The rise and fall of Kobe Bryant and his Lakers dynasty, including the 31 teammates who helped him win five championships. Timeline runs from his selection in the 1996 draft to his 2016 retirement and 60-point outburst.
1996
June
Kobe Bryant is selected #13 overall in the NBA Draft by the Hornets, and traded on draft day to the Lakers in exchange for Vlade Divac
Derek Fisher (Arkansas-Little Rock) is drafted #24 overall
July
Shaquille O’Neal signs with the Lakers as a free agent for a record breaking $121 million over seven years. O’Neal had spent his first four seasons with the Magic
1997
January
Robert Horry is acquired via trade from the Suns, in exchange for Cedric Ceballos and Rumeal Robinson
May
The Lakers’ first season with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal ends with a Conference Semifinals loss to the Jazz in five games. Bryant struggles in game five, shooting just 1-of-11 from the field and missing several key shots in the fourth quarter and overtime
August
Rick Fox is signed, after being waived by the Celtics
1998
May
The Lakers are eliminated by the Jazz for the second consecutive year, this time in the Western Conference Finals in a sweep
June
Tyronne Lue is acquired via trade from the Nuggets, along with Tony Battie, in exchange for disgruntled All-Star Nick Van Exel
1999
January
During an offseason scrimmage, verbal sparring between Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant escalates into an altercation after O’Neal slaps Bryant across the face. It’s considered the first boiling-over point in the star players’ longtime feud.
Travis Knight is acquired via trade with the Celtics, in exchange for Tony Battie
February
Kobe Bryant becomes a full-time starter in the Lakers lineup at the beginning of the ’98-’99 season (which had been delayed several months by a lockout)
After a disappointing 6-6 start to the season, Del Harris is fired as Lakers coach. He is replaced for one game on an interim basis by Bill Bertka, then by Kurt Rambis for the remainder of the season
March
Glen Rice is acquired via trade from the Hornets, along with B.J. Armstrong and J.R. Reid, in exchange for Elden Campbell and Eddie Jones
May
The Lakers are eliminated in the Conference Semifinals, swept by the eventual champion Spurs
June
Phil Jackson is hired as head coach to replace Kurt Rambis. Jackson had taken the ’98-’99 season off after leading the Bulls to six championships. Rambis remains on staff as an assistant coach
Devean George (Augsburg College) is drafted with the #23 overall pick
September
Franchise legend A.C. Green returns to the Lakers via trade with the Mavericks, in exchange for Sean Rooks and a second round pick. Green goes to become the only player to win championships as a teammate of Magic Johnson and as a teammate of Kobe Bryant
John Salley signs as a free agent after being released by the Bulls. He subsequently becomes the first player ever to win NBA titles with three different franchises (Pistons, Bulls, and Lakers), and retires at the conclusion of the ’99-’00 season
October
Ron Harper is signed after being released by the Bulls
Brian Shaw is signed after being released by the Rockets. He reunites with former Magic teammate Shaquille O’Neal
2000
April
The Lakers finish the ’99-’00 regular season with 67 wins, the second highest total in franchise history, only behind the 69 wins of the ’71-’72 roster
June
Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal spark an improbable second half comeback as the Lakers defeat the Trail Blazers in a winner-take-all game seven of the Western Conference Finals
The Lakers defeat the Pacers in six games in the NBA Finals, clinching their first title since 1988. Shaquille O’Neal is named Finals MVP. Bryant misses much of games two and three with a sprained ankle but is the hero of game four, taking over down the stretch of a Lakers victory in overtime with O’Neal sidelined after fouling out
Mark Madsen (Stanford) is drafted with the #29 overall pick
August
Jerry West announces his retirement as general manager after 21 years in the Lakers’ front office and over four decades of service to the franchise in various capacities
Isaiah Rider is signed as a free agent after being waived by the Hawks. The troubled shooting guard plays 67 games during the ’00-’01 regular season but is left off the postseason roster
September
Horace Grant and Greg Foster are acquired as part of a four-team trade also involving the SuperSonics, Knicks, and Suns. The Lakers trade away Travis Knight and Glen Rice and also receive Emanual Davis and Chuck Person
October
A.C. Green departs as a free agent, signing with the Heat
December
After a blowout win over the Suns in which he scored only 18 points compared to Kobe Bryant’s 38, Shaquille O’Neal reportedly asks Lakers management for a trade. His request is denied
