Los Angeles Lakers: Biggest enemies of the 1990s

7 Jun 1991: Guard Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls goes up for two during Game Three of the NBA finals against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. The Bulls won the game, 107-96. Mandatory Credit: Mike Powell

5. Chicago Bulls

In the NBA when one dynasty ends a new one is starting just around the corner. By 1991 the Lakers of the “Showtime” era had changed drastically. Instead of the slick haired GQ magazine cover model Pat Riley coaching the team the Lakers were lead by the defensive minded Mike Dunleavy. Relying more on the half-court offense Magic Johnson was still leading the offense but with less running and more post play.

The new kid on the block was the Chicago Bulls lead by Micheal Jordan who had yet to lead his team to an NBA title, but Jordan and the Bulls were hungry heading into the 1991 NBA Finals. Armed with the Triangle Offense the Bulls were looking to end the Lakers dynasty and start one of their own.

In a series that was back and forth at times and then also not very close, the Bulls dispatched the Lakers in five games as injuries and age finally caught to the Lakers. Despite a near average triple double from Magic, Michael Jordan cemented his status as the new face of the NBA winning his first NBA Finals MVP.

When the series was over few realized it would be the last Lakers Finals appearance for eight years. Or that it in a few months Magic Johnson would have to retire due to the acquiring the HIV virus.