Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Lakers play against the Nets and the Bucks in consecutive games.
• The Lakers win both games, but face challenges in their performance.
• The Nets are suspected of tanking in the final quarter of their game.
• The Bucks, despite having talented players, struggle due to poor coaching and role players.

Character Developments

• Kobe Bryant: Kobe takes over in the third quarter against the Nets, leading the Lakers to victory. He also mentors Ray Allen during the Bucks game.
• Robert Horry & Dell Curry: They are the most reliable Lakers players besides Kobe, providing consistent scoring and support.
• Ray Allen: Allen struggles against Kobe's defense, showing his inexperience and need for growth.

Significant Themes

• Tanking in Sports: The Nets' suspected tanking highlights the negative impact on fans and players' morale.
• Coaching and Team Management: The Bucks' struggles emphasize the importance of coaching and management in bringing out a team's potential.
• Mentorship: Kobe's guidance to Ray Allen underscores the theme of learning and growth through experience.

Character Interactions

• Kobe Bryant & Eddie Jones: Their defensive backcourt produces consecutive steals and fast-break counters against the Nets.
• Kobe Bryant & Ray Allen: Kobe mentors Ray Allen during the Bucks game, with Allen struggling to keep up.
• Lakers' Veterans & Rookies: The veterans (Horry, Curry) provide stability, while the rookies (Fisher, Wallace) struggle with consistency.

Key Plot Points and Events

• O'Neal (Shaq) pressures Coach Harris to let him play against the SuperSonics, despite not being fully cleared by doctors.
• Lakers face tough opponents in the final twenty games, including the SuperSonics, Jazz, Suns, and Trail Blazers.
• Lakers beat the Bucks and fly to Vancouver to play the Grizzlies (then in Vancouver), winning in overtime.
• Kobe's game-winner streak is broken, but he scores 10 straight points in overtime to secure the win.

Character Developments

• O'Neal is eager to return to playing, prioritizing team success over individual accolades like MVP.
• Kobe understands the importance of player health and doesn't interfere in O'Neal's recovery process.
• Shareef Abdur-Rahim, a rookie, shows promising skills and averages a well-rounded stat line.

Significant Themes

• The importance of player health and recovery.
• Team success over individual accolades.
• The strength and potential of the '96 rookie class (Golden Generation).

Character Interactions

• O'Neal pleads with Coach Harris to let him play, with Kobe and Scott trying to convince him to wait.
• Kobe and O'Neal's dynamic as teammates is highlighted, with Kobe understanding O'Neal's eagerness to return but respecting the coach's decision.
• Kobe and Abdur-Rahim's skills are compared, with Kobe acknowledging Abdur-Rahim's talent despite the Lakers' win.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gary Payton publicly trash-talks the Lakers before a game against them, escalating the rivalry.
• Kobe Bryant's shoe deal and popularity cause jealousy and resentment in Payton.
• Kobe receives news about his film 'Paranormal Activity' and agrees to attend promotional events.
• Michael Jordan scores 58 points against the Celtics, declares the Bulls' goal of 70 wins, and expresses his desire for the championship.

Character Developments

• Gary Payton's jealousy and resentment towards Kobe grow due to Kobe's shoe deal and popularity.
• Michael Jordan displays exceptional form and confidence, pushing for the Bulls' best record and championship.

Significant Themes

• Jealousy and Resentment: Payton's feelings towards Kobe highlight the theme of jealousy and resentment in the face of another's success.
• Ambition and Desire: Jordan's declaration of the Bulls' goal and his personal aspirations emphasize the theme of ambition and desire for success.

Character Interactions

• Kobe Bryant and Gary Payton: Their rivalry intensifies as Payton publicly disrespects the Lakers and targets Kobe.
• Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan: Though not directly interacting, Jordan's performance and declaration indirectly challenge Kobe and the Lakers.
• Kobe Bryant and Jack Nicholson: They discuss Kobe's film and promotional events, showing their professional relationship and mutual respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Lakers travel to Seattle to face the SuperSonics in a crucial matchup.
• Kobe and O'Neal make a bet: if Kobe dunks on Kemp, he can do whatever he wants.
• The SuperSonics, led by George Karl, are well-prepared to target Kobe and the Lakers.
• The game draws league-wide attention, with Michael Jordan and the Bulls supporting a SuperSonics win.

