The Washington Wizards vs. Los Angeles Lakers game was temporarily changed to "National Broadcast" by NBA Commissioner David Stern; originally, the National Broadcast was scheduled for Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks.
Of course, both the Los Angeles Clippers owner and the Mark Cuban were extremely dissatisfied with this decision, especially Mark Cuban, who even told the media, "Oh, no, I don't understand why David Stern wants the entire nation to watch a boring game."
"You saw the results a few days ago; the Los Angeles Lakers still defeated the Washington Wizards even without Shaquille O'Neal."
"And now, Shaq's return will undoubtedly make the game a one-sided affair."
"The strength of these two teams is not on the same level at all."
Cuban's disdain for the Washington Wizards was evident.
Of course, a reporter who liked to stir up trouble couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Mark, what if the Washington Wizards beat the Los Angeles Lakers?"
Cuban rolled his eyes, looked at him with a gaze that said 'you're an idiot,' and replied, "If the Washington Wizards can really beat the Los Angeles Lakers, I don't mind wearing a diaper in front of all the fans in America, hahaha…"
After Cuban finished speaking, he burst into laughter.
The media reporters nearby also started laughing. In their opinion, this was just a joke from Cuban, something almost impossible. It's worth noting that the media had been fanning the flames of the OK combination recently.
Reporters would tell O'Neal that Kobe was the team leader and then tell Kobe that O'Neal was the team leader. Before confirming his attendance for this game, O'Neal solemnly told the media that he would crush the Washington Wizards.
To prove that he was the team leader, O'Neal would definitely go all out in tonight's game. After all, the team had won against the Washington Wizards with Kobe leading alone, so if they lost the game because of his return, he would have no explanation.
In addition, O'Neal also took the opportunity to tell NBA fans worldwide that although Link was a unique rookie of his class, a tier above Paul Gasol, who ranked second on the rookie list, he was completely incomparable to O'Neal in his rookie season.
To be fair.
Almost no mainstream media favored the Washington Wizards in this game.
Even Charles Barkley, who had a soft spot for Link, bluntly stated that if the Wizards lost by less than 1 point, it would be considered a win.
...
...
On game day.
Link smiled when he saw the Los Angeles Lakers' player roster for tonight.
"Hehe, that's right…"
"Although The Big Shark will play tonight, Devin George, who was out with an injury in the last game, is also on the player list. What's even more surprising is that Devin George will be starting at small forward tonight."
Devin George!
George!
This means Link can trigger the Invincible Background Board badge again tonight, but what will the Los Angeles Lakers' defensive strategy be tonight? Will Kobe still guard him?
If Kobe is the primary defender, it will be a bit troublesome, although he can call out "Devin George" through a pick-and-roll. Still, Haywood lacks range, and O'Neal can still comfortably stay in the paint.
Michael Jordan, Michael Jordan… you need to step up tonight and help me draw some offensive fire.
In addition, Link has continued to evolve over the past two weeks.
Shooting and Finishing:
Three-Point Shot base attribute +1, increased to 85 (93); Close-Range Shot base attribute +1, increased to 89 (93); Free Throw base attribute +4, increased to 86 (91); Driving Layup base attribute +1, increased to 93 (95).
Defense and Playmaking:
Passing base attribute +1, increased to 90 (95); Passing Vision base attribute +1, increased to 94 (97); Interior Defense base attribute +1, increased to 86 (92).
Physical and Athletic:
Jumping Height base attribute +6, increased to 69 (74); Lateral Movement base attribute +2, increased to 6 (60); Stamina base attribute +4, increased to 88 (94); Injury Resistance base attribute +5, increased to 75 (85).
In addition to the panel attribute improvements…
In yesterday's Los Angeles Lakers team scrimmage, Off-Ball Movement, Corner Specialist, and Catch and Shoot all upgraded to "Gold" badges.
The increase in badge levels will bring about a "qualitative change" in Link's shooting ability.
...
...
On the night of the game, the starting lineups for both teams were:
Los Angeles Lakers: Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Devin George, Samaki Walker, and Shaquille O'Neal.
Washington Wizards: Link, Michael Jordan, Richard Hamilton, Christian Laettner, and Brendan Haywood.
The moment the referee's whistle blew, O'Neal, who had been laughing and joking before the game, suddenly became expressionless, radiating killing intent.
Facing O'Neal's deep post-up, even though Haywood was quite big, he still couldn't stop him. O'Neal, after receiving the ball, forcefully backed down, pushing Haywood back a big step. O'Neal then turned to face the basket, performing a dunk over the off-balance Haywood.
Violent!
O'Neal's powerful offense made Link wince. Besides his massive physique and immense strength, O'Neal's turn was also incredibly fast, leaving no time for help defenders to react.
Of course, O'Neal's post-up position was also incredibly deep, making it difficult for help defenders to recover in time.
O'Neal ignited the Staples Center with a powerful dunk, even performing his shark celebration move, as if telling the fans that he was the true king of Los Angeles.
"Kobe… Shaq, you're too strong, truly worthy of being the king of Los Angeles," Link said to Kobe, who was still his primary defender tonight.
Kobe, with his afro during this period, was not only in his prime technically but also lacked composure, a far cry from the Kobe of jersey number 24.
However, Kobe wasn't so easily provoked by Link. Kobe said with some disdain, "rookie, is that all you've got?"