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Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking each dynasty in Lakers history

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 18: The #8 and #24 jerseys of Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers are retired among the other Lakers legends at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maxx Wolfson/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 18: The #8 and #24 jerseys of Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers are retired among the other Lakers legends at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maxx Wolfson/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

5. Kobe-Pau Dynasty (Two titles, three appearances)

Kobe Bryant needed some help on the Los Angeles Lakers after Shaquille O’Neal decided to head to South Beach. From 2004 to 2007 Bryant singlehandedly carried the Lakers but was unable to get past the first round in the NBA Playoffs. Kobe had no team accolades to show for the best seasons of his career.

If the Lakers did not go out and get Bryant help then it was very possible that Bryant would find help elsewhere. A trade to the Chicago Bulls nearly happened and Kobe reportedly turned down a trade that would have sent him to the Detroit Pistons in 2007.

The Lakers finally got Kobe his help by bringing in all-star power forward Pau Gasol. Gasol gave the Lakers near 20 points and 10 or more rebounds on a nightly basis. With help also from Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher and Andrew Bynum, the Lakers front office created an unorthodox title-contending team.

The first year of this team lost in the NBA Finals to the big three Boston Celtics. However, the Lakers came up against a one-man Orlando Magic team in 2009 and were able to overcome Dwight Howard. The next year, Los Angeles was able to overcome an older version of the big three in seven games.

The main thing holding this dynasty back is the short tenure in which they were dominant. WEere the Lakers to pull the trigger on Gasol in 2004, this team could have potentially won four or even five championships together. Instead, they have a pair and come in at number five on this list.

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