The Only Game Seven of the Series

"Sorry, Goodwin, I broke my promise!" Kobe Bryant's voice came through the phone, filled with apology and unwillingness.

It was now past 10 p.m. on May 21. In the Western Conference Semifinals, the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a crushing 90–106 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, losing the series 1–4 in a gentleman's sweep.

Although Kobe played brilliantly in this game, pouring in a game-high 42 points along with 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals, he still seemed somewhat powerless against the formidable Thunder Big Three.

Kevin Durant scored 28 points, Russell Westbrook added 25, while James Harden put up 17.

The Thunder Big Three combined for 70 points, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder into the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.

After the game, Kobe immediately returned to the locker room and called Goodwin, who was far away in Boston. His fists were tightly clenched, his face full of frustration. They had once agreed to meet on the Finals stage, yet now he had fallen in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Damn it, damn it... Rage burned in Kobe's heart as he pounded his own leg hard, trying to stay calm through the pain. He knew failure was not the end, but a new beginning. He would learn from this defeat, readjust himself, and prepare for next season.

"Kobe, I watched the game. I told you the Oklahoma City Thunder were strong this year." Goodwin spoke regretfully. Though he had known this result would come, hearing the dejection in Kobe's voice still brought his own mood down.

He could not help recalling the two seasons when they had faced each other in the Finals. Unfortunately, time did not linger, and those beautiful memories could only remain forever in his heart.

"That's right. They're too strong.