Just as in the television broadcast, the Los Angeles Lakers fans at the Great Western Forum were also excited for the start of the game. All the fans became even more enthusiastic when the players of the Los Angeles Lakers entered the court.
The players of the Los Angeles Lakers were fired up by the cheers of the fans but didn't lose focus on their warm-up before the game. They were all great players and were already locked into the game.
The players of the New York Knicks were feeling the pressure of playing as visitors, but this wouldn't affect their performance much; they would only feel the pressure more if they started losing the game.
The Los Angeles Lakers would start the game with Jake Smith playing as PG, Kobe Bryant playing as SG, Rick Fox playing as SF, Dennis Rodman playing as PF, and Shaquille O'Neal playing as Center.