NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 520: The Joke of the Alliance (Daily Chapter)

On Wednesday, August 2007, 8, the free market became lively again after Kobe Bryant's team publicly apologized to general manager Kupchak.

After the Lakers gave Luke Walton a multi-year contract, they made another big move. The Los Angeles Times reported the news as soon as possible, and Gerald Wallace became the team's target.

In order to achieve their goal, the Lakers brought in the Nets to try to complete a three-way deal, which lasted from the end of July to August. When the deal was about to be concluded, Michael Jordan personally called a halt.

Although affected by injuries last season, Gerald Wallace was still able to contribute 18.1 points per game.

The Lakers tried to send Odom to New Jersey, while the Nets sent Jefferson to the Bobcats. The seemingly win-win deal ultimately fell through.

Pelinka is also the agent of Gerald Wallace. He personally pushed for this deal but failed and became a joke in the circle.

Obviously, not every team gives face to the agent, and it takes more chips to complete a deal that the player himself has no particular intention of.

This is not the first time that Odom has been put on the shelf. It’s not because he has problems with his ability, but because the team has too few high-quality chips and no one wants to take over Kwame Brown.

Matt Bartelstein remained silent as well. He has been encouraging his player Kwame Brown to stay in Los Angeles. Regardless of the team's performance, the attention it receives will be much higher than those of small teams.

Kwame Brown did not speak out about the injury at the end of the season and is still recovering from the injury. Matt Bartelstein spoke on behalf of the players and gave the Lakers a reassurance:

"Bron is very loyal and wants to finish his career in Los Angeles."

"Maybe his performance didn't meet expectations, but he likes the fans there and he wants to realize his talent in this city."

Just wait for the contract with peace of mind. No matter how Kobe humiliated him, Kwame Brown didn't react much. Under the arrangement of his agent, he insisted on staying in Los Angeles!
The players involved in the trade were very calm. Odom, who was used as a bargaining chip, even took the initiative to accept an interview and expressed his attitude through a Los Angeles sports reporter:

"I knew the outcome would be like this. Business is business. I don't have a trade veto and I can't control where I play."

"Being traded shows that I have value. I'm ready. Maybe leaving here is not a bad thing."

"."

Such an attitude is enough to show that the Lakers locker room has huge problems. When the news came on the afternoon of the 1st that the Heat signed free agent Smas Parker, the fun began.

As soon as he joined the Heat, Parker, under the guidance of a Miami Herald reporter, criticized Kobe:
"No one in the league wanted to play with Kobe Bryant. He had a weird personality and no one in the locker room knew how to get along with him."

"Maybe Kobe thinks of himself as Michael Jordan, but it's 2007 and that old-fashioned motivation is outdated! Look at how Lee leads the team."

"There is no doubt that Wade and Shaq get along better. In the Heat, at least I know how to express myself. Coming to Miami is the best thing in my career!"

Wade missed the men's basketball training camp due to a knee injury and shoulder surgery. He was very concerned about the team's recruitment work but could not get involved.

Pat Riley has still not confirmed whether he will continue to coach the team next season, but the greasy-haired boss has the final say in the team's free market.

On Thursday, the 2nd, the TNT evening show trio connected with Wade. The men's basketball team is still preparing for the America's Cup on the 22nd. The injured "Flash" expressed his regret on the show.

Soon the topic returned to scandals and trades. After more than a week of developments, the Lakers and Allen Iverson were both "liquidated."

The former stole the championship from the Knicks, and the latter snatched away Li You's "scoring champion" with his own poor statistics.

Many fans still disagree with the championship issue. After all, O'Neal's statistics are indeed amazing, and everyone agrees that Iverson was taken care of as the scoring champion.

Even though he won the award with a shooting percentage of less than 4%, Allen Iverson's efficiency is enough to be "among the best" in the long history of the NBA.

"Wade, what do you think about the refereeing? A lot of people criticized your free throws in the Eastern Conference Finals last year. We want to learn more about the situation at that time."

In the studio, Kenny Smith talked about this matter seriously. On the other end of the phone line, Wade, who was still taking care of his children at home, was very depressed:

"I know that many people are questioning the credibility of referees, but superstars have long been privileged in refereeing."

