Los Angeles Lakers · Franchise era 6 of 8
Kobe's second act: the Los Angeles Lakers story
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.
- 13TradeJuly 14, 2004
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.
To MIA
To LALDraftPICKround asset+1 assetsShaq to MiamiMIA receives Shaquille O'NealLAL receives Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant + 1 more5 original assets · 2 outcomes tracedOpen trade → - 09TradeFebruary 1, 2008
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.
To LAL20102NDround asset
To MEMDraftPICKround asset+4 assetsPau Gasol to the LakersLAL receives Pau Gasol, 2010 Memphis 2nd-round pickMEM receives Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie + 4 more9 original assets · 3 outcomes tracedOpen trade → 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