Character Developments

• O'Neal remains bitter about his previous injury and is eager to see Kobe dunk on Kemp.
• Kobe is determined to posterize O'Neal and prove himself against Payton's defense.
• George Karl is confident in his team's preparation and believes they can expose the Lakers' youth and lack of playoff experience.

Significant Themes

• Rivalry and competition, both within the team (Kobe vs. O'Neal) and between teams (Lakers vs. SuperSonics, Lakers vs. Bulls).
• Youth vs. experience, as the Lakers' lack of playoff experience is seen as a potential weakness.
• Preparation and strategy, with George Karl devoting significant time to preparing for the Lakers.

Character Interactions

• Kobe and O'Neal's bet adds tension and motivation for Kobe.
• Kobe and Payton's rivalry sets the stage for a intense matchup.
• The Lakers and SuperSonics players engage in pre-game trash talk, raising the stakes for the game.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Lakers and SuperSonics face off, with the Lakers aiming to maintain their winning streak and the SuperSonics seeking revenge for their previous loss.
• Gary Payton provokes the Lakers, trying to disrupt their focus and trigger a conflict.
• The game begins with a tense jump ball between Ben Wallace and Shawn Kemp, with Kemp winning the tip-off for the SuperSonics.

Character Developments

• Kobe Bryant demonstrates maturity and calmness in the face of Payton's provocation, refusing to engage in a conflict.
• Ben Wallace struggles to control his anger and maintain focus on the game.
• Shawn Kemp is highly motivated to prove his worth and secure a hundred-million-dollar contract.

Significant Themes

• Mental toughness and self-control in the face of provocation.
• The importance of focus and determination in high-stakes games.
• The impact of personal issues (like Kemp's contract dispute) on team dynamics and performance.

Character Interactions

• Kobe Bryant and Gary Payton engage in a battle of wits, with Payton trying to provoke Kobe and Kobe remaining calm and focused.
• Ben Wallace and Shawn Kemp have a tense standoff at the jump ball, reflecting their teams' rivalry and personal animosity.
• Kobe Bryant makes a spectacular aerial interception to deny Shawn Kemp an easy dunk, showcasing his defensive prowess and highlighting the intense competition between the two teams.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kobe Bryant faces off against Gary Payton in a one-on-one duel.
• Kobe uses a step-back three-pointer to score over Payton, demonstrating his offensive prowess.
• The Lakers' strategy of slowing down the game and using a half-court set is discussed.

Character Developments

• Kobe Bryant shows growth in strength and confidence, no longer being overpowered by top guards.
• Gary Payton's defensive abilities are highlighted, but his overconfidence is also evident.
• Shawn Kemp's defensive abilities and explosiveness are mentioned.

Significant Themes

• The clash of offensive and defensive strategies, with offense holding the advantage.
• The importance of adaptability and versatility in basketball, as seen in Kobe's varied offensive options.
• The role of practice and dedication in honing skills, as seen in Kobe's step-back move.

Character Interactions

• Kobe and Gary Payton's intense one-on-one rivalry is the central interaction.
• Kobe's icy gaze and Payton's muttered responses highlight the tension between them.
• The Lakers' coaching staff and commentators discuss the team's strategy and Kobe's performance.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kobe Bryant breaks the record for most three-pointers made in a half with nine, scoring 34 points in the first half against the Seattle SuperSonics.
• Kobe's new offensive technique, combining exaggerated dribbling moves beyond the three-point line with high-difficulty shots, proves undefendable.
• Gary Payton, despite playing well, cannot stop Kobe's scoring and is shocked by the efficiency of Kobe's three-point shooting.

Character Developments

• Kobe Bryant: Kobe's offensive arsenal expands with the addition of step-back three-pointers, making him even more unstoppable. He breaks the record for most three-pointers made in a half, showcasing his growth and versatility as a player.
• Gary Payton: Payton struggles to defend Kobe's new offensive technique and is left confused and frustrated. He realizes the difference in efficiency between two-pointers and three-pointers, leading to a shift in his perspective on offense.

