Basketball: The Path to the Extraordinary

Chapter 25: Rivals Reunite: Expectations for USC vs. UCLA

On this day, at Staples Center, the Lakers defeated the Heat 108-105.

Seeing Kobe's victorious smile, Dwyane Wade felt a mix of emotions—helplessness and envy. With the addition of Pau Gasol, the Lakers finally overcame their previous shortcomings.

This season, the Lakers achieved an impressive record of 30 wins and 6 losses, sending a clear signal to the entire league: the Purple and Gold Dynasty is about to make a comeback.

Wade couldn't help but envy Kobe for finding the right partner, as the Lakers' goal this season is to contend for the championship again.

Meanwhile, the Heat face a huge challenge in their quest to make the playoffs. Since winning the championship in the 2006 season, Wade has been eager to reclaim his former glory at the pinnacle of basketball.

However, given their current roster, the Heat's hopes of winning a championship seem far off, or even completely impossible.

After embracing each other, Kobe and Wade each walked towards their respective team's player tunnel.

……

After the press conference, Kobe and Phil Jackson returned to the locker room.

The atmosphere was very lively, with teammates chatting and discussing plans to go to a bar to relax.

One player said, "It feels great to win, especially considering our performance this season."

Although Coach Jackson usually discourages activities that require staying up late, he simply reminded the players to focus on preparing for the next day's practice.

"Kobe, there's a kid at USC whose playing style is a lot like yours. They have a game tomorrow. Interested in going to watch?" Lamar Odom leaned closer to Kobe, his tone somewhat mysterious.

Kobe took off his jersey, glanced at Odom, and looked tired from the game. "When did you start paying attention to NCAA basketball?" he asked, his tone full of doubt.

Kobe's feelings towards Odom were complicated. He admired Odom's talent as a 2.08-meter power forward wearing the number 4 jersey, but he was also disappointed by Odom's lack of progress and his addiction to nightlife.

He often wondered if Odom, with his potential, could surpass the legends who had competed against him. However, Odom seemed more interested in nightlife than honing his skills.

If Odom was referring to a new club opening or a party, Kobe wouldn't have been surprised. But the invitation to watch an NCAA basketball game really piqued his interest.

"Isn't this kid's playing style a lot like yours? I'm curious. Let's take a look together! Oh, by the way, could you sign a photo for my friend at USC? She keeps bothering me," Odom added, slightly embarrassed.

Kobe realized that Odom must have known someone at USC, likely a fan attracted by his Lakers fame. Although Kobe had reservations about Odom using his name for this, he said nothing. He had matured and would no longer let emotions dictate his actions.

But Odom mentioned a player with a similar style, which piqued Kobe's interest. While many players were considered his successors, very few could truly be compared to him. Brandon Roy was the closest, but even so, in Kobe's eyes, he was still slightly inferior.

"I hope my successor won't be a flash in the pan," Kobe said thoughtfully.

……

On January 11, the game for the University of Southern California was held at its home court, the Galen Center.

The 18000-seat Galen Center was packed, mostly with USC fans in red jerseys, but there were also a few spectators in blue jerseys.

Both schools are located in Southern California and are not far apart.

But the two schools are arch-rivals and both want to defeat the other.

In terms of honors in certain college athletic conferences, UCLA is better than USC, but in terms of Olympic medals, USC ranks among the top universities.

These two honors are completely incomparable, leading both universities to refuse to recognize each other's honors. Especially after the "Victory Bell" incident, the relationship between the two schools became extremely hostile.

This conflict has also sparked rivalry between the two teams' fans, especially since the University of Southern California has achieved a perfect record since the start of the season.

This gave USC fans hope of overwhelming their opponents, leading to an exceptionally frenzied scramble for game tickets.

Unexpectedly, a small number of blue-shirted fans still managed to snatch tickets from USC fans.

However, these blues could never compare to the red ocean—they were submerged in a sea of ​​red.

The game was broadcast live on ESPN.

Mike Brin and Jeff Van Gundy were also on the commentary team for this match.

Before the match began, the two discussed which team they favored.

"Oh, I favor USC. Although many commentators believe the Trojans lack championship genes, USC's roster is more balanced this season. Plus, they have DeRozan and Sicker as their star backcourt duo." Van Gundy had watched USC's game tapes before and admired the backcourt pairing of Liandry and DeRozan.

Mike Breen originally intended to express his support for the University of Southern California, but he did not expect his partner to beat him to it, so he had to switch his support to the other side.

"I think UCLA has a better chance. Darren and Zhu's backcourt chemistry is smoother, and they also have Josh. As a senior, Josh's experience and scoring ability are unmatched by Sicker, who is a freshman. That's right," Mike Breen analyzed.

"Also, Jeff, don't you think Sicker is too slow? I don't think he's suited to the small forward position; he's better suited to the power forward position," Mike Breen said, offering his opinion.

"Oh no, I don't entirely agree with you. While Sicker's speed is a weakness, his defensive pace isn't slow. Most importantly, he can provide strong outside firepower for USC."

……

Grizzlies scout Jason, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, was also present to scout Lian Dao. After observing Lian Dao's previous game performances, Jason became increasingly convinced that Lian Dao might be the piece the Grizzlies were desperately searching for. Although Lian Dao's speed might make him unsuitable for the small forward position, Jason believed he had the potential to become a versatile power forward.

The success of a stretch four like Nowitzki with the Mavericks proves the viability of this role in the league.

Jason believes that Lian Dao's inside game – especially his existing strength advantage – still has room for further development.

Nearby, a bald Raptors scout was also present, focused on his evaluation work while also engaging in scouting activities.