On tuesday, June 10, 2008, the Staples Center once again welcomed the Finals after a long absence.
Returning to the long-awaited stage, Los Angeles fans were very happy.
Even though their home team was trailing 0:2, everyone still firmly believed the team could reverse the series!
Jerry Buss also had his whole family mobilized, with his good son and lovely daughter joining forces, actively inviting entertainment figures and socialites before the game, injecting a different element into the Finals.
The best way to escape financial difficulties is to sign a higher value broadcasting contract.
In the eyes of the fans, victory is the most important, but as the team owner, Jerry Buss considers the interests of the shareholders more.
Winning a championship in the NBA does not equal making money.
Having popularity is the most important.
Los Angeles sports media also received instructions.
In less than two days, they heavily criticized the New York Knicks' home court, attributing Kobe's poor performance to "playing on the road."
One sports commentator even wrote a paragraph in an ESPN column that angered New York fans:
"At Madison Square Garden, the crazy atmosphere there reminds me of those who worship Hitler. I didn't feel any love for basketball there; they were just bullying us."
The article appeared in the morning and sparked a nationwide heated discussion.
Then, the columnist quickly backtracked, apologizing to fans before noon.
ESPN also immediately deleted the article, but the popularity of the Finals rose again.
Kobe was called the "righteous fighter who defeated evil basketball" by Los Angeles fans.
With this development, Reddit exploded, with fans from both sides furiously insulting each other.
At this moment, no one was purely discussing basketball.
Everyone just wanted to label others, trying to defeat each other with their keyboards.
Such an abstract off-court situation delighted many sports reporters.
In the afternoon, several Los Angeles Times reporters updated their Twitter statuses:
"Kobe will rebound strongly tonight. He has promised us that he will not score less than 40 points in the three home games!"
"..."
The news was naturally false.
To quell Kobe's anger, Phil Jackson had been leading the team in meditation for the past two days.
The Lakers rarely accepted interviews, fearing that Mamba's mentality would collapse.
Unfortunately, this didn't have much effect.
To attract attention, Los Angeles reporters no longer cared about the home team's situation.
They fabricated stories and once again hyped Kobe to the sky!
Why did no one hype Tim Duncan?
Because this MVP could not directly match up against Clay Lee.
Most reporters just wanted to see some fun.
As for the championship's outcome, they already had an answer in their hearts.
Playing at home, the Lakers didn't need to rush to warm up.
For a 9 PM game, everyone only needed to arrive at the Staples Center two hours in advance.
If Madison Square Garden exuded a sense of "historical weight," then the Staples Center was "luxurious and modern."
After the Finals packaging, the Staples Center exuded championship elements from the outside in.
As night fell, the aerial view of Los Angeles was no less stunning than New York, with the dazzling Staples Center sparkling in the night.
From the parking lot to the tunnel, a large number of reporters aimed their cameras at the Lakers players.
At this moment, no one mocked them.
Everyone seemed to be "cheering them on."
Derek Fisher was a player who had seen big stages.
Dressed in a dignified gray suit, Old Fish simply smiled at the camera, did not answer any questions, and quickly walked towards the locker room with the help of staff.
But the Rookie players couldn't control themselves when they saw such a scene.
Ariza, surrounded by reporters, had his mouth almost stretched to the back of his head.
After wandering in the G League for several years, such a situation had only appeared in his dreams.
"Yes, we are confident we will win the game! I have adapted to the Finals intensity!"
"Kobe has been encouraging me these past two days. He is definitely an excellent leader."
Having spent a lot of money on a new outfit, Ariza occasionally showed off his newly bought wristwatch.
He greatly enjoyed being the center of attention, feeling even like he was floating at this moment.
"Do you think Kobe can score 40 points against Lee's Defense? We have reliable information that the New York Knicks will not change their matchups."
The Fox Sports reporter's question brought Ariza back to his senses.
He no longer had his previous composure, looking around for a long time before finally giving a positive answer:
"We believe in Kobe. With his scoring ability, 40 points is not a problem..."
Perceiving that the questions were becoming unfriendly, Ariza didn't bother to continue showing off and quickly left with the help of staff.
These reporters seemed more concerned with individual statistics, which was somewhat different from what he had expected.
