The cheers in the arena were deafening. Though this was only a regular-season game early in the season, in Link's eyes, the attention it drew was completely on the level of a playoff game.
In fact, even setting aside the Grizzlies' recent poor form and the Lakers' hot streak, a game between the Grizzlies and Lakers was important in itself.
After all, the Grizzlies and Lakers were direct rivals in the Western Conference. In the end, there could only be one spot for the championship.
Therefore, most fans regarded this game as a preview of the Western Conference Finals.
And this was also the first time this season that the two sides would test each other's strength.
Everyone stood up and cheered for the Lakers.
Seeing James in a Lakers uniform, Link still found it a little hard to get used to.
He had never expected that, after all these years, he would still be playing opposite James.
James was still incredibly strong. You could not tell at all that he was a 36-year-old veteran.
But no matter how strong he was, James's form had still declined somewhat. In terms of individual ability, the current James was no longer Link's equal, nor was he as good as he had been at any point in the past.
But that did not matter, because James once again had a group of capable teammates around him.
Both teams stood near the center circle, and the Lakers' lineup caught Link's attention.
Point guard Bradley—a 3-and-D guard who did not need the ball. He allowed James to handle the ball as freely as he wanted while also maximizing his own value. He was practically tailor-made for James.
Shooting guard "Magic Pill" Danny Green, an old-school elite 3-and-D player. He had gone through a slump during