NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 538: I came here to do only one thing: (Daily Chapter)
On Tuesday, January 2008, 1, at the Staples Center, the director frequently focused the camera on Kobe Bryant on the bench.

Since confirming the tear in Kobe's right little finger, the Lakers have begun discussing whether to let Kobe undergo surgery.

Kobe's health not only affects the team's performance, but also affects the next trade. After all, we can't let the other party lead the team alone after getting Duncan.
After a day of fermentation, Kobe finally stood up and announced his treatment method to the media before tonight's game:

"I will choose to undergo surgery after the season. The finger injury will not hold me back. I promise the fans that we will return to the finals this year."

Kobe made bold statements before the game, but the course of the game made the Lakers fans at the scene feel disappointed. The gap was too big, and the Knicks were bullying the weaker teams!

At this time, the third quarter was already halfway through, and JR Smith's performance was still going on. Vujacic was assisting on the right wing, and as Li You passed the ball horizontally, exclamations rang out again.

There was actually still a short distance from the three-point line, but JR Smith just threw the ball as soon as he caught it. When the basketball went into the net, he even had the mood to spread his hands towards the opponent's bench.

"The Lakers' defense collapsed again. As long as they can hit those open three-pointers, the Knicks will be unstoppable!"

Doug