When the Los Angeles Lakers traded Shaquille O’Neal to the Miami Heat in 2004, most people assumed it was perhaps the worst trade in franchise history.
Most also assumed that Kobe Bryant strong-armed the Lakers into making that decision and that they would forever regret it.
For the next three seasons, they were a certifiably mediocre team, missing the playoffs once and getting bounced in the first round by the Phoenix Suns the other two years.
It looked like Bryant had destroyed the Lakers long-term with what many thought was his egotism and self-indulgence.
But midway through the 2007-08 season, everything changed when the team acquired Pau Gasol in a blockbuster trade.
Suddenly, the Lakers were championship contenders, and Bryant’s legacy had been resurrected.
In the first round of the playoffs that spring, they faced the Denver Nuggets, a potent squad that featured Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson and several capable role players.
After Bryant poured in 49 points and 10 assists in Game 2, L.A. took a 3-0 lead.
It not only got past the first round for the first time since O’Neal was with the team, but it did so in a four-game sweep.
Bryant had 31 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocked shots to lead the way, while Gasol added 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four blocks.
Although the Lakers lost in the NBA Finals that June to the Boston Celtics, their dynasty had been resurrected in earnest, as they went on to win the next two world championships, including one over Boston.