Significant Themes

• Offensive Efficiency: The theme of offensive efficiency is highlighted through the comparison of two-pointers and three-pointers. Kobe's ability to score from anywhere on the court, with high-efficiency shots, gives the Lakers an advantage.
• Adaptability: The inability of the SuperSonics to adapt to Kobe's new offensive technique emphasizes the importance of adaptability in basketball. Both teams struggle to adjust their strategies, leading to a high-scoring first half.

Character Interactions

• Kobe Bryant vs. Gary Payton: The intense one-on-one matchup between Kobe and Payton drives the narrative. Payton's inability to stop Kobe leads to a mental struggle, while Kobe's dominance fuels his confidence and growth as a player.
• Coaching Struggles: George Karl's confusion and lack of a solution against Kobe's new offense contrast with his successful coaching against other teams, highlighting the challenge of facing a player like Kobe.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kobe Bryant scores 38 points in the first half, breaking the halftime three-point record with 9 made threes.
• The Seattle SuperSonics struggle to defend Kobe, leading to a 69-57 halftime score in favor of the Lakers.
• In the second half, the SuperSonics double-team Kobe, effectively escorting him out of the game. The Lakers win 127-92.

Character Developments

• Kobe Bryant asserts his dominance, demonstrating his ability to take over a game with exceptional three-point shooting.
• Gary Payton and the SuperSonics players lose confidence and morale, struggling to cope with Kobe's performance.
• George Karl, the SuperSonics coach, adjusts his defensive strategy but ultimately gives up on the game.

Significant Themes

• The power of individual dominance in basketball, with Kobe Bryant single-handedly destroying the SuperSonics' confidence and morale.
• The struggle of a team to defend an opponent in peak form, as seen with the SuperSonics' inability to stop Kobe's three-point shooting.

Character Interactions

• Kobe Bryant and Gary Payton engage in a defensive battle, with Payton struggling to contain Kobe's hot shooting.
• George Karl and the SuperSonics coaching staff adjust their strategy to try and stop Kobe, ultimately deciding to double-team him.
• Michael Jordan watches the game and acknowledges Kobe's threat, vowing to prepare for a potential matchup in the playoffs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• April 1997: The NBA regular season enters its final month.
• Karl Malone leads the Utah Jazz to a 13-1 record in March, earning him the Player of the Month award.
• Michael Jordan scores 58 points against the Boston Celtics, including 17 straight in the fourth quarter.
• Kobe Bryant scores 60+ points in two games and hits nine three-pointers in a half against the Seattle SuperSonics.
• A leaked recording advises young NBA players not to provoke Kobe Bryant, further fueling his media attention.

Character Developments

• Karl Malone solidifies his status as the league's top power forward and MVP candidate.
• Michael Jordan continues to display his clutch performances and dominance.
• Kobe Bryant's aggressive playstyle and scoring abilities earn him widespread attention and respect.

Significant Themes

• Individual dominance and clutch performances.
• The media's focus on Kobe Bryant and his impact on the league.
• The Utah Jazz's surprising success and Karl Malone's MVP campaign.

Character Interactions

• Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan continue their rivalry and mutual respect, both scoring incredible feats in March.
• Karl Malone and the Utah Jazz challenge the Lakers for the league's best record and Malone's MVP chances.
• Kobe Bryant connects with Jack Nelson about promoting his upcoming movie, "He Got Game."

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kobe and O'Neal's playful interaction on a flight, with O'Neal demanding Kobe to dunk on Shawn Kemp in their next game against Seattle.
• Lakers defeat Denver Nuggets 110-85 in a back-to-back game.
• Arizona Wildcats win the NCAA championship, but Tim Duncan sweeps all individual awards.
• Kobe wins Rookie of the Month for the fifth consecutive time.
• O'Neal receives medical clearance to play in the next game against the Spurs.

Character Developments

• Kobe and O'Neal's bond strengthens, with Kobe showing maturity in handling O'Neal's childish behavior.
• O'Neal's excitement and eagerness to return to the court after his injury.

Significant Themes

• The harmony and chemistry between Kobe and O'Neal, reminiscent of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
• The anticipation and hype surrounding Tim Duncan's entry into the NBA draft.

