Book excerpt: Mad Game is an updated paper version of the Fall '99 hardcover. Already a veteran of 5 NBA seasons at the age of 23, Kobe Bryant joined the glitzy Los Angeles Lakers in 1996 as right out of high school. Within months he faced a wave of media hype declaring him the next Michael Jordan. Mad Game is the story of how these circumstances propelled his rapid rise through the NBA, only to result in conflict with - and, at times alienation from - his teammates, including his on again off again relationship with Shaquille O'Neal. A cautionary tale emerges from Bryant's hard lessons along the road - and at the pinnacle of - NBA stardom. Yet it's also a story of triumph, of a uniquely gifted young athlete trying to remain true to himself and the game. This updated paper edition covers the Lakers' '99-00 championship season.