The pinnacle clash between the old and new eras was about to officially begin.
"It's simple—we saw the Knicks' performance in the season opener."
"They're strong, so strong that the entire league feels they have no rivals."
"But we don't want to concede, and we won't bow our heads in advance."
"This victory is merely the Lakers' declaration of intent. We are still one of the strongest teams in the title race."
The reporters then interviewed Kobe and raised the question everyone online cared about most.
"Kobe, the Knicks' twin kings are currently riding high, and everyone is picking them to win the championship."
"How do you view the Knicks, the biggest title favorites this season?"
Kobe looked straight into the camera, his gaze razor-sharp and utterly without tact.
"They're strong, without question."
"But the purpose of the strong is to be defeated."
"We'll wait for the Christmas Day Game. We'll wait for the Finals."
Just two short sentences, yet the tension in the room instantly hit its peak.
After the interview ended, major sports outlets across the United States rushed to update their headlines overnight.
ESPN swiftly released its game headline, shifting away from its previous one-sided praise of the Knicks.
[The Twin Cores Explode! The OK Duo Combines for 82 Points as the Lakers Crush the SuperSonics by 31]
The article focused on the Lakers' two stars and their absurd level of play.
It bluntly stated that, after being provoked by the Knicks, the Lakers had completely unleashed their full potential.
Kobe's offensive firepower rivaled peak Jordan's, with no weakness in his scoring arsenal.
O'Neal's dominance in the paint remained at the league's absolute ceiling.
Combined with the two championship-caliber pieces added during the offseason, the Lakers' roster had no flaws.
These Los Angeles Lakers still possessed the