Character Interactions

• Kobe and O'Neal's playful banter, showcasing their growing friendship and understanding of each other.
• The Lakers players' excitement and anticipation for O'Neal's return, highlighting their team spirit and desire for success.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Lakers are nearing the end of the regular season with a chance to break the Bulls' record of 72 wins.
• The Lakers face the Spurs at home, aiming for their 70th win.
• O'Neal returns to the starting lineup, and the Lakers dominate the Spurs, winning 121-76.

Character Developments

• Kobe and O'Neal are both eager to face the Spurs, seeking revenge for their previous losses.
• Popovich is frustrated by the talent gap between his team and the Lakers.
• Wilkins' motivation has declined, and he's less engaged in helping the Spurs win.

Significant Themes

• Talent and skill gap between teams.
• Motivation and engagement of players.
• The Lakers' pursuit of the best record in NBA history.

Character Interactions

• Kobe and O'Neal form a formidable duo, dominating the game with their alley-oop plays and high-scoring performances.
• Popovich struggles to find a solution to stop the OK Duo's offensive onslaught.
• Wilkins' lack of engagement contrasts with the Lakers' enthusiasm and determination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Lakers, with Shaquille O'Neal back, dominate the Spurs, with Kobe and Shaq scoring a combined 78 points, more than the entire Spurs team.
• The Lakers' twin stars are compared to other great duos in NBA history, with many retired legends praising their destructive potential.
• The Bulls suffer their ninth loss of the season against the Washington Bullets, with Chris Webber leading the way.
• Jordan acknowledges the Lakers' dominance but predicts they'll struggle against the Jazz and Suns.

Character Developments

• Shaquille O'Neal returns to the Lakers, forming a dominant duo with Kobe Bryant.
• Chris Webber showcases his talent and leadership against the Bulls.
• Michael Jordan remains confident despite the Bulls' loss, focusing on the Lakers' upcoming challenges.

Significant Themes

• The power of twin stars and dominant duos in basketball.
• The Bulls' and Lakers' paths to 70 wins and potential playoff matchups.
• The impact of injuries and fatigue on older teams like the Bulls.

Character Interactions

• Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal display incredible chemistry on the court.
• Michael Jordan and Chris Webber face off, with Webber getting the better of Jordan's Bulls.
• Jordan analyzes the Lakers' upcoming challenges and believes the Jazz and Suns could trip them up.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kobe Bryant attends a preview screening of his produced film, Paranormal Activity, with Jack Nicholson.
• The screening is a success, with positive reactions from critics and audience members.
• Paramount Pictures plans to capitalize on the buzz and release the film on April 13.

Character Developments

• Kobe Bryant shows his dedication to his film projects, balancing his basketball career and Hollywood ventures.
• Jack Nicholson, despite his age, remains a prominent figure in Hollywood, using his influence to help other actors like Hugh Jackman.
• Julia Taylor and Hugh Jackman, the leads of Paranormal Activity, express their hopes for the film's success to secure better roles in the future.

Significant Themes

• The power of immersion and realism in horror films, as demonstrated by Paranormal Activity's use of a DV camera and everyday events to create suspense.
• The importance of timing and striking while the iron is hot, as seen in Paramount Pictures' plans to release the film following the successful preview screening.

Character Interactions

• Kobe Bryant and Jack Nicholson's friendship and mutual respect, with Nicholson teasing Kobe about his popularity and Kobe responding in kind.
• The bond between Kobe and the film's leads, with Kobe expressing confidence in their success.
• The camaraderie among movie fans, who are excited to see Kobe and Nicholson, regardless of the film's quality.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Lakers, with Kobe Bryant back in action, face the Dallas Mavericks at home on April 6, 1997.
• Kobe Bryant delivers a stunning performance, showcasing his face-up isolation skills.
• The Lakers win 112-87, with Kobe scoring 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 14 assists, and Shaquille O'Neal scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds.
• The Lakers' record improves to 67-8, and they prepare for challenging back-to-back games against the San Francisco Warriors and the Utah Jazz.

