The Exploding Salary Cap

"YOYO, KOBE! You came to exactly the right person if you want to make music!" A distinctive voice came through Kobe's Motorola.

An old-school rapper!

It was the fifth day after the championship. Los Angeles had gone through a grand celebration, and the basketball world had welcomed its new king.

The transfer of power had finally been completed.

Although quite a few people believed Michael Jordan had lost to Kobe because he did not have Shaquille O'Neal beside him, a loss was a loss.

In competitive sports, the winner became king and the loser was defeated. Michael Jordan had a chance to build a superteam and come back swinging next summer.

But for now! The world belonged to Kobe!

After the celebrations, Kobe began his offseason as well.

The 1998 offseason was destined to be anything but peaceful.

In his previous life, after Michael Jordan chose to retire, the broadcasting contract offers from television networks plummeted. The players also resisted the league's series of policies restricting player income. It was not until January 1999 that the two sides reached a settlement, leading to that shortened season.

In the end, Tim Duncan delivered a phenomenal performance in just his second professional season. Together with David Robinson, he led a group of role players to the championship.

That was also the pivotal year that cemented the Big Fundamental's historical standing. If he had not led a team to a title in his second season, the title of greatest power forward in history might not necessarily have gone to Duncan.

But now, not only had Jordan not retired, another player had emerged whose influence was nearly on par with Jordan's—Kobe Bryant!

Two supreme basketball kings!

Jordan was still stirring things up while putting together a team. The spectacle of 23 VS 24 might