Against the Los Angeles Lakers

After the pre-match interview, the players from both teams headed to their respective locker rooms to make final preparations. The tension in the air was palpable, but the Knicks, led by Coach D'Antoni, remained focused. Before the game, D'Antoni gathered his team for a final pep talk.

"Our opponent is very strong," D'Antoni acknowledged, "but there's no need to worry. We're going to play at our own pace, stick to our style, just like we did against the Celtics. Let's get out there and show them what we can do. Come on!"

The confidence boost from their previous victory against the Celtics was evident. The Knicks players were more assured, knowing that even if they fell short against the defending champion Lakers, they had already proven their mettle. The key was to maintain their rhythm and play with the momentum they had built.

By the time the game was about to start, the Staples Center was packed with nearly 20,000 fans. The atmosphere was electric, with fans clutching popcorn, Coke, and massive posters, the majority of which featured Kobe Bryant. The sea of No. 24 jerseys was almost overwhelming. However, scattered among the crowd were fans proudly donning Lian Dao's No. 1 college jersey, holding signs in support of the Knicks' rising star. These were Lian Dao's loyal supporters, and their presence was a testament to the impact he had made even in his college days.

The commentary team for TNT, featuring Charles "Big Mouth" Barkley and his partner Kenny Smith, were already warming up the audience.

"Welcome to the live broadcast, everyone!" Kenny Smith began energetically. "Today, Charles and I will be bringing you the action live from Staples Center."

Kenny then turned to his partner with a grin. "Charles, what do you think has changed in Kobe over the past few years?"

Barkley, sensing a potential setup, rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Change? Well, he's certainly getting richer and richer," he quipped, drawing a chuckle from Kenny and the audience.

"Change?" Barkley replied, recognizing the trap Kenny had set for him with that sly smile. "Well, he's getting richer and richer," Barkley quipped, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Seeing Kenny's unimpressed look, he continued, "Alright, alright. If it's not his money, maybe it's his looks. If he's getting more handsome, Kenny, you should hang my poster at home too. The great Charles Barkley thinks he's better looking than Kobe."

Barkley's off-the-wall response drew laughter from the audience at home. The banter between these two was always a highlight, their chemistry undeniable.

But Kenny wasn't done yet. "What are you talking about? Your head is starting to look more like a pumpkin every day, and you call yourself handsome? I was talking about Kobe's game."

"Kobe's game?" Barkley asked, still trying to follow Kenny's train of thought.

"Yes, his strength. Even as he's aged, his scoring ability hasn't dropped; it's actually grown," Kenny explained.

"And that?" Barkley still wasn't sure where Kenny was going with this.

"I mean, no one stays young forever, but in the NBA, some players manage to stay consistently efficient. Jordan did it ten years ago, and now Kobe is following that same path," Kenny said, his tone serious.

Barkley nodded in agreement, clearly touched by the comparison. He recalled his own experiences playing against Jordan during his prime. The relentless evolution of Jordan's game, especially during his two three-peat championships, was something Barkley had witnessed firsthand. Jordan's legendary "breakfast club" training was grueling, and Barkley, who had briefly joined, famously quipped that if he could train as hard as Jordan, he'd have dominated the world.

Jordan's intense dedication was what allowed him to sweep the Pistons 4-0 after years of bitter rivalry, and now it seemed Kobe was walking a similar path.

At this moment, Jordan officially began his journey to basketball immortality.

During his second three-peat with the Bulls, even though his physical fitness and speed had slightly diminished compared to his earlier years, Jordan's skills became more refined and nearly unstoppable. His signature fadeaway jumper left defenders across the league helpless, a testament to his evolving game.

Many teams fell under the iron rule of the Chicago Bulls during those years, and Charles Barkley, who never managed to secure a championship, was among the unfortunate victims. The Lakers led by Magic Johnson, Barkley's own Suns, Clyde Drexler's Blazers, the Sonics with Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp, and Malone's Jazz—all were vanquished by Jordan's Bulls in the Finals.

As the visiting Knicks stepped onto the court, they were met with a chorus of boos from the home crowd. The arena was charged with energy as Lian Dao, the Knicks' star player, was the last to emerge from the tunnel. Despite the hostile environment, he was surprised to hear a smattering of applause and cheers, likely from fans who had followed him since his college days at USC.

Lian Dao glanced at the section where the cheers came from and waved in appreciation, recognizing the support from his USC fans. It was a small but significant moment that caught him off guard.

As Lian Dao entered the court, Lakers' forward Ron Artest, who was waiting to play, commented to Kobe, "This guy's pretty popular in L.A."

Kobe, ever observant, responded with a smirk, "He brought an NCAA championship to Los Angeles a few months ago. Plus, this rookie has been on fire recently. He's led the Knicks to a 12-1 record and took down the Celtics in the last game. It's no surprise the fans are into him. I'm looking forward to playing against him."

Artest, not wanting to miss his chance, quickly added, "He's my prey tonight. I'll show you what real defense looks like."

Kobe just smiled, confident in his teammate but ready to step in if needed. He knew that if Lian Dao could be shut down, Artest would be the one to do it. If not, well, Kobe would have to take matters into his own hands.

As the Lakers entered the arena, the crowd erupted in cheers, with Kobe receiving the loudest ovation as he ran out last. The atmosphere at Staples Center reached a fever pitch, with fans chanting Kobe's name. He was, after all, the main attraction.

Before the game, Lian Dao made his way to the Lakers players, bumping fists and exchanging greetings. When he reached Artest, the veteran forward didn't hold back, "Kid, you won't score a single point on me tonight."

Lian Dao grinned, responding coolly, "I've never scored just one point in a game, so you better watch out, or you might get blown away."

Artest flushed with frustration, but before he could reply, Lian Dao was already moving towards Kobe.

"Hey, Kobe, can you sign an autograph for me?" Lian Dao asked, his excitement barely contained.

Kobe was taken aback. He had expected some trash talk, perhaps a challenge, but certainly not this. Lian Dao's request was so unexpected that it caught him off guard, especially coming from a player who was about to face him on the court.

Kobe, trying to regain his composure, replied with a smirk, "That depends on whether you can beat me." He enjoyed the idea that one of the league's rising stars was actually his fan, and it almost made him want to go easy on the rookie. Almost.

Lian Dao, undeterred, asked, "How can I beat you?"

"Score more points than I do," Kobe challenged, still relishing the moment.

The starting lineups were then announced:

Knicks Starting Lineup:

Chris Duhon, Wilson Chandler, Lian Dao, Paul Millsap and David Lee

Lakers Starting Lineup:

Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum

As the game tipped off, it was clear the Knicks would face a height disadvantage, particularly inside the paint. Sure enough, when David Lee went up against Andrew Bynum for the jump ball, the Lakers secured the first possession. The stage was set for a high-stakes showdown.