Character Developments

• Kobe Bryant: Returns to form, demonstrating exceptional face-up isolation skills, and proves he can carry the team offensively.
• Shaquille O'Neal: Still finding his rhythm after injury, but benefits from Kobe's passes, making scoring easier.

Significant Themes

• Kobe Bryant's isolation skills: The chapter emphasizes Kobe's dominance in face-up isolation plays, both in volume and efficiency, compared to other great players like Michael Jordan, Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, and Kyrie Irving.
• Team dynamics: The Lakers' strength as a historic team is highlighted, with the OK Duo (Kobe and Shaq) leading the way.

Character Interactions

• Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal: Kobe feeds Shaq easy baskets after drawing double-teams, leading to Shaq's success.
• Kobe Bryant and the Mavericks' defense: Kobe's offensive performance leads to the Mavericks' perimeter corps being "destroyed," with players like Michael Finley, Derek Harper, and Voshan Leonard struggling to contain him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Latrell Sprewell (Madman Sprewell) provocatively challenges Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, claiming he can outscore Kobe and that the Warriors can beat the 70-win Lakers.
• Sprewell also taunts the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan, setting up a back-to-back showdown with the Lakers and Bulls.
• The media hypes up the situation, anticipating a fiery response from Kobe and Jordan.

Character Developments

• Latrell Sprewell: Shows increased confidence and boldness, but also displays ignorance and recklessness in his provocations.
• Kobe Bryant: Remains calm and composed despite Sprewell's taunts, showing growth and maturity in handling provocations.

Significant Themes

• Confidence vs. Arrogance: Sprewell's confidence in his abilities borders on arrogance, leading him to make reckless statements.
• Humility in Strength: Kobe, despite his skills and accomplishments, remains humble and focused, not taking Sprewell's taunts personally.
• Media Influence: The media plays a significant role in amplifying Sprewell's statements, turning an ordinary game into a high-stakes event.

Character Interactions

• Kobe Bryant and Latrell Sprewell: Kobe remains unfazed by Sprewell's provocations, while Sprewell becomes increasingly bold in his challenges.
• Media and Players: The media uses Sprewell's statements to create hype and generate interest in the upcoming games, while players like Kobe and Michael Jordan remain focused on their preparations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Lakers play against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland.
• The "70 Wins Alliance," a Kobe fan group, follows the Lakers to support Kobe's quest for the Lakers' 70th win.
• The Lakers test a new lineup featuring Shaq and Ben Wallace together for the first time, with Kobe and Eddie Jones leading the perimeter offense.

Character Developments

• Kobe continues to gain popularity and admiration from fans, even in away games.
• Latrell Sprewell becomes increasingly jealous of Kobe's attention and popularity.
• Chris Mullin decides he needs to leave the Warriors after the season due to Sprewell's behavior.

Significant Themes

• The importance of perimeter offense in countering a strong interior defense.
• The impact of a player's popularity and charisma on fan engagement and team support.
• The tension between Kobe and Sprewell, highlighting their contrasting playing styles and personalities.

Character Interactions

• Kobe and Sprewell engage in trash talk before the game, with Kobe dismissing Sprewell as a "jumping clown."
• The Lakers' coaching staff discusses and implements a new game plan to test the Shaq-and-Ben Wallace lineup.
• Fans in the 70 Wins Alliance section discuss their plans to follow the Lakers throughout the regular season and share their excitement about Kobe's performances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kobe Bryant faces off against Latrell Sprewell, who provokes him before the game.
• Kobe scores 61 points, including nine three-pointers in a half, breaking Sprewell's ankles in the process.
• The Lakers win the game, and Kobe's performance cements his status as a legendary guard.

Character Developments

• Kobe Bryant: Kobe demonstrates his scoring explosiveness and ability to take over games, solidifying his status as a future Hall of Famer. He shows maturity in handling Sprewell's provocation and humbling him on the court.
• Latrell Sprewell: Sprewell's aggressive attitude and lack of judgment are further highlighted as he underestimates Kobe and suffers the consequences. His behavior and attitude are criticized by his coach, Rick Adelman.

Significant Themes

• Hubris and Humility: Sprewell's overconfidence and underestimation of Kobe lead to his downfall, while Kobe's humility in handling his success is evident in his focus and dedication to the game.
• Legacy and Legend: Kobe's performance contributes to his growing legend and cements his status as a future NBA great.

