3. Detroit Pistons
Armed with a super-team that included three Hall of Famers in Shaquille O'Neal, Karl Malone and Gary Payton, Bryant would learn a humbling lesson in the upset against the Larry Brown-led Detroit Pistons. Characterized by their famous "defense wins championships" motto, this ragtag band of underdogs took advantage of the Lakers' lack of chemistry and stole the title from under Bryant's nose.​​