Sasha Vujacic shook his medium-length hair in front of the reporters.
No one paid attention to him in Manhattan.
For New York fans, he was a fringe player whose name didn't need to be remembered.
The feeling of being the center of attention was great, and Sasha Vujacic also got a bit lost.
Amidst everyone's compliments, he completely forgot Phil Jackson's instructions and confidently made a promise:
"Away games and home games are completely different. We will win three consecutive games. Los Angeles fans have given me great encouragement. It's wonderful!"
When asked the same question, Sasha Vujacic naturally had to hype his boss, giving a positive answer without hesitation, and even further hyped him up:
"Even if Kobe scores 81 points again, I wouldn't be surprised! We all know he has the ability to do these things, and the whole team supports him!"
"..."
Immediately, the atmosphere in the tunnel became even more heated, and every Lakers player received extra attention.
Turiaf and PJ Brown had not played much before.
Finding themselves being praised as "defensive stalwarts," they both shook their heads, refusing to reveal other information, barely "cooling down" the scene.
If one only read the local Los Angeles newspapers, it would give the illusion that the Lakers were leading 2:0.
The Los Angeles Times perhaps truly believed the home team could win, giving Kobe the front page headline in the morning:
"The best player will launch a storm-like counterattack!"
In this public opinion environment, combined with the Kentucky Fried Chicken Old Man's meditation, when Kobe appeared before everyone in a black suit, he had completely lost his previous excitement and even had a confident smile on his face.
Seeing the reporters swarm around him, Kobe slightly raised his head, showing the demeanor of a championship guard.
When asked about the game's expectations, he even chuckled and responded:
"Of course, it's victory! It's our turn. I will lead the team to get the match point!"
His strong confidence infected everyone present.
Seeing Kobe wave to them in apology, smiling as he left with the staff, several ESPN reporters couldn't help but whisper:
"Can he really win?"
"Maybe we should look forward to Tim Duncan's performance..."
TNT reporters still didn't favor Kobe.
Duncan arrived the earliest, but unfortunately, this low-key MVP did not give many interviews.
They were still unsure if the Lakers would adjust their tactics.
Since ABC, the broadcaster, would show some locker room footage during halftime of each game, many reporters also gathered in the away team's locker room before the game started.
The camera was aimed at Mike D'Antoni, who stood in front of everyone.
Mike D'Antoni, wearing a black pinstripe suit, was currently giving his final pep talk:
"I think you have realized that we have an absolute advantage in this series!"
"This Lakers team lacks experience. Compared to us, they don't know how to win. What you need to do in consecutive road games is to maintain confidence and relax."
"If anyone is nervous, give the ball to Lee, and then listen to his commands on the court. Gentlemen, sometimes winning is that simple!"
Hearing Mike D'Antoni's self-deprecating humor, the locker room immediately filled with laughter, and even the staff filming couldn't help but smile.
No matter how the outside world mocked him, Mike D'Antoni always stuck to his strongest tactic.
This situation hadn't changed since he took over the team.
Los Angeles newspapers had been hyping things up too much these past two days, but this did not affect Mike D'Antoni.
Confirming that Kobe would struggle to break through Lee's limitations, he became even more confident, pointing simply at the whiteboard while facing the camera:
"The only thing I want to remind you of is to watch out for fouls! The opponent will definitely increase physical contact, and they will try to disrupt our offensive rhythm."
"This is currently the most effective Defense method. I don't want everyone to fall into the trap."
Assistant coach Malone next to the whiteboard was also dressed in formal attire.
This year's broadcast added many shots, and the coaching staff also received more attention, which was a good thing for him.
The New York Knicks assistant coaches were very popular, and likely to get more salary if they moved to another team.
Conversely, staying with the team didn't earn much, but assistant coach Malone had always persisted, and it seemed to be paying off now.
"At the start of the game, we only need to follow the Defense strategy from the first two games. Tyson, you need to pay attention to your defensive position and don't let Duncan easily receive the ball in the low post."
"Keep communicating, test the opponent's shooting. Pau is ready to help Defense at any time. Maybe the opponent will use more pick-and-rolls. I just need to forcefully fight through the screens."
"..."