2001
April
After a difficult season highlighted by injuries to Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Ron Harper, and Derek Fisher, the Lakers close ’00-’01 with an eight game winning streak and enter the playoffs as the #2 seed in the West
June
The Lakers defeat the 76ers in five games in the NBA Finals, the culmination of a dominant postseason in which they lost one game total, sweeping the Trail Blazers, Kings, and Spurs in succession. Shaquille O’Neal is named Finals MVP for the second straight year
Ron Harper announces his retirement
Lindsey Hunter is acquired via trade with the Bucks, in exchange for Greg Foster
July
Tyronn Lue leaves as a free agent to sign with the Wizards
Horace Grant leaves as a free agent to sign with the Magic
Mitch Richmond is signed, leaving the Wizards
Samaki Walker is signed after being waived by the Spurs
August
Un-drafted free agent Stanislav Medvedenko is signed
September
A difficult training camp includes Shaquille O’Neal being sidelined after toe surgery, Phil Jackson taking a leave of absence for his mother’s funeral, and Kobe Bryant taking a leave of absence for his grandfather’s funeral
2002
June
After finishing off the rival Kings in a controversial Western Conference Finals, the Lakers sweep the Nets in the NBA Finals for their third consecutive title. Shaquille O’Neal is named Finals MVP for a third time
Mitch Richmond officially retires
Lindsey Hunter is traded to the Raptors in exchange for Tracy Murray, Kareem Rush, and a second round pick
September
For the second straight year, Shaquille O’Neal misses training camp due to toe surgery, which he elected to have performed just days prior instead of earlier in the summer
December
With Shaquille O’Neal suffering with the effects of toe surgery, the Lakers get off to a rough start in the ’02-’03 season, losing six out of eight games in December to fall to a 11-19 record; they eventually recover to win 50 games and enter the playoffs as the #5 seed in the West
2003
May
The Lakers’ hopes of a four-peat are dashed in a Conference Semifinals loss to the Spurs, who go on to win the title
June
Luke Walton (Arizona) is drafted in the second round with the #32 overall pick
July
Criminal charges of sexual assault are filed against Kobe Bryant in Colorado. Bryant denies the charges but surrenders to police and is released on bond
Robert Horry departs as a free agent, signing with the Spurs; he soon after becomes the second player in NBA history (after John Salley) to win a championship with three different franchises (Rockets, Lakers, and Spurs)
Mark Madsen departs as a free agent, signing with the Timberwolves
The Lakers sign veterans Karl Malone and Gary Payton to one-year contracts, hoping that the ring-less legends will each earn their first NBA championship as part of a “super team” with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal
August
Samaki Walker departs as a free agent, signing with the Heat
September
Brian Shaw announces his retirement but remains in the Lakers organization as a scout
2004
April
The Lakers end a trying regular season with a 56-26 record and the #2 seed in the West. Kobe Bryant deals with distractions all season from his sexual assault trial, Shaquille O’Neal regularly criticizes Bryant publicly to the media, Gary Payton struggles to adjust to the triangle offense, and Karl Malone is sidelined by a series of injuries
June
After impressive series wins over the Spurs and Timberwolves, the Lakers are upset in the NBA Finals by the Pistons in five games. Kobe Bryant struggles throughout the series against a difficult Pistons defense
Phil Jackson and Lakers management agree that he will not return as coach for the ’04-’05 season
Slovenian Sasha Vujacic is drafted with the #27 overall pick
July
In one of the biggest blockbuster trades in NBA history, Shaquille O’Neal is dealt to the Heat in exchange for Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, Caron Butler, a first round pick, and a second round pick
Derek Fisher departs as a free agent, signing with the Warriors
Rudy Tomjanovich is hired as head coach, replacing Phil Jackson
August
Rick Fox, Gary Payton, and a first round pick are traded to the Celtics in exchange for Chucky Atkins, Jumaine Jones, and Chris Mihm; Payton eventually does win his long sought-after championship by reuniting with Shaquille O’Neal on the ’05-’06 Heat
September
The sexual assault criminal charges against Kobe Bryant are dropped, after his accuser announced she was unwilling to testify during the trial. Bryant eventually settled a civil suit with the accuser
2005
February