"Michael Jordan and Lee both had so-called star whistles. I think I can be ranked in the top three in the league's backcourt, so some of the calls are what I deserve."

"Looking back at those tapes, I was just trying to get to the rim, and the intensity of that series was greater than the Finals, that's what I'm saying."

The trial will begin in a few days. It has been basically confirmed that Tim Donaghy used the game to profit for himself. The NBA is downplaying this issue, and Charles Barkley didn't hold on to it this time:

"Let's talk about Parker's joining. Williams seems to be still troubled by injuries. How is O'Neal now?"

"Did the Heat open the team's training camp early? I know you often do this."

When it comes to training, Wade is a little upset. The team has indeed started training camp. Fortunately, several veteran players including Alonzo Mourning are not here this time, otherwise the team would have to go through the same internal competition as in previous years.

"I haven't talked to Parker much, but he's a nice guy!"

"He can organize the offense and has good shooting ability. I welcome his arrival. The team needs such vitality in the new season."

Hearing these polite words, Ernie Johnson immediately laughed. This was not the answer he wanted to hear, so he immediately started to add fuel to the fire:
"Parker compared you to Kobe. We are all very curious about this. Among the current players, what do you think of Kobe? Is he weird? Can't get along with him?"

Wade certainly wouldn't say that when O'Neal was spreading his championship experience within the team, he would often belittle his former partner and describe himself as a lone hero.
"Well, 81 points, unparalleled scoring ability. We all respect him. Don't forget that Kobe is also a championship guard."

"Basketball is a game for five people. Obviously, he is in trouble now. I feel very sorry for this. I have always wanted to play against him on a bigger stage."

"I read the news about the national team. Players who work hard in training should not be criticized."

"."

Although Wade said a lot of good things during the phone call, Charles Barkley didn't buy it and seriously commented on Kobe's experience in front of the camera:
"He publicly stated that he was looking for a trade, and he even went to Chicago several times for this purpose, but Kobe overestimated himself. He was important, but he didn't have that kind of exaggerated influence."

"I don't want to comment too much on his actions. Maybe it was all his agent's idea, but Kobe should remember that the trade veto is not his willful capital."

"What Parker said must have happened to the Lakers. Maybe he doesn't like the guidance of old guys like us. I suggest Kobe buy a new book by Lee." "He should learn how to lead the team correctly. After O'Neal left, he has not made it through the first round of the playoffs."

"."

On Friday, the remarks on the TNT program were reported by major sports media. The Lakers successfully renewed Chris Mihm's contract, and Kobe welcomed another strong helper.

After seeing these trades, many basketball commentators laughed at what happened to Kobe, and some even wanted to give a thumbs up to general manager Kupchak for fun, as he was clearly dealing with a championship guard.

The "video incident" had a significant impact on Kupchak. Kobe's simple apology could not win his forgiveness.

The US men's basketball team also had a short holiday today. In the afternoon, sports reporters came to the University of Nevada to watch the show. After the training, everyone came forward to interview the latest celebrities.

"Kobe, Mr. West has expressed that he has no interest in returning to Chicago. Given the current situation of the Lakers, do you still insist on seeking a trade?"

Kobe, wearing a blue training suit, glanced at the ESPN reporter and responded expressionlessly:
"I'm not interested in explaining anything, I'm just focusing on the next game!"

"."

No matter what the question was, Kobe did not answer it. He said a few words with a sullen face and then left early. When the onlookers at the back saw the farce end, many of them laughed.

Kobe's public trade incident once again proves one thing: in the absence of sufficient influence, the general manager has great authority, and as long as the players have a contract, they have to play honestly.

Carmelo Anthony could not gain more say just by being the scoring champion or being on the best team. He could only sigh to his friends:

"If I were Kobe, I would leave the team even if I had to give up my contract. They are humiliating him!"

"The Bulls wanted to trade half of the team, but Kobe rejected the deal, so I suggested that we sign a short-term contract. We have to decide for ourselves whether to stay or go."

LeBron James, who was sitting on the sidelines nursing his knee, looked at his friend and gave a simple response. Anthony shrugged. He was the only one who signed a long-term contract at the time, and now it seems that there are indeed some problems.

