The 2000s were a rollercoaster ride for the Los Angeles Lakers. It all began with the three-peat, as Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal dominated the NBA. However, years of despair followed the O’Neal trade, as the Lakers attempted to rebound from mediocrity.
It wouldn’t be until the acquisition of Pau Gasol that the team would once again be taken as serious title contenders, as the Spaniard provided All-Star talent and an unbelievable basketball IQ to complement Bryant.
Following the 2008 NBA Finals loss to the Boston Celtics, the Lakers were determined to conquer every team in their path.