The 80’s belonged to Magic and Bird. Between the two of them they won 8 rings between 1980 and 1988 and only the ’83 Sixers were able to interrupt their dominance. Along with the 8 championship rings the pair of hall of famers won a combined 6 MVP’s, 5 Finals MVP’s, made  21 All star appearances and were named first team all NBA nine times a piece.  To say that the 80’s was the Magic & Bird era would be  actually be an understatement.

Then came 1990 and although Magic Johnson won the MVP award, that year clearly belonged to Michael Jordan as he won the first of his 6 NBA titles. Hakeem Olajuwon won two rings during MJ’s hiatus but the 90’s are simply known as the Jordan era alone — no Barkley or Malone to share in the spotlight. You already know Air Jordan’s resume, so there’s no need for me to write it.

Then came the new millennium…

From 2000 to 2003 the Lakers put a choke hold on the NBA with Shaq’s dominance and Kobe’s skill. It seemed as if the Lakers would never stop winning…and then they did. The Spurs were able to win three championships (the one in ’99 was technically still part of the Jordan era even though he retired in ’98). Detroit also got one during this period.

Then the Dynasty was broken up and Shaq went to Miami and won a ring making the first ten years of the new millennium officially the Shaq era…right? Well…Kobe is the most talented player overall from 2000  to 2009 but for it to be called the Kobe era or even the Kobe, Shaq, Duncan era the Black Mamba has to do what Duncan and Shaq did — and that’s win four rings. Shaq has had a great career and from the 1999 – 2000 season until now he has scored 14,695 points. In that same period of time Tim Duncan has scored 16,000 points. In the same amount of time Kobe has scored 20,260 points.

Shaq has been a first team all NBA player 7 times during this time span compared to Kobe and Duncan’s 6 (Kobe is a lock for this year’s team which will bring his total to 7 while it is unlikely Shaq will make first team this year…Duncan’s status is uncertain) Shaq and Kobe have one MVP a piece while Duncan has two.  So if Kobe gets a ring this year (which is highly likely) add his name to this era. As for Prince…I mean King James his reign won’t start until 2010 and from then until 2020 that can be the King James era. But for now he’s not even in the equation!