Lakers vs. Celtics!
Lakers VS Celtics!
Los Angeles against Boston!
After the 1980s, the two most glorious teams—the Lakers and the Celtics—had never met in the playoffs again.
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird had led the NBA into the modern era, and after both retired, their teams coincidentally entered rebuilding phases.
The Lakers rebuilt faster! The arrivals of O'Neal and Kobe sent the team straight back to the top.
The Celtics, meanwhile, went through a long period of restructuring and development, gradually assembling a roster of elite talents like McGrady, Billups, Van Horn, Penny, Rasheed Wallace, Tony Allen, Kendrick Perkins, Jefferson, and more!
Both teams were among the most legendary of their era. From their stars to their starters to their bench, they were flawless.
Many believed that even in all of history, few teams could defeat either of them.
The Lakers and Celtics of today were the greatest products of modern basketball.
"Kobe, this moment has finally come." Standing on the Staples floor, McGrady looked calmly at Kobe.
Ever since the All-Star Game in Cleveland, McGrady had been looking forward to this moment.
The Finals—standing across from Kobe and battling him to his heart's content!
Amid the DJ's booming introduction of his countless honors and the thunderous cheers of the fans, Kobe walked onto the court.
The No. 24 jersey shone brilliantly.
This series carried far too much history.
And now, it was time to write a new chapter in that history!
"This is incredible! The Lakers-Celtics series is incredible!"
"Kobe and McGrady have been battling all game long. Since Jordan, this is the first time I've seen a player whose physical gifts completely surpass Kobe's in every way!"
"His talent is extraordinary! McGrady's talent is simply unbelievable."
"Billups, a player who should have been tossed into the trash,