The camera focused on assistant coach Malone, who was constantly drawing arrows next to the whiteboard.
Seeing Lee also listening attentively, many sports reporters felt that this assistant coach really had "substance."
In contrast, Head Coach Doug Rivers's "master coach persona" recently crumbled, and his proclaimed 100 sets of tactics ultimately devolved into "give the ball to Kevin Garnett."
In the locker room footage of the Eastern Conference Finals, Rivers mostly just said "Let's go" and "Our game."
After reviewing the game, commentators unanimously agreed that the Celtics lacked a Defense system.
The excessive attention also made Mike Malone a bit overconfident.
The assistant coach in the white shirt finally put down his marker and made his final summary:
"No matter how the Los Angeles Times explains it, they can't solve the most fundamental problem."
"Do you think Kobe Bryant can score 40 points under Lee's Defense? He can't. Lee solved the key problem on the perimeter. Now we only need to sort out the interior Defense!"
"Out-rebound them, and the Los Angeles softies will cry!"
Laughter once again filled the locker room.
The absolute confidence of the coaching staff naturally infected everyone, and even the atmosphere group began to rub their fists, ready to transform into "Fair-Weather Gods of War" as soon as they had a significant lead.
As the warm-up time approached, Head Coach Mike D'Antoni clapped his hands.
Lee, wearing the New York Knicks blue away practice uniform, also stood up and, as everyone gathered around, simply said:
"The New York Knicks lost a championship here. The team was very young then, and it was a regrettable series."
"Now we are more mature. We have rich championship experience, so this time we will crush our opponents."
"Not only will we defeat them in terms of score, but we will also make them feel despair mentally!"
"Two away games, we will go all out. Even if we get the match point, the series isn't over. We will make them understand why the New York Knicks are the champions!"
"Yee!!"
Everyone shouted out loud.
As they jumped and moved their bodies, preparing to leave the locker room, Lee smiled and asked a New York Knicks staff member who was applauding:
"Did we set a record for the largest point differential in the Finals last year?"
"Of course, Lee! The San Antonio Spurs performed very poorly. They seemed to collapse in the end. I always remember Head Coach Gregg Popovich's frustrated look."
Upon hearing the staff member's answer, reporters, sensing "elements" of a story, quickly aimed their cameras at Lee, and soon they got what they wanted:
"Maybe we can break the record again. I don't like the morning reports. New York fans are the most loyal. No one loves basketball more than them. We have to respond for our family!"
"..."
Without waiting for the game to start, a large number of reporters would act as "repeaters" on Twitter.
The away game drama excited everyone.
Los Angeles was simply more newsworthy than San Antonio.
Los Angeles sports reporters, squeezed in the tunnel, quickly received news from their colleagues.
Some even took photos.
As an "old actor," Lee appeared somewhat "angry" in the pictures.
New York reporters loved this statement.
"Family" was paramount.
Enjoying the highest ticket prices in the entire country, they deserved the support of the team's superstars.
"Distorted confidence! Clay Lee has gone crazy! The Lakers have beaten him, and this isn't San Antonio!"
An older Black reporter from Los Angeles, hearing the New York crowd's discussion, immediately retorted.
Over at ESPN, watching the New York Knicks players warming up in front of them, they chuckled and fanned the flames:
"The San Antonio Spurs have made it to the Finals many times over the years! Without Tim Duncan's addition, perhaps the Lakers would have gone home to fish!"
"Kobe Bryant is the one with distorted confidence. Nine is greater than one. I don't know why he can so confidently say he is the best player."
This topic annoyed some Los Angeles reporters in the tunnel.
Kobe's accolades and statistics lagged across the board, but his relentless training over the years truly moved them.
"The two games in New York were unsettling. A basketball mecca? Why mock such a hardworking player?"
"Kobe should show respect to the GOAT! He should lower his head like Duncan at Madison Square Garden!"
"..."
The "immersed" sports reporters involuntarily began to argue until the Lakers staff appeared, and both sides finally reined in their emotions.
Kobe, who disliked the media, earned the respect of Los Angeles sports reporters through his own efforts.
Lee, who was "responsive to every request," allowed the New York Media to enjoy the joy of victory.
In their view, championships and statistics were the most important.
