Welcome To The Circus: The 2004 Los Angeles Lakers

The End of the Championship Run

The Los Angeles Lakers would end their quest for four consecutive titles with a loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. 

Throughout the series with the Spurs, L.A. would struggle defensively against point guard Tony Parker and power forward Tim Duncan.

Following the Game Six loss in San Antonio, Kobe Bryant would leave the court in tears, stating that he never wanted to experience this again.

Two Stars Join in the Championship Chase

Derek Fisher had been abused defensively in the postseason by opposing point guards, as had Robert Horry against power forwards. 

This led Mitch Kupchak and Phil Jackson to one conclusion: the Lake...

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