The moment they arrived in New York, the entire team headed straight to the training facility at Madison Square Garden to begin preparing for the NBA Finals.
The arena was brightly lit, its floor spotless and gleaming, while posters of the Knicks' championship victories over the years covered the sidelines.
The Lakers players stood at center court and looked around, genuinely feeling the deep championship legacy of the arena.
Phil Jackson stood before the tactics board with his arms crossed.
There was none of the usual pregame anxiety on his face. He looked calm and composed.
As the coach who had once led the Bulls to four championships, he knew Michael Jordan all too well.
At the same time, over the past few Eastern Conference playoffs, he had led teams against Li Fei's Knicks on many occasions, so he also knew the 7-foot-4 interior monster inside and out.
"We didn't come to New York to play an ordinary series."
Phil Jackson spoke, his voice not loud, yet every Lakers player heard him clearly.
"Our opponent is the Knicks, a Dynasty that has won the championship for five consecutive years."
"Li Fei, twenty-three years old, is the most complete active big man in the league. Titanium Alloy Physique, tremendous physicality, and an unstoppable mid-range shot."
"He can protect the rim and block shots, attack with the ball in his hands, rebound, score, and defend at the highest level."
"And there is Michael Jordan. I won four championships alongside him."
"Even though he is older now, his ability to hit clutch shots in major games remains the league's ceiling."
"Trying to shut down this Knicks team through defense alone is nearly an impossible task."
O'Neal frowned and stepped half a pace forward.
"Coach, isn't our defensive system enough to contain Li Fei