The 1990s were generally a lot of hype, a lot of bluster, a lot of what could have been, and what might yet come.

But they will always be overshadowed by the Showtime '80s -- and to seasoned Laker fans, the exciting '70s.

They were on the backside of their careers, but Magic Johnson and James Worthy still had the guile to get it done early in the decade.

Contrast those graybeards with the explosive power and youthful energy of center Shaquille O'Neal and swingman Kobe Bryant, and throw in two steadies, power forward A.C. Green and Eddie Jones, and we have one of the most talented all-decade teams in the league.

Pat Riley was around for just the first year of the decade, thus Del Harris wins the coach of the decade distinction with his five-plus years of service. However, Riley probably would have been a better fit as the dictatorial babysitter for the super-egos of Shaq and Kobe later in the decade. He wouldn't have put up with the pouting and the shenanigans that have followed the team and seemingly kept it from pushing deeper into the playoffs.

Memorable moments
Magic Johnson rocked the world on Nov. 7, 1991 by announcing he had HIV and would retire. Despite his retirement, Magic was voted as a starter for the Western Conference all-star team. Playing against some questionable defense, Magic wins MVP honors in the game with 25 points and nine assists.

Magic passes up Oscar Robertson as the league's career leader in assists (9,888) on April 15, 1991. Utah Jazz point guard John Stockton would overtake Johnson.

Magic came back in the 1995-96 season after a 4 ½-year absence, signing a contract for the last half of the season. In his first game back he nearly recorded a triple double against the Golden State Warriors (19 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds).

In 1996, Lakers lure free agent Shaquille O'Neal from the Orlando Magic, and trade center Vlade Divac for the draft rights to Kobe Bryant.

Best team: 1990-91
Mike Dunleavy took an aging team led by Magic Johnson and James Worthy to the NBA Finals against the peaking Chicago Bulls. It was the Lakers' greatest hurrah in the '90s. They didn't come close to going back to the Finals.

The Bulls, on their way to their first of six titles in the '90s, were way too strong for L.A., defeating the Lakers in five games.

Worst team: 1993-94
They started the season with Randy Pfund coaching and ended with Magic Johnson roaming the sidelines. It was the lone time in the decade that the Lakers missed out on the postseason and the 33-49 finish was their worst mark in 19 years.