After a five-year run of dominance that included three straight NBA titles and another Finals appearance, the Los Angeles Lakers' dynasty began fading amid dissension and drama.

But now, with their superstar morphing from malcontent to content, and a key midseason acquisition, the Lakers have taken the first step to restoring the glory.

As they wait to play the winner of the Utah-Houston series, the Lakers are savoring the feeling of advancing in the playoffs for the first time since 2004.

"We understand the situation that we have here and the opportunity that we have, and I think a lot of that has to do with the past few years and not having the situation," said Lakers guard Kobe Bryant. "We are all hungry and we are all more appreciative of what we have and we are going to try and take advantage of it."

Lamar Odom's first season with the Lakers in 2004-05 coincided with them missing the playoffs for only the fourth time in franchise history.

"To be a competitor and contender in this league, you have to go through some downs usually before ups," Odom said. "We have been there. We were up 3-1 vs. Phoenix and got beat pretty bad last year. But things change, and right now they are changing in our favor."

Luke Walton reached the NBA Finals with the Lakers as a rookie four years ago, and sees the motivation the ensuing postseason failures have provided for this season.

"The guys who have lost have that hunger in their eyes that we want a championship, and you see from other teams how quick that window shuts," Walton said. "Dallas was in the championship two years ago, and [two days ago] they fired their coach. So we know the opportunity is only there for a short amount of time and we want to take full advantage of that."

Bryant, who voiced displeasure about the front office before the season but changed his tune once the Lakers traded for Pau Gasol, isn't worried about heightened expectations spoiling the Lakers' bid for another title.

"I think it has created more good buzz," he said. "I think people are obviously excited about what we can do. It is just status quo for us. We haven't changed one lick. We just continue to do what we do."

rpotkey@sltrib.com

Lakers' recent postseason results

1999-2000 NBA championship

2000-01 NBA championship

2001-02 NBA championship

2002-03 Western Conference semifinals

2003-04 NBA Finals

2004-05 Missed the postseason

2005-06 Lost to Phoenix in

the first round

2006-07 Lost to Phoenix in

the first round