The 2000-2001 NBA season reignited the flames of competition, yet another season without Gan Guoyang, where various heroes arose.
In the summer, the Los Angeles Lakers completed a trade, sending Jason Kidd to the New Jersey Nets and acquiring Scottie Pippen and Mitch Richmond.
This trade was not initiated by the Lakers, but Kidd did not want to partner with O'Neal in Los Angeles, seemingly having been influenced by something during the Olympics.
In any case, Phil Jackson got the Pippen he long desired, the Lakers' bench was strengthened, and more importantly, the Western Conference was without Ah Gan.
The 01 season indeed became the Lakers' domain, while the Eastern Celtics encountered Duncan's season-ending injury at the end of the season, losing their championship opportunity.
Meanwhile, Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia 76ers rose to prominence, with Iverson winning the 2001 season MVP and leading the team to the Finals to meet the Lakers.
