Season's End

"Our chemistry is getting better and better!" Zen Master Phil Jackson was pleased after winning the battle between the top two teams in the Eastern Conference.

Charlotte Hornets 107:91 Miami Heat!

The Heat's Big Three suffered a bitter defeat in Miami.

Thirteen straight wins!

The Hornets had posted the longest winning streak of the season outside of the Lakers.

Perfect!

That was the only word the Zen Master could use to describe the team's recent form.

It was March 2, 1999, half a month after the All-Star break.

Kobe had won the All-Star MVP, and Stern had also announced the venue for the next turn-of-the-century NBA All-Star Game—Staples in Los Angeles!

Staples, the new arena set to open in the second half of 1999, had been chosen by Stern to host the next highly anticipated All-Star Game.

After the announcement, Kobe, the three-time All-Star MVP, declared that he would sign up for every event at the next All-Star Weekend!

That's right!

Every single one!

The Slam Dunk Contest!

The Three-Point Contest!

And the upcoming Skills Challenge!

The main game went without saying.

Kobe even intended to coach the rookie team!

A workhorse! Huge numbers of fans praised Kobe's decision, while quite a few players eagerly prepared to enter the various events and battle Kobe to the end!

Since they couldn't beat him in the playoffs!

They had to give it a try at the All-Star Game, right?

Carter immediately announced that he would enter the next Slam Dunk Contest.

Reggie Miller, Hornacek, Steve Kerr, and Allen Iverson all expressed strong interest in the Three-Point Contest!

The upcoming Skills Challenge also drew the attention of a large number of guards.

It could be said that Kobe had elevated both the attention surrounding the All-Star Game and the players' willingness to participate