On November 12th, the Lakers hosted the Hawks at home.
Jackson returned to the locker room, his face etched with exhaustion. He had been swarmed by reporters at the pre-game press conference.
The questions were all about the same thing: Yao Ming's performance.
This game was particularly hyped, as it would decide whether Barkley would have to honor his ass-kissing bet.
The media was in a frenzy, turning it into the biggest drama of the year.
It got to the point where Jackson was tempted to find an excuse to bench Yao Ming for the night. Just say he had a tight back muscle. Who could argue with that?
Inside the locker room, the atmosphere was silent.
Kobe sat in the furthest corner, same as always, not interacting with any of his teammates.
Everyone else was used to it, chatting amongst themselves and going about their own business.
Jackson's gaze fell on Yao Ming. He was sitting quietly next to Kobe, lost in thought.
