Olajuwon followed O'Neal, immediately bodying him up in the paint.
O'Neal tried backing him down but felt a steady resistance. It felt stronger than last season.
When they matched up last season, O'Neal had always felt that Olajuwon was a bit past his prime.
But the crowd's focus was on the perimeter.
Hardaway was now standing in front of Kobe.
The mushroom-headed Kobe dribbled the ball, his gaze more focused than ever.
Even though this was just an inconsequential preseason game, the man standing before him was Hardaway—his former idol.
For the past two years, Kobe's hunger for glory had reached an unprecedented level. He craved every honor, yearned to defeat every opponent.
Idol?
He would challenge even the Basketball God himself.
With a powerful pound dribble from his right hand, the ball shot back up, and Kobe made his move.
He wanted to overpower Hardaway with speed and strength.
But clearly, Kobe had underestimated him.
