This is the third book that I have read from Jeff Pearlman. All the books were sports related and I enjoyed them. Though I am not a Lakers fan, I also enjoyed this book. This book covers the Los Angeles Lakers from 1996 to 2004 where they won four NBA championships. It focuses primarily on its two superstars, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. But it does look at the role and bench players that were also on the Lakers roster during this period.

While I understood there was friction between Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, I had no idea how severe and pervasive the rift was. Neither player comes off very well in this book. Bryant in particular comes off as a diva and a huge head case. Bryant was not very well liked in the Laker locker room.

Pearlman also covers the rape case against Kobe Bryant. Bryant never really disputed the testimony of the woman he assaulted, just his intent. Bryant basically got away with rape and did not say any punishment or jail time.

What makes this book so entertaining are the stories from and about various players and coaches during this period. Hard to believe that's so dysfunctional a group and team could win NBA championships – – but they were that talented. ( )