This summer's free-agent market was scorching hot.
The most sought-after name was none other than the emperor-level superstar, the league's top center, Shaquille O'Neal. Shaquille O'Neal was currently searching among the top four teams in the Eastern Conference for the right fit.
Other superstars were not free agents. They had either already signed extensions or still had several years remaining on their contracts.
Then there were the All-Star-caliber players: Gilbert Arenas, Karl Malone, Jim Jackson, Alonzo Mourning, Scottie Pippen, Lamar Odom, Mutombo, Rasheed Wallace, and Steve Nash.
There were also excellent role players such as Elden Campbell, Stephen Jackson, James Posey, Raja Bell, and Derek Fisher.
"Do we have enough cap room?" Kobe sat with Magic Johnson and Mike D'Antoni, discussing how to get the most out of free agency.
First, they absolutely had to sign Nash. D'Antoni paired with Nash was the greatest run-and-gun combination in history.
At the same time, they had to find Yao Ming the power forward who suited him best—a defensive anchor capable of containing Duncan and keeping Kobe from having to play the four.
Without question, Ben Wallace was the best fit.
But Ben Wallace still had one year left on the four-year contract he had signed in 2000, so they would have to acquire him through a trade.
Then there was the question of whether to extend Stephen Jackson and Derek Fisher, and how to extend them.
This year's salary cap was $61.5 million.
Under the Kobe Clause, Kobe could sign a contract exceeding the maximum salary, but it would still count against the Lakers' cap space. The Lakers simply would not have to pay additional luxury tax on that contract.
In other words, Kobe's seven-year, $230 million contract, worth $32.85 million per year, directly took up more than half the salary cap.