East and West, two completely opposite basketball atmospheres, and upon arriving in Los Angeles, the "contradictions" exploded.
Both sides had their own theories, and with G3 being so crucial, the war of words wouldn't stop.
Fueled by this atmosphere, Los Angeles fans were also exceptionally invested.
When the visiting team players entered, boos erupted continuously.
After the DJ called out Lee's name, nearly 19,000 fans booed even more fiercely.
The director quickly found the "traitor" sitting in the front row.
Shaquille O'Neal was once again wearing his white "Championship T-shirt," applauding repeatedly as Lee entered.
Since Shaq came to Los Angeles, he had completely let loose.
After a recent interview, he proactively stated:
"I respect Clay Lee's achievements. If he wins his 10th championship, I will book the best nightclub in Los Angeles!"
"I'm also planning to release a single soon! Maybe I'll even do some improvisational performance then…"
Noticing the director's camera, Shaq grinned widely, gave a thumbs-up, and then pointed to the T-shirt he was wearing.
As the lights in the Staples Center dimmed, the home team's entrance ceremony ignited the atmosphere.
Lakers fans were shouting with all their might.
For the crucial G3, no one wanted to see the home team lose.
Perhaps it was because there had been more and more news about Kobe's "confident statements" recently.
When the special Mamba appeared last, everyone began to shout the "hero's" name:
"Kobe! Kobe! Kobe!"
In the first home game of the season, due to Kobe's proactive trade request during the offseason, Lakers fans had booed him then.
Returning to the Finals, the fans' attitude had undergone a 180-degree turn.
Kobe, running from the bench to the court, was somewhat proud.
He had once again conquered Los Angeles fans with his own strength!
The Lakers players huddled in a circle.
Tim Duncan was very low-key before the game, but Kobe Bryant was already in the zone.
Standing in the middle, he shouted excitedly:
"Let's go!"
Flashing lights, passionate music, plus the enthusiastic swaying of the Lakers cheerleaders, the Staples Center was completely boiling at this moment.
When the lights came on, the floor in the center of the court had already been replaced with a golden Larry O'Brien Trophy pattern, and the cheers grew even louder!
New York fans no longer cared about these details.
They had seen this kind of Finals packaging for too many years and were long accustomed to it.
They were more eager to see their opponents suffer and looked forward to attending the award ceremony at home.
Los Angeles fans were different.
Under the influence of the atmosphere these past few days, the previously somewhat subdued home atmosphere had turned into a frenzy.
As the two teams went through their final warm-ups, in the skyboxes on the upper level of the Staples Center, Jerry Buss was also warmly greeting socialites with his family.
However, upon seeing James Dolan and his band members grinning unreservedly, Jerry Buss, maintaining a smile, couldn't help but mutter under his breath:
"This lucky idiot!"
As early as when he took over the Lakers, Jerry Buss renovated the Great Western Forum.
In those years, he not only completely popularized basketball as entertainment but also transformed the skyboxes into bars and adult clubs.
The Lakers' success was Jerry Buss's pride, but now a "lucky rich second-generation idiot" was about to surpass him.
This was simply God playing a joke on him.
Her father had been in a bad mood recently, so Jeanie Buss wouldn't tempt fate.
Although her brother had taken on more team responsibilities, her boyfriend was the true controller of the Lakers:
"Phil told me that we will definitely win the game tonight!"
"We have a chance to get a better broadcasting contract from Time Warner. The Finals ratings this year are very good. Everyone loves this matchup!"
The party in the skybox continued, with the girls dancing energetically.
Jerry Buss was not in good physical condition and had been in a state of'sage mode' all year, which also allowed him to focus more energy on work:
"I don't want to be laughed at! The first two games made me look like a clown! I spent so much money, not to see the Lakers humiliated."
"..."
After saying this, Jerry Buss turned to look at the court.
Jeanie Buss, who was beside him, wanted to explain for her boyfriend but ultimately chose to remain silent.
"Tell Phil, I'm very disappointed in him. Why can't he ever control the players?!"
"He needs to give me an answer! I don't want to waste my money."
Without money, the team couldn't get stronger.
Jeanie Buss forced a smile and had to explain.
She was still very supportive of her boyfriend at this point:
"We will win!"
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)