After so many years, Kobe is still that same Kobe.

Even though his jersey number changed from 8 to 24.

Before the first game of the Western Conference Finals began, whether it was Kobe's defiant expression or his ever-reigniting fighting spirit, no matter how many times you defeated him, all kept reminding Qin Yue:

In Kobe's dictionary, there's no such word as surrender.

It's widely known, in the Bay Area, Qin Yue's will is the Warriors' will.

Therefore, in a sense, Kobe's spirit also represents the will of the current era Lakers. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

Moreover...

To console the soul of Jerry Buss, who passed away this February, the Lakers entered the playoffs with the demeanor of a mourning army, and they are still a team with a built-in morale buff.

On TNT TV Station, during the pregame analysis, O'Neal said, "I don't know if the Lakers can hold back the defending champions, but I believe that this Lakers team led by Kobe will definitely fight the Warriors to the last moment."

In this regard, Barkley agreed deeply: "In the past, we often said that many teams would be overcome by the Warriors' aura before even facing them. But believe me, the Lakers are definitely the team least afraid of the Warriors in the current era."

For years, they have been on the front lines against the Warriors.

In years of encounters with the Warriors, the Lakers are not only acknowledged as the toughest opponent by Warriors players.

At the same time, this team's tenacity when facing the Warriors has left a very deep impression on the world.

On-site in Oakland, five minutes before the game, the big screen displayed the starting lineups for the Lakers and Warriors.

Home team Warriors: Brown, Qin Yue, Wallace, Green, Curry.

Visiting team Lakers: Little Gasol, Big Gasol, Kobe, Klay, Paul.

At center court, the opening jump ball, Little Gasol successfully outjumped Brown to win possession for the Lakers.

On the Warriors' half-court, as Paul brought the ball across, Big Gasol, guarded by Qin Yue, decisively moved to the perimeter.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Kobe, who had actively moved up high for a pick-and-roll with Paul, received the ball and instantly, with a probing step to shake off Wallace, accelerated and drove aggressively into the center of the lane, where Qin Yue had been pulled away.

Furthermore, in the Warrior Forbidden Area, Little Gasol executed a textbook "Gortat screen," leaving Brown helplessly watching Kobe lay the ball into the basket.

Even though not all players on the Lakers' offense touched the basketball this play.

In the eyes of real insiders, this was undoubtedly a flawless team offensive play.

Before the Lakers initiated the offense, Big Gasol played a role in luring the defender away.

Klay's positioning on the wing further prevented the Warriors' front-line defenders from rashly attempting a double-team.

Also, Little Gasol's incredibly synchronized Gortat screen with Kobe.

And Paul's quick pass after the pick-and-roll with Kobe.

It's no exaggeration to say, with just this one play, the Lakers showcased their distinctiveness compared to other teams.

On TNT TV Station, Barkley said: "The Lakers are one of the few teams in this era that can match the Warriors in both offensive and defensive levels. This Western Conference Finals is undoubtedly the biggest test the defending champions have encountered so far."

Back to the Warriors' offense.

Dragged back by Paul and caused a dribble mistake, Curry felt he was discriminated against by the referee.

After Klay scored another two points for the Lakers through a fast-break, Curry frowned at the referee and said, "Chris's strip just now was a non-basketball move, and such moves shouldn't appear on the basketball court."

Shouldn't appear on the basketball court?

Admittedly, at this moment, Curry was still somewhat inexperienced.

Because in Qin Yue's memory, the baby-faced assassin would only face more of these non-basketball defenses in the future.

Qin Yue's past life, O'Neal once called Curry his counterpart on the perimeter.

Regarding the reverse superstar calls Curry faced on the court, O'Neal said, "I know how much the league fears me and Stephen, they don't want to give Stephen too many free throws, because that could make a game lose suspense."

In the NBA, Curry was never the first star to experience reverse superstar whistles.

For instance, during the Bulls' second dynasty, many only remember Miller's game-winner against Jordan.

Few remember that Miller's push on Jordan before the game-winner was an offensive foul.

What, even the GOAT enjoyed reverse superstar whistles?

What else do you expect?

In terms of Jordan's breakthrough ability during his prime, if the league gave him the "air wall" treatment like they do to later perimeter stars, wouldn't Jordan get at least twenty free throws per game?

On the court, after pulling Curry, who was still debating with the referee, Qin Yue quickly took the opportunity to instruct him, "Stephen, you need to understand, this is a form of recognition."

"Recognition?"

Qin Yue nodded and said, "Remember, pressuring the referee is not your job. Now, get back and bring that damn ball over the half-court, understand?"

Being someone who has been through it, Qin Yue knew well that the Warriors, having won the championship three consecutive years, being suppressed by the league was within reason.

Perhaps, this suppression on the Warriors was unfair.

But since the predecessors of the past went through the same trials and tribulations, Qin Yue naturally wouldn't apply to be the exception with hands up or knees down.