[1] The Heat entered the season with high expectations following the acquisition of All-Star center Shaquille O'Neal from the Los Angeles Lakers,[2] plus signing free agents Christian Laettner, three-point specialist Damon Jones, and Shandon Anderson.
Despite their numerous conflicts during their 8 years as teammates, the duo led the Lakers to 3-straight championship titles from 2000 to 2002.
At midseason, the team re-signed free agent All-Star center Alonzo Mourning,[3] and re-acquired former Heat guard Steve Smith from the expansion Charlotte Bobcats.
However, the Heat were eventually eliminated in seven games during the Eastern Conference finals by the 2nd-seeded, and defending NBA champion Detroit Pistons.
[4] The Wade and Shaq-led Heat were expected by many to face the Spurs in the Finals (They would eventually meet 8 years later).