Howard greeted everyone with a smile. The happy "big boy" had just signed a long-term contract with the Cavaliers, and Adidas also offered him a lucrative contract.

Howard was in a good mood as he became the real "Mr. Billionaire" this summer. When he heard people gossiping in low voices, he just laughed and shouted:
"Kobe doesn't have an MVP or a Finals MVP, and it will be hard for him to win this award in the future."

"I bet those media will vote for Lee next season. Maybe we can see the second unanimous MVP!"

"Luckily, he's 30 years old now, and in a few years he'll be on retirement tour. The players from the class of '96 are really unlucky."

Howard's words, which were full of gloating, were actually agreed by many people. In response, Jason Kidd remained silent. While everyone was not paying attention, he quietly asked Prince:
"What plans does Lee have for the future? I mean, when does he plan to end his career?"

"I don't know. During the team training, Li just participated on time. His physical condition is actually very good."

Prince was visibly stunned when he heard this question. After saying this, he saw that Kidd seemed a little melancholy, and then added:
"You know, J! The No. 1 position takes very little physical effort. Think about Stockton. Even if Lee is 34 years old, he can still dominate the league."

Kidd was speechless. He just patted Prince and stopped talking. The free market made him desperate. Although the Nets signed Carter, they wanted to break up the trio.

The team entered the rebuilding period early. Carter was most likely trying to sell tickets. Without outstanding role players, he couldn't see any hope of winning. Thinking of the recent news, Kidd could only sigh helplessly:
"Hell, everyone makes fun of Kobe, but what makes us different?"

"."

In response to the outside world's ridicule, Kobe's response was to get up earlier, train harder, and 4 a.m. became the norm. Now he just wants to respond to all doubts with his performance in the America's Cup!
Such efforts shocked head coach Krzyzewski, and assistant coach Gentry was also stunned. Kobe did not look like a superstar at all, and his training attitude was more like that of an undrafted player.

On Sunday, August 8, many basketball commentators called Kobe's public pursuit of a trade "the price of arrogance." Coach Krzyzewski couldn't help but speak for his disciple:

"Maybe Kobe is not the most talented, but he is the hardest working player I have ever seen!"

"We shouldn't criticize him, he has given everything for basketball."

"."

Li You flew to Manchester at the end of July. In addition to watching the warm-up match between Manchester United and Inter Milan, more importantly, there was also the Community Shield match.

At 16: in the afternoon, at Wembley Stadium, Manchester United and Chelsea will compete for the first championship of the new season.

This stadium, known as the symbol of British sports, was flooded with 8 fans that day, and the noise was deafening before the game even started.

Although the game was a bit dull after the start, in the 35th minute, Patrice Evra assisted Giggs to score the first goal with a left-foot shot in front of the goal, and the Manchester United fans in the stadium began to celebrate wildly.

The broadcasting unit quickly turned the camera to Li You, who was outside the box with his shirt sleeves rolled up. He cheered and high-fived David Gill next to him.

Just a few days ago, Chelsea had just completed a change of coach, and the "special" Mourinho officially stepped down.

However, most British sports reporters are actually more concerned about another person next to him. Natalie Dormer, who just starred in The Tudors, always appears next to Li You these days.

Unfortunately, everyone couldn't see the scene in the box and could only imagine it.
The game ended in a 1:1 draw in regular time, and Manchester United eventually won the first championship of the new season on penalties.

At the end of the game, Natalie Dormer, dressed in slim jeans and a blue shirt, accepted an interview generously. When talking about the game, she even laughed and talked about her disappointment:
"No, I don't want to see Manchester United win. I was born a Chelsea fan. This is the tradition of south-west London!"

"."

There was no direct response to the gossip information, but when many reporters saw Natalie Dormer affectionately holding Li You's arm and getting into the car to leave, they couldn't help but curse inwardly, and finally decided to "make up something out of nothing."

Li You, who was preparing to return to the hotel in the car, didn't care about those boring reports at all. The two of them were just "card friends", so it was normal for them to compare their card skills:

"My first championship, I think tonight will be a sleepless night!"

"."

(End of this chapter)