It is an issue that can no longer be debated. After securing their fourth championship in nine years with a thorough dismantling of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals, the Spurs cemented their status as an NBA dynasty. And while the Spurs are once again the cream of the NBA crop, they are simply one link in a long chain of NBA dynasties. Here are some dynasties, dating back to the 1980s.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Era: 1999-present
Titles: Four (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007)
Star players: David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili
Personality: Not the flashiest cast of characters, the Spurs instead prefer substance to style.
Best team: 2003. Won 60 games during the regular season, then toppled Phoenix, the Lakers, Dallas and New Jersey en route to the title.
Why it ended: It hasn't yet.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Era: 2000-2002
Titles: Three (2000-2002)
Star players: Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant
Personality: A combustible, yet entertaining, tour de force.
Best team: 2001. Won their first 11 playoff games and finished the postseason 15-1.
Why it ended: Because Shaq and Kobe got along about as well as Biggie and Tupac.

CHICAGO BULLS
Era: 1991-1998
Titles: Six (1991-1993, 1996-1998)
Star players: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman
Personality: Because of the various personalities involved, this was probably the most marketable team in NBA history.
Best team: 1996. With an NBA-record 72 victories during the regular season, this is arguably the best NBA team ever assembled.
Why it ended: Jordan retired (for a second time), Pippen was traded and Rodman faded into NBA obscurity.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Era: 1980-1988
Titles: Five (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987-1988)
Star players: Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy
Personality: Flashy. They weren't called “Showtime” for nothing.
Best team: 1987. Won 65 regular-season games and 11 of 12 Western Conference playoff games, then defeated fellow dynasty Boston in the NBA Finals.
Why it ended: Abdul-Jabbar retired in 1989, and Johnson followed suit two years later after contracting the HIV virus.

BOSTON CELTICS
Era: 1981-1986
Titles: Three (1981, 1984, 1986)
Star players: Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish
Personality: Hard-nosed and fundamental.
Best team: 1986. Won 67 regular-season games and had five players average at least 15 points per game during the playoffs.
Why it ended: Injuries, combined with age, took their toll on the Celtics' stars.

Clint Hale | 210SA