The eight pre-season games came and went, with the Lakers finishing a mediocre 4-4.
Winning wasn't the priority. The key was building chemistry, testing rotations, and letting players find their rhythm.
For Link, however, these eight games were monumental.
He started every single one.
The Zen Master had slotted him in as the team's starting small forward.
It was a clear signal.
He had gone from the X-factor in last season's playoffs to an integral part of the regular rotation in the new season.
Aside from providing consistent three-point firepower, he was now tasked with guarding the opponent's premier wing scorers on the defensive end.
Facing faster and stronger opponents, there were ups and downs. But his drastically improved athleticism allowed him to make steady contributions on both ends of the floor.
During the offseason, Link had already mapped out his goals for the season: further improve his finishing and defense, become a reliable 3-and-D player, and solidify his spot in the starting lineup.
The preseason flew by, and the team was about to face the 2006-2007 season opener.
October 29, 2006. Staples Center.
Regular Season Opener.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies.
The arena was packed to the rafters. After a five-month absence, the sea of purple and gold surged once again!
The air was thick with anticipation.
The giant screens overhead played a thunderous promo for the new season. Shots of Phil Jackson, Kobe, and others flashed by. A clip of Link hitting the game-winner on Christmas Day flickered on screen, drawing a loud cheer from the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to the NBA!"
"For the first game of the new season, the Lakers host the Memphis Grizzlies."
"Can Kobe Bryant continue his explosive performances from last season?"
"How will the Lakers handle the challenge of European big man Pau Gasol?"
"The Chinese kid, Link, trained hard all offseason. What kind of answer will he give tonight?"
"Let's find out!!!"
"..."
The TNT commentary dream team was in position. This game was being broadcast nationally! The Lakers had 32 nationally televised games this season, leading the league!
At the same time, the PA announcer's booming voice instantly commanded the arena's attention.
"Let's welcome, starting at power forward, from the University of Rhode Island, number 7, Lamar Odom!!"
Thunderous applause filled the arena.
"Starting at center, from St. Joseph High School, number 17, Andrew Bynum!!"
The cheers continued.
"Our starting small forward, number 2, Link~~~~~!!"
The applause and cheers instantly merged into a massive roar, noticeably louder and longer than the previous introductions.
"And, from Lower Merion High School, wearing number 24 this season, Kobe~~~~~ Bryant!!!!!"
Kobe ran out of the tunnel, expressionless, high-fiving his teammates one by one.
"KOBE! KOBE! KOBE!!!"
The arena erupted like a tsunami. Staples Center was welcoming its leader!
Kobe had switched his number from 8 to 24 this season. He claimed he chose 24 because it symbolized the 24 hours in a day, representing his total devotion to basketball training and competition.
This was a major sign of Kobe's maturation!
On the TNT broadcast, Kenny Smith's voice cut through the microphone.
"Kobe chose a new number, meaning he wants a clean break from the past!"
Charles Barkley chimed in, "But the pressure hasn't changed. He still needs to prove he can lead a team to wins!"
"Don't worry, Charles. Kobe's got this!"
"Hard to say. Their roster hasn't improved much," Barkley shook his head. "I'm keeping an eye on that Chinese kid. He's gonna be Kobe's helper."
"..."
On the court, Kobe huddled with his teammates, hands stacked together.
He gave a few short, powerful words, and then everyone shouted the slogan in unison.
"1, 2, 3, Let's Go LAKERS!!!"
Bynum walked to center court to face the Spaniard, Pau Gasol.
Tip-off! The game was underway!
The Grizzlies had a solid lineup, anchored by Pau Gasol in the paint. Mike Miller and Rudy Gay manned the forward spots. This team had depth and played tough. They were a hard nut to crack.
Gasol used his long arms to win the opening tip. Grizzlies ball.
Chucky Atkins organized the offense from the perimeter. Facing Aaron McKie's defense, he dribbled cautiously.
Gasol didn't force the issue inside. Instead, he came up to the high post to facilitate for his teammates. As a European big, Gasol's skill set was incredibly well-rounded. Low-post footwork, high-post passing, mid-range shooting—he could do it all. His only knock was a perceived softness, often struggling against the likes of Duncan and Garnett. Though, after teaming up with Kobe in 2008, he would successfully prove himself.
After several hand-offs, the Grizzlies got the ball to Rudy Gay on the wing.
With the shot clock winding down, Gay tried to force a drive.
He used a simple jab step followed by a hard left-hand dribble, slamming his shoulder into the defender to create contact. In Gay's mind, that bump should have created enough space for a shot.
However, Link's lateral movement was lightning fast, and he didn't shy away from the contact.
Under Gay's impact, Link only retreated half a step before instantly recovering to contest.
He hadn't lost his position at all!
This caught Gay off guard, forcing him into a tough, off-balance heave.
Clang!
Bynum secured the rebound.
Staples Center erupted in cheers.
Lakers on the break.
Link took off like a shot, leaving his defender in the dust.
"Link's gotten so much faster!" Assistant coach Brian Shaw was the first to react.
Bynum launched a long outlet pass, which landed perfectly in Link's hands.
catching a glimpse of a defender closing in, Link didn't get greedy. He lobbed the ball into the air.
Boom!
Kobe trailed the play and slammed home the alley-oop.
The crowd went wild.
"WOW! The Lakers with a spectacular play! Link's strength and speed are like night and day compared to last season!" Charles Barkley exclaimed from the commentary booth.
"You're right, Charles! Is that even the same Link from last season?!" Kenny agreed.
The Grizzlies missed again on their next possession.
Lakers ball.
Kobe moved the ball patiently. After a few cross-screens, Link found himself matched up against Mike Miller, whose feet were a bit slower.
Link sold a backdoor cut, catching Miller flat-footed. He immediately dropped his center of gravity and cut hard from the right side!
Miller was left a step behind!
Kobe saw the opening and fired a bounce pass. The ball threaded the needle perfectly into Link's hands!
Gasol rotated over quickly, his long arms ready to block the shot.
Just when everyone thought Link would pass, he switched the ball from his right hand to his left in mid-air, sliding a small step to the left.
Dodging Gasol's block, he softly floated the ball off the glass with his left hand!
[Soft Touch Lv2] Activated!
The ball kissed the glass and dropped obediently into the net!
"Beautiful left-handed finish! Link! He avoided Pau Gasol's defense!" Kenny Smith raised his voice.
Staples Center burst into enthusiastic applause.
These two possessions perfectly showcased the results of his insane offseason training.
Midway through the first quarter, Kobe drove hard to the right, drawing three defenders into the paint. He jumped and whipped a pass to the left corner.
Link was already waiting there.
With the boost from [Focused Shooter Lv3], his open three-point percentage was terrifyingly high.
Catch. Shoot.
One smooth motion. Rudy Gay's closeout was a step too late.
Swish!
Three-pointer, good!
"Great shot! Kobe draws the defense, Link knocks it down from the open spot! That's exactly what the Lakers need him to do!" Barkley said.
The game continued.
The Grizzlies kept scoring inside thanks to Gasol's advantage. The raw Bynum was helpless against the Spaniard.
The Lakers' offense ran mostly through Kobe, with Link constantly stretching the defense with his off-ball movement.
Both teams kept the score tight, neither pulling away.
On the final possession of the first quarter, Kobe missed a contested three.
The Lakers led 28-24 heading into the second.
Link had 5 points: a beautiful cut and a three-pointer.
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