On the Lakers side, when Michael Udin and Kobe were interviewed, they had been behind the scenes with the Chicago media for a long time.
"Odin, Dennis Rodman just told our Chicago reporter he doesn't know who you are?
What do you think about this? "
It seemed that the reporter accompanying the Lakers wanted to make a big story out of the Lakers Beginners.
"Dennis Rodman is a national star!
I love listening to Madonna's songs, you know, Rodman is an unavoidable name in my life! "
Michael Udin's answer filled with gunpowder left the TNT reporter very satisfied.
Among the players in the 1996 class, Michael Udin was definitely considered the best rookie in the bright news, but when compared to Rodman, he was a nobody.
But Dennis Rodman didn't look down on himself, and Michael Udin couldn't lick his face and smile to greet him.
"He thinks your hairstyle is great, but if you can dye your hair green, even better!"
Regarding this, the TNT reporter conveyed it honestly.
"If Dennis Rodman falls in love with green, I think he'd better start with himself. After all, red is the Bulls home color, and red and green are classic colors that are known around the world."
Michael Udin commented on Rodman's remarks.
"I think Dennis will seriously consider this matter. I think the Red Bulls jersey suits the green hair very well.
Tony Kukoc complimented you when he mentioned you What did you think of the sixth man last season? "
Michael Udin has long understood Tony Kukoc's good intentions.
"Tony is my role model, I want to be as good as him, and I want to win championships like him!
It is a great honor for me to be on the same level as Tony Kukoc! "
For Tony Kukoc, Michael Udin will never miss any praise.
The four-day rest period kept the Los Angeles Lakers energetic. In practice class after coming to Chicago, everyone also showed very good competitive conditions.
In the training session, coach Delmar Harris also made advance preparations for the match.
"We have to put the ball in Shaq's hands, against defenders like that, Shaq can definitely play an efficient attack.
How to place the ball in Shaq's hands comfortably will be the biggest challenge we face. Everyone knows that Michael Jordan and Scott Pippen are the best defensive perimeter combination in history. They will definitely focus on defense. Feed us from the outside in.
So Nick you have to play a more important role, you have to stay aggressive.
You have to remember that only fouls can threaten the opponent, you can better pass the ball to Shaq.
In today's match, we must not let Shaq fight alone in the outback. The Chicago Bulls are a team of great individual ability but also a holistic team. We can only have a chance of winning a win in Chicago if we have more interest inside and out. .
On the offensive side, Shaq is the main insider, and Nick is the main outsider. On the defensive side, we have to combine five people on the field into one unit. Defending the Bull was definitely not a matter of one or two people!
Kobe, today you are Michael Jordan's shadow. Wherever he is on the pitch, you have to stick to him. You should focus most of your energy on mid-range defense against Michael Jordan. You can give up three points and break it trying to delay as much as possible, our insiders are not vegetarians!
The others have to give Kobe defense any time, Shaq, you have to show defensive attitude when playing like against the Orlando Magic, you have to defend our three second zone!
Our defensive strategy is to let Scott Pippen get forty points, but we can't let Michael Jordan get 30 points!
Odin, you will get the same play time as Tony Kukoc. Not many people can match him in this league. I'm sure you are one of them.
The attention of this game is very high, but everyone should be calm. After all, this is just one of 82 regular season games. We have to believe in our own strength, play round after round, the final victory will be ours. ! "
Delmar Harris gives direction to his players to fight the Bulls.
On December 17, 1996, Christmas was drawing near, and the breezy city of Chicago was filled with a festive atmosphere as well. The family watched a Bulls game at the United Center Arena, which became a recreational option for wealthy Chicago families.
The Chicago Bulls match against the Los Angeles Lakers was solid. Most Chicagoans hoped the Los Angeles Lakers could do better. After all, not many teams can trouble the Bulls on this field.
Fans without the Chicago Bulls want the home team to lose, but they also hope their team doesn't win easily.
This type of game is naturally broadcast live across the United States, and the TNT group will be in full swing.
Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Dr. J. Julius Owen is already sitting in front of the camera and talking about this match.
Chicago fans also filled United Center Arena a few minutes earlier than usual.
The players from both teams started the warm-up practice. When Michael Udin and Tony Kukoc left the cast channel, they briefly greeted each other. After all, the mood of the game had reached this point, and the two of them didn't say much.
Before the game started, Shaquille O'Neal recalled the Lakers players, and as boss, he made the final pre-battle mobilization.
"I'm tired of every TV station bragging about how invincible Michael Jordan is and how complete and luxurious the Chicago Bulls lineup is!
If I had time to be a guest on the show, I'd have to tell these idiots how I beat the Chicago Bulls with Michael Jordan in the Eastern Semifinals!
The fans at United Center Arena would just bluff, they were scared of me, they were too scared to pee when I was standing in the penalty area!
I have experience of winning here, this is capital that most of them don't have, believe me, follow me, the victory will be ours! "
Shaquille O'Neal's fiery speech has fully mobilized the Lakers' fighting spirit.
"For the Lakers Championship!"
This kind of moment did not make Michael Udin speak, but he wanted to use his own methods to push the team's momentum to the top.
It takes courage to take the lead in shouting such words on the Chicago Bulls home court. The atmosphere has reached this level. The fighters from the Purple and Gold Regiment couldn't help but follow Michael Udin and chant the Lakers championship slogan.
Everyone is highly paid. The Chicago Bulls players heard the visitors' slogan. With Michael Jordan at the helm, the reigning champions all wore mocking smiles.
After all, competition isn't a slogan, in the end it's still a competition for scores.
The Los Angeles Lakers, led by Shaquille O'Neal, Elden Campbell and Sharks kept the lines in together, Eddie Jones as a minor forward, Bryant and Nick Van Exel partnered at the back.
For the Chicago Bulls, Bill Wennington was the starting center, power forward Dennis Rodman, small forward Scott Pippen, shooting guard Michael Jordan, point guard Ron Harper.
Judging from the book list, the paper strength of the Los Angeles Lakers is slightly worse than the Chicago Bulls, but this game is not a player-value competition, everything can only be known by real shots.
Let's start this game!