That night, Staples Center was packed to the rafters.
It wasn't just the arena's attendance that was sold out; Los Angeles fans' enthusiasm was overflowing as well.
Ever since Kobe retired, the Lakers had been mired in decline for far too long. They had also gone too long without enjoying the feeling of being the center of everyone's attention.
Especially tonight, against the dynasty team, the Pelicans.
Defeating the Pelicans would be like a new king overthrowing the old one—an absolutely thrilling and inspiring prospect.
And because it was Christmas, Los Angeles's wealthy families had brought their children to watch the game. The venue was filled with Christmas cheer.
Even the single elites had come in groups.
Christmas occupancy rates at Los Angeles's luxury hotels had always remained high.
Half an hour before the game began, the players from both teams entered the arena one after another.
The fans' gazes gradually turned toward the court as well.
Inside a VIP suite, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and her ex-husband Phil Jackson had both come to the game.
Her face was glowing with excitement.
Over the past two years, with the changes in league leadership, she had felt the Buss family's influence within the league declining. Now that the Lakers were rising again, she was riding high as well.
If James and Durant could bring another dynasty to the Lakers, she would truly be able to catch up to her father, Old Man Buss, and restore the Purple and Gold Glory.
Oh, and Jackson was sitting beside her too.
That summer, she had desperately hoped Jackson would return to coach the Lakers, but he had repeatedly refused.
Now that Vogel was performing exceptionally well, she could let her ex-husband see just how successful her life had become.
After warm-ups ended, the pregame