Dynasty
The NBA’s most overwhelming interior force and its most ambitious young guard learned to win together, dominated three postseasons and then came apart.
The story in one sentence
The NBA’s most overwhelming interior force and its most ambitious young guard learned to win together, dominated three postseasons and then came apart.
Dominant partnerships do not have to be harmonious.
A single comeback can unlock a dynasty.
The way a team ends changes how its success is remembered.
Timeline
1996
The Lakers signed Shaquille O’Neal and traded for teenage draft pick Kobe Bryant in the same summer. Talent was obvious; hierarchy, trust and postseason maturity took longer.
The original receipt
Los Angeles Lakers received
Charlotte Hornets received
One draft-night agreement helped place two future Hall of Famers in Los Angeles and set up a three-peat.
Open full trade tree →1999
Jackson brought the triangle offense and championship expectations. Shaq produced an MVP season, while Kobe became an elite two-way perimeter star.
2000
Down 15 in the fourth quarter of Western Conference finals Game 7, Los Angeles completed a comeback capped by Kobe’s lob to Shaq. The play became the emotional beginning of the three-peat.
2001
The defending champions went 15–1 in the playoffs. Shaq controlled the paint, Kobe devastated Western opponents, and only Allen Iverson’s overtime masterpiece prevented a perfect postseason.
2002–04
The Lakers survived Sacramento in seven and swept New Jersey to win a third title. Internal strain never disappeared; after a 2004 Finals loss to Detroit, Shaq was traded and the partnership ended.
Watch the history
1999-00 Regular Season
The Lakers and Clippers played a city matchup that became Shaquille O'Neal's signature regular-season box score.
2000 Western Conference Finals Game 7
Los Angeles and Portland played a decisive West finals game with a Finals berth and a new era at stake.
2001 NBA Finals Game 1
Philadelphia entered Los Angeles as a heavy underdog against a postseason machine in the Finals opener.
2002 Western Conference Finals Game 4
Los Angeles and Sacramento played a tense West finals game between the league's defending champions and a rising rival.
2002 Western Conference Finals Game 7
Los Angeles and Sacramento ended their controversial, brilliant West finals series with an overtime Game 7.