The First Round Takes Shape, Next Opponent-The Spurs' Twin Towers!

After the Lakers led by Kobe and O'Neal crushed the Rockets 3-0 in a completely unexpected fashion to advance to the second round, while the rest of the league was still locked in brutal battles, the Lakers had already begun watching the developments of the next round.

"The Utah Jazz seem to be developing better chemistry by the day." Rambis frowned.

The Jazz had already posted the league's second-best record in the regular season, and that was after they had repeatedly lost to both the Lakers and Spurs early in the season because their chemistry was poor.

Yet over these few playoff games between the Jazz and the Portland Trail Blazers, the chemistry among the Jazz's three stars had risen another level.

"That was the result of Richmond sacrificing himself. The benefit is that the team's overall offense has improved by another level, but in crunch time, in tough games, the only player who can step up is still Malone." Kobe's deep voice filled the Lakers players with confidence.

That was Kobe's confidence! The deeper meaning behind his words was that he alone could shut down both Stockton and Richmond!

When it came down to it, the Jazz still had only one Malone!

That meant they could never defeat the Lakers, who possessed the devastating OK duo!

What made the Lakers terrifying now was that Kobe could practically neutralize any perimeter superstar. Then, with Kobe and O'Neal wreaking havoc offensively, Kobe's effect was equivalent to adding one to his own team while subtracting one from the opponent!

"3-1. The Jazz won. Malone averaged 27.8 points, 12.1 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 0.6 steals in the series."

"Although Sabonis and Rasheed Wallace tried their best, they still couldn't stop Malone."

"For a team without superstars like the Trail Blazers to