Less than four months into his tenure as Lakers coach, Rudy Tomjanovich resigns due to complications from his previous bout with bladder cancer. Frank Hamblen takes over for the remainder of the season on an interim basis
April
The Lakers finish the ’04-’05 season with a 34-48 record, both missing the playoffs and finishing under .500 for the first time in 11 years
June
Phil Jackson is rehired as head coach. During his year away from the NBA, his book The Last Season had been released and was highly critical of Kobe Bryant
Andrew Bynum is drafted with the #10 overall pick
2006
January
Kobe Bryant drops 81 points in a Lakers win over the Raptors. It’s the second highest single game point total in NBA history
April
The Lakers finish the regular season 45-37 and back in the playoffs as the #7 seed in the Western Conference. Kobe Bryant wins his first NBA scoring title, averaging 35.4 points per game
May
Thanks to some incredible performances from Kobe Bryant, the Lakers almost pull off a first round upset of the Suns but blow a 3-1 series lead and are eliminated
June
Jordan Farmar (UCLA) is drafted with the #26 overall pick
August
Devean George departs as a free agent, signing with the Mavericks
Stanislav Medvedenko departs as a free agent, signing with the Hawks
2007
April
With only nine wins in their final 23 games, the Lakers slump down the stretch into the playoffs, entering the postseason as the #7 seed in the West. Kobe Bryant wins his second consecutive scoring title, with 31.6 points per game
May
For the second straight year, the Lakers are eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Suns, this time going out meekly in five games
A tense standoff ensues between Lakers management and Kobe Bryant, when the latter was caught on video criticizing teammate Andrew Bynum and general manager Mitch Kupchak. Bryant then asks for a trade during a radio interview with Stephen A. Smith but later relents. Offers for Bryant reportedly did come in and were considered from the Pistons and Bulls
July
Derek Fisher returns, signing as a free agent after two seasons with the Warriors and one with the Jazz. He had been released by Utah at his request, as Fisher desired to play in a city with better medical treatment facilities for his daughter, who was suffering from a rare form of cancer
November
Trevor Ariza is acquired via trade with the Magic, in exchange for Brian Cook and Maurice Evans
2008
January
Andrew Bynum suffers a knee injury, leaving him unavailable indefinitely and the Lakers without a viable starting center; trade rumors swirl
D.J. Mbenga is signed, initially to a 10-day contract and later for the remainder of the season
February
Pau Gasol is acquired via a blockbuster trade with the Grizzlies, in exchange for his younger brother Marc Gasol, Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, and two first round picks; the trade was originally pilloried for being one-sided but the younger Gasol soon after develops into an All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year winner
March
The Lakers win 14 of their first 17 games with Pau Gasol in the lineup, surging to the top of the Western Conference standings
May
Kobe Bryant is named league MVP for the ’07-’08 season
June
The Lakers return to the NBA Finals against their old rival the Celtics, who defeat them in six games
Shaquille O’Neal is caught on video freestyle rapping at a nightclub, with lyrics heavily referencing Kobe Bryant and the Lakers losing in the Finals, including the infamous line “Kobe, tell me how my ass tastes”
August
Josh Powell is signed, leaving the Clippers
December
Seeking vengeance and redemption from their NBA Finals loss, the Lakers get off to a scorching start, running their record to 24-5 with a Christmas Day victory over the Celtics
2009
February
Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal (then with the Suns) play together on the same team for the first time since 2004 and are named co-MVPs of the NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix. Both players would later reference this as an unofficial end to their longtime feud
Adam Morrison and Shannon Brown are acquired via trade with the Bobcats, in exchange for Vladimir Radmanovic
June
The Lakers defeat the Magic in five games in the NBA Finals for the fourth title of Kobe Bryant’s career. Bryant averages 32.4 points per game is named Finals MVP
July
Trevor Ariza departs as a free agent, signing with the Rockets
Metta World Peace (then Ron Artest) is signed as a free agent, leaving the Rockets
2010
May
In a crucial game five of the Western Conference Finals against the Suns, Metta World Peace is the unlikely hero, hitting a buzzer beater put-back off a missed Kobe Bryant jumper to give the Lakers a 3-2 series lead. World Peace subsequently has his highest scoring output of the entire ’09-’10 season in game six, finishing with 25 points as the Lakers clinch the series