Character Interactions

• Kobe Bryant vs. Latrell Sprewell: The intense rivalry between Kobe and Sprewell reaches a boiling point, with Kobe ultimately dominating the matchup and humiliating Sprewell.
• Rick Adelman and Latrell Sprewell: Adelman's frustration with Sprewell's attitude and behavior is evident, hinting at potential issues within the Warriors' locker room.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kobe Bryant breaks Latrell Sprewell's ankle with a move, causing concern and admiration among the Bulls and other teams.
• Iverson decides to train harder after realizing Kobe's dedication and improvement.
• The Jazz discuss guarding Kobe, with Stockton suggesting Bryon Russell.
• The Lakers defeat the Warriors 117:99, with Kobe leading the way in the second half. Ben Wallace's starting role is evaluated.

Character Developments

• Michael Jordan is impressed by Kobe's skills and growth.
• Iverson feels motivated to improve his game after seeing Kobe's progress.
• John Stockton acknowledges Kobe's improvement and the challenge he poses.
• Kobe Bryant continues to shine, leading the Lakers to victory and proving his value as a scorer.

Significant Themes

• Dedication and hard work (Iverson's realization, Kobe's growth)
• The challenge of guarding Kobe (discussion among Jazz players)
• The balance of offense and defense in the Lakers' lineup (Ben Wallace's role)

Character Interactions

• Michael Jordan and Steve Kerr discuss Kobe's ankle-breaking move.
• Iverson salutes Kobe from afar.
• Karl Malone and John Stockton discuss guarding Kobe, with Stockton suggesting Bryon Russell.
• Kobe admires Chris Mullin's skills and imagines his peak performance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Lakers travel to Utah to play the Jazz in a back-to-back game, facing the challenge of Utah's high altitude and passionate Mormon fan base.
• Karl Malone boasts about his team's strength and his own abilities, while John Stockton remains more reserved and focused.
• The Lakers prepare for the game, with Kobe taking a nap before the game starts, and Kurt Rambis motivating the team.

Character Developments

• Kobe shows determination and focus, ready to face the challenges ahead.
• Karl Malone displays overconfidence and trash-talking, while John Stockton remains calm and collected.
• Kurt Rambis reveals his ambition to become a head coach and his excitement about the potential seventy-win season.

Significant Themes

• The challenges of playing at high altitude and facing hostile home crowds.
• The importance of focus, determination, and composure in the face of adversity.
• The dynamics of team chemistry and leadership.

Character Interactions

• Kobe and Karl Malone's rivalry is highlighted, with Malone trash-talking and Kobe remaining composed.
• John Stockton and Karl Malone's contrasting personalities are shown, with Stockton trying to rein in Malone's boasting.
• Kurt Rambis motivates the Lakers team before the game, emphasizing the importance of this victory for their seventy-win goal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Lakers face the Jazz in a high-stakes game, with the Jazz fans' overwhelming hostility causing Little Fish to panic.
• Campbell tries to reassure Little Fish but ends up getting anxious himself.
• Ben Wallace is tasked with guarding Karl Malone, aiming to hold him under 25 points.
• Bruce Bowen is assigned to shut down John Stockton's pick-and-rolls.
• The game's significance is discussed: it could determine the MVP, the playoff landscape, and potentially be a preview of the Western Conference Finals.

Character Developments

• Little Fish shows vulnerability and panic under pressure.
• Campbell struggles to provide reassurance, revealing his own anxiety.
• Ben Wallace displays determination and confidence in his task.
• Bruce Bowen shows a darker side, suggesting extreme measures to stop Stockton, though he later clarifies his intentions.

Significant Themes

• Pressure and anxiety under high-stakes situations.
• The importance of team tactics and strategy.
• The significance of individual matchups in determining game outcomes.

Character Interactions

• Little Fish and Campbell's playful banter helps ease tension among the Lakers.
• Ben Wallace and Bruce Bowen receive their assignments from Coach Harris.
• The Lakers players react with shock and disbelief to Bowen's initial suggestion of injuring Stockton.