10 Trades That Changed The NBA Forever

Yes, the Lakers show up a lot on this list.

In 2003-2004, the Lakers would bring in hall-of-famers Gary Payton and Karl Malone to bolster the Bryant-O'Neal combo. A chance to finally deliver "the Mailman" a ring would end with a shocking finals loss to the Chauncey Billups-led Detroit Pistons. In the offseason, Phil Jackson would step down as head coach, Payton & Rick Fox were traded to Boston, and Malone retired. Kobe and Shaq could no longer co-exist.

GM Mitch Kupchak sent O'Neal to the Miami Heat in exchange for Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant, and a 1st & 2nd rounder. Moving Shaq cleared the way for Kobe to be the undisputed leader in LA. The Lakers would bring back Vlade Divac and draft Andrew Bynum to replace the big man.

Butler would play one season for the Purple and Gold before a trade to the Wizards (in return for Kwame Brown). Grant played a few games and got released at the end of the season. The 1st round pick would be used to draft Jordan Farmer, back-up point guard for two future Laker championships.

The biggest piece for the Lakers would come in the form of versatile forward, Lamar Odom. Seven years later, Odom would be part of 3 finals appearances, 2 championships, and a Sixth Man of the Year award.

Shaquille O'Neal would do pretty well for himself too. With Dwayne Wade and Jason Williams, Shaq would get his own championship in '06. (Gary Payton would also find his way to Miami after a season with the Celtics)