We all remember the failed experiment of the big four with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2004 and the bigger delusion that came from it. Adding to the best one-two punch of the NBA (Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal) two declining stars in Gary Payton and Karl Malone looked like a sure bet for the championship. Unfortunately, things did not go as expected as the Lakers fell short in the finals.
Kobe and Shaq had more success as a duo surrounded by a supporting cast that knew its role in the triangle offense and gave continuity to the team in the three-peat.