In a Miami mansion, Shaunie O'Neal held their four-year-old son, Shareef, as they watched this legendary showdown of the century.
Four-year-old Shareef was a full size bigger than children his age.
"Daddy! Daddy!" Shareef beamed when he saw O'Neal on the television.
"Shareef, one day, you'll stand on this stage just like your father and Uncle Kobe." Shaunie O'Neal lovingly stroked Shareef's fluffy little afro.
"Why are Uncle Kobe and Daddy wearing different clothes?" Shareef was puzzled.
He vaguely remembered that back when they were in Los Angeles a few years ago, Daddy and Uncle Kobe had both worn purple and gold.
But now, why was Daddy wearing black?
Was it because Daddy hadn't played well, and Uncle Kobe didn't want him anymore?
"Because they both want to win, and there can only be one winner."
"Kobe moved!!!"
The ball danced on Kobe's fingertips!
Basketball had been Kobe's old friend.
It had accompanied Kobe for decades.
Now, this little sprite seemed to be a part of Kobe's body!
He accelerated!
The basketball in his hand bounced everywhere!
O'Neal stared fixedly into Kobe's eyes!
The basketball could deceive!
The hands could deceive!
The shoulders could deceive!
All O'Neal could do was watch Kobe's eyes!
And Kobe made no effort to hide it from O'Neal—I'm going right.
O'Neal slid over!
Despite his massive frame, his feet were not slow in the slightest!
Kobe lowered his body!
His left foot took a huge step to the right!
The ball was in his right hand! He gave O'Neal absolutely no chance to touch it!
Two steps!
O'Neal was left behind!
Karl Malone's face turned vicious!
Come in here, and I'll make you pay!
Yet there was not the slightest trace of the Mailman in Kobe's eyes.
He gathered the ball!
He stepped!
He soared