June
An NBA Finals rematch with the Celtics comes down to a winner-take-all game seven war of attrition, with the Lakers winning 83-79. Kobe Bryant struggles in the game, shooting just 25% from the field, but finishes with 23 points and is assisted by huge performances from Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace. Bryant becomes the first player to earn back-to-back Finals MVP awards since Shaquille O’Neal in 2001 and 2002, and officially surpasses O’Neal with his fifth title
July
Jordan Farmar departs as a free agent, signing with the Nets
Josh Powell departs as a free agent, signing with the Hawks
September
Adam Morrison departs as a free agent, signing with the Wizards
October
DJ Mbenga departs as a free agent, signing with the Hornets
December
Sasha Vujacic is traded to the Nets, along with a first round pick, as part of a three team trade in which the Lakers receive Joe Smith and two second round picks
2011
May
A listless Lakers team is swept in the Conference Semifinals by the Mavericks, ending their hopes of a three-peat
Phil Jackson steps down as head coach, announcing his retirement. Mike Brown is soon after named as his replacement
June
After late career stops with the Suns, Cavaliers, and Celtics with diminishing returns, Shaquille O’Neal announces his retirement at age 39
December
Shannon Brown departs as a free agent, signing with the Suns
A proposed trade with the Hornets for Chris Paul is vetoed by commissioner David Stern, who is temporarily acting as Hornets ownership. As part of the three team deal, the Lakers would have traded Lamar Odom to the Hornets and Pau Gasol to the Rockets
Lamar Odom is traded to the Mavericks, along with a second round draft pick, in exchange for a first round pick and a trade exception
2012
March
Derek Fisher is traded, along with a first round pick, to the Rockets in exchange for Jordan Hill. He is subsequently waived by the Rockets and signs with the Thunder, providing veteran leadership to a team that soon after defeats the Lakers in the Conference Semifinals
Luke Walton is traded to the Cavaliers, along with Jason Kapono and two first round picks, in exchange for Ramon Sessions and Christian Eyenga
May
After finishing the ’11-’12 season as the #3 seed in the West, the Lakers narrowly avoid a first round upset, outlasting the Nuggets in six games. It turns out to be the final playoff series victory of Kobe Bryant’s career. The Lakers are subsequently eliminated by the Thunder in five games in the Conference Semifinals
August
In a massive, four team, blockbuster trade, the Lakers send Andrew Bynum to the 76ers and in return receive a package from the Magic that includes Dwight Howard. The Lakers also make a highly publicized trade during the offseason for a 38-year-old Steve Nash
November
After a slow start to the ’12-’13 season, Mike Brown is fired as head coach. He is replaced first by Bernie Bickerstaff on an interim basis, then by Mike D’Antoni
2013
April
A disappointing season comes to an unceremonious end, as the Lakers are swept in a first round playoff series by the Spurs. Kobe Bryant misses the entire series due to a torn Achilles’ tendon
July
Metta World Peace is waived under the amnesty clause; a few days later, he signs with the Knicks
December
Kobe Bryant makes his long anticipated return from an Achilles’ tear but after just six games back, he’s sidelined indefinitely again by a broken bone in his knee
2014
April
The Lakers finish the ’13-’14 season with a 27-55 record. Their .329 winning percentage is the franchise’s worst since relocating to Los Angeles in 1960. It marks only the second time in Kobe Bryant’s career that the team misses the playoffs
July
Pau Gasol departs as a free agent, signing with the Bulls. Other than Kobe Bryant himself, he is the final holdover from the Lakers’ five titles of the ’00s, signifying an end to the era
October
Kobe Bryant returns from his knee injury after 10 months but with the superstar slowing at age 36, Pau Gasol gone, and the team playing under its sixth coach in five years (Byron Scott), the Lakers start the season with nine losses in their first 10 games
2015
January
For the third consecutive year, Kobe Bryant suffers a season-ending injury that requires surgery. This time it’s a torn rotator cuff. At the time of his shutting down for the season, the team has a 12-31 record
April
The Lakers finish the ’14-’15 season 21-61, the worst record in franchise history
November
Kobe Bryant announces his retirement at the conclusion of the ’15-’16 season
2016
April
In his final NBA game, Kobe Bryant puts on a show, dropping 60 points in a Lakers victory over the Jazz
Basketball, Listed 