Low key i feel still had life after that Dallas series. We immediately traded for CP3 which was a great trade by Mitch. Not quite our fault the NBA nixed it. Then we were able to get Dwight which was also a good trade even though he left. We were about to give Bynum a max which would've been a disaster.
TBH i think the decline started right before Dr Buss died when we hired MDA over PJ. Everyone knew Dr Buss was headed out, and that MDA over Phil thing gave the entire basketball world that first real look at the Jim-Jeanie rivalry. Laker fans already knew but nationally I think that was the moment where it was like oh shyt Dr Buss' kids are beefing on some petty shyt.
Then when he died it was just about over.....the Kobe got hurt and THAT was the final blow