Shaquille O’Neal’s time with the Los Angeles Lakers is one of the most well-documented dynasties of all time, mainly due to the ongoing drama surrounding him and Kobe Bryant.
By the 2003-04 NBA season, the relationship was beyond repair and the Lakers knew they needed to make a change.
Despite that, the Lakers still made the 2004 NBA Finals and had a chance to win their fourth championship in five appearances. The Lakers had retooled their roster, adding Gary Payton and Karl Malone to an already elite roster and many felt they were a lock to win it all.