Chapter 647: No One Was Absolutely Weak, and No Outcome Was Set in Stone
"This team hadn't collapsed in despair just because the Knicks were unbeatable."
"Instead, they had kept honing themselves and refining their system in the face of desperation."
"Now, I could say with certainty."
"The championship race in the 1999–2000 season was still full of suspense."
"The Knicks possessed historic-level talent and a dual-king system."
"But the Lakers possessed ironclad fighting spirit, complete depth, and championship pedigree."
"A dynasty showdown had never been just a contest of talent."
"It was also an all-around battle of will, teamwork, depth, and tactics."
The commentary on TNT's program quickly ignited discussion across the United States basketball world.
Public opinion, which had originally overwhelmingly favored the Knicks, underwent a massive reversal in an instant.
Fans, media outlets, and analysts all changed their tune, reassessing the landscape of the new season.
Some believed the Knicks would win four straight titles and cement themselves as an immortal dynasty.
Others firmly believed that the Lakers, rising from the brink, could pull off an earth-shattering comeback.
The offseason trade frenzy was still continuing to ferment.
The Lakers' understated reinforcements seemed calm on the surface, but they concealed sharp edges.
They had not seized everyone's attention, yet they had quietly filled every weakness.
The lights in the Staples Center training facility still burned day and night.
Kobe and O'Neal were still training like mad, improving by leaps and bounds every day.
After arriving in Los Angeles, Kukoč and Kerr immediately returned to the team for joint practices.
The two veteran champions quickly integrated into the team, finding their rhythm and adapting to the tactics.
The Lakers' brand-new rotation system had already taken shape and was growing increasingly mature.
The New York Knicks had maxed-out talent and