Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant’s Most Memorable NBA Moments

Shaq Gets Traded

During the summer of 2004, the battle of power between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal in Los Angeles reached its breaking point. It left the Lakers with a decision that would shape their franchise forever.

Ultimately, the Lakers decided a younger Kobe would be the wise move going forward for the franchise. Thus, Shaq was traded to the Miami Heat in exchange for Lamar Odom, Caron Butler and others. Shaq would go on to win an NBA Championship with the Heat in 2006, but the Lakers won two more with Kobe since his departure.

I suppose LA made the right decision. Most importantly, Shaq’s departure allowed Kobe Bryant to strive as the Lakers’ star. He became THE guy for the Lakers, which he always wanted.

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