What came before
O'Neal's interior dominance and Bryant's ascent produced a three-peat before tension and a Finals loss ended the partnership.
July 14, 2004
The trade that ended Shaq and Kobe—and delivered Miami's first title
The Lakers chose Kobe Bryant and flexibility after a Finals loss fractured their dynasty. Miami paired a still-dominant O'Neal with rising star Dwyane Wade.
13Dynasty breakupJuly 14, 2004MIA⇄LALShaq to MiamiLos Angeles sent Shaquille O'Neal to Miami for Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant and a future first-round pick.5 assets · 2 outcomes＋
The original receipt
Miami Heat received
- • Shaquille O'Neal
Los Angeles Lakers received
- • Lamar Odom
- • Caron Butler
- • Brian Grant
- • 2006 Miami first-round pick
Miami won its first championship in 2006. Odom later became essential to two Lakers titles, allowing both franchises to build another champion from opposite sides of the breakup.
Open full trade tree →February 1, 2008
The Pau Gasol trade that changed two contenders
The Lakers needed an elite frontcourt partner for Kobe Bryant after Andrew Bynum's injury. Memphis chose cap relief, draft value and a long-term bet on Marc Gasol's development in Spain.
09Championship catalystFebruary 1, 2008LAL⇄MEMPau Gasol to the LakersLos Angeles acquired Pau Gasol and a future second-round pick. Memphis received expiring money, two young players, two firsts and the draft rights to Pau's younger brother Marc.9 assets · 3 outcomes＋
The original receipt
Los Angeles Lakers received
- • Pau Gasol
- • 2010 Memphis second-round pick
Memphis Grizzlies received
- • Kwame Brown
- • Javaris Crittenton
- • Aaron McKie
- • Draft rights to Marc Gasol · No. 48
- • 2008 Lakers first
- • 2010 Lakers first
- • Cash considerations
Pau helped Los Angeles reach three straight Finals and win two championships. Marc became a Defensive Player of the Year and the interior anchor of Memphis's Grit and Grind era.
Open full trade tree →2008
NBA Finals: Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics
2009
NBA Finals: Los Angeles Lakers vs Orlando Magic
After 2011–12
What came next
Injuries broke an ambitious veteran roster, and the Lakers spent several years developing young players after Bryant's final run.
The core