NBA Playoffs 2011: End of an Era as Lakers', Spurs' Dominance of West Is No More

For the first time since the 1998 season, the Los Angeles Lakers & the San Antonio Spurs won't be playing in the Western Conference Finals.

Historically in the past 12 years, the Spurs & Lakers have not only dominated the West, they have dominated the NBA itself.

Twelve years, 11 NBA Finals Appearances & nine NBA titles between the teams (Spurs three, Lakers two) speaks volumes about the organizations, their stability & ability to transition from generation to generation of players all the while, the remainder of the league tried to play catch-up.

From Shaquille O'Neal, David Robinson & Tim Duncan to Paul Gasol, Lamar Odom, Tony Parker & Manu Ginobili, both the Spurs & Lakers have been able over the years to pass the torch to more youthful players.

Throw in Robert "Big Shot Rob" Horry who helped both teams win a combined NBA Titles & you have the makings of an NBA Dynasty.

There was Rick Fox, Bruce Bowen, Brent Barry & Ron Artest, gritty players who in playoff time came up immense.

Thirteen seasons, head coach each, centerpiece after another, role players, sizable shots, playoff series that tested the limits of both teams, the Spurs & Lakers have been the best franchises in the league the last 13 years.

Four times in those 13 seasons, the have squared off against another, with usually the winner ending up in the NBA Finals.

Back in 1999, the Spurs swept the Lakers, closing out the final game at the Great Western Forum en route to their first NBA title.

From 2001 to 2004, they met every single postseason, the Lakers winning of those matchups.

In 2003, the Spurs ended the Lakers 3-peat en route to their second NBA title. In 2004, Derek Fisher's shot with .4 seconds left to play broke the back of the Spurs as the Lakers ended what might have been the best Tim Duncan-lead Spurs team to never win an NBA title.

Their last playoff matchup was in 2008 & featured the memorable non-foul call against Derek Fisher on Brent Barry in Game three. The NBA later ruled that a foul ought to have been called which would have given the Spurs a chance to win or tie with free throws.

In the finish, can only look back at the 13-year run both the Spurs & Lakers have put up with appreciation, the most dominant teams in the NBA, are completed, at least for this year.

Thirteen years of domination has finally come to an finish in the West. More youthful, hungrier, stronger, faster, faster, & bigger, the West has finally caught up & surpassed the Spurs & Lakers.