Chapter 742

After O'Neal came to the Heat, he voluntarily became the second-in-command after the new season started, assisting Wade's rise.

But even so.

He still averaged 23.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and an astonishing 3.1 blocks per game so far this season.

He was still an existence as an interior hegemon.

He was still the most dominant center in this league, and perhaps still without one of them.

Future Yao and Howard would possess the ability to contend with O'Neal.

But both still needed time to grow, and... this still needed to happen as time passed, as O'Neal's dominance further declined.

Only then would the two have a chance.

Look at Kobe again.

Kobe, leading the team as a single core, without O'Neal to attract defensive double-teams for him.

He would definitely attack more difficultly than in any previous season; this was the price his single-core needed to bear.

But.

Even so.

So far this season, Kobe could still average: 29.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game.

To be fair.

Kobe played very well.

It was precisely because of his highly entertaining offense and powerful scoring ability.

That all the bad things he did last year were forgotten by fans.

Making him liked by fans again.

He was still one of the "Four Great Shooting Guards" and one of the most popular players in this league.

To a certain extent.

Kobe was playing better than O'Neal; he looked more suitable to be the "New King of Los Angeles."

So what about the record?!

The Heat were third in the East, and ahead of him were the defending champions, the Bulls, and the 76ers who had "Double Four Great Shooting Guards."

Two super strong teams in the East.

On this basis, the Heat could suppress strong teams like the Pistons, Nets, and Pacers to squeeze into third in the East.

Eleven wins and four losses, a 73.3% winning percentage.

Very remarkable.

You know... the Heat barely made the playoffs last season, and now they are firmly in the third place in the East.

This transformation was precisely because of the arrival of "The Big Shark" O'Neal, precisely because of "The Big Shark's" absolute dominance under the basket!!!

As for the Lakers.

Thirteenth in the West.

They had played 15 games in total this season, six wins and nine losses, with a winning percentage of only 40%.

Compared to last season, even with a whole season of internal conflicts, they still had a winning percentage of nearly 70%, which was indeed a bit low this season.

Compared to that.

It explained one problem... Kobe was still too young; he could only guarantee his own data and could not lead the team to win more victories.

Then he still needed to grow.

Fans were also looking forward to Kobe, who was standing alone... growing sturdily.

However.

Kobe himself was very unhappy, even a bit annoyed; he didn't expect that he couldn't lead the team to win.

He believed that he had fallen into a disadvantage in the comparison with O'Neal.

He was not reconciled.

In his eyes flashed an extreme desire for victory, as well as a desire to prove himself.

What to do?

Just in the next game.

Just in the showdown with the Bulls, he wanted to defeat the Bulls and end the Bulls' 15-game winning streak.

Let the whole league know.

That he, Kobe Bryant, could defeat the defending champion alone.

Of course.

Only Lakers fans were optimistic about the Lakers' victory, and even many Lakers fans didn't think Kobe could lead the team to win.

Everyone was more looking forward to the duel between Kobe and Su Yan.

Kobe, who had really become much stronger after returning from the offseason, facing Su Yan, who was also even more powerful.

What kind of sparks would the first encounter between the two in the new season collide?

This was really something to look forward to!!!

……

Soon.

This night arrived.

8:00 PM.

United Center Arena.

Half an hour before the game, both teams were warming up on the court.

"A pity!"

Pippen shook his head and sighed, "The Heat's O'Neal is still at his peak, and the Lakers' Little Flying Knight can also stand alone and play his due dominance.

Once the two combine, the "OK Combination" is still one of the most dominant combinations in this league.

It's just a pity.

One mountain cannot hold two tigers; the two are incompatible!!!

That is a great thing for us; the Lakers with only Kobe are really not our opponents."

"Why do you say that?!"

Iguodala was a bit confused, "I've watched Kobe's games this season, he's really playing well.

His personal ability is impeccable, his defense is also online, he is completely a superstar who integrates offense and defense!!!"

"That's right."

Yao nodded in affirmation, and then added, "But Pippen's meaning is... the Lakers with only Kobe.

He will be firmly locked by Su Yan, suppressed on both the offensive and defensive ends.

Without Kobe, no matter how much the Lakers jump, it won't work."

"Yes."

Pippen affirmed, "Kobe is certainly powerful, and he has improved a lot after returning from the offseason.

But don't forget.

Su Yan was already the "Active No. 1 Shooting Guard" last season, but... now he has played at the level of the "Active No. 1 Person."

Many fans have even determined that Su Yan is the strongest player in the current league.

This has made everyone ignore his title of "Active No. 1 Shooting Guard," which is above the "Four Great Shooting Guards."

"Little Flying Knight" Kobe is really not Su Yan's opponent!"

The entire Bulls team was very confident in Su Yan.

Similarly... the Lakers players and fans were also very confident, 100% believing in the grown Kobe.

That he could suppress Su Yan one-on-one!!!