Kobe Bryant through the years

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Lakers center Pau Gasol, left, and guard Kobe Bryant, center, walk away from Dallas center Dirk Nowitzki after he is fouled during Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals on May 6, 2011. Nowitzki, who went on win NBA most valuable player honors for the NBA champion Mavericks, played a leading role in knocking the Lakers out of the playoffs.

Dallas domination

( Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times / July 27, 2012 )

Lakers center Pau Gasol, left, and guard Kobe Bryant, center, walk away from Dallas center Dirk Nowitzki after he is fouled during Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals on May 6, 2011. Nowitzki, who went on win NBA most valuable player honors for the NBA champion Mavericks, played a leading role in knocking the Lakers out of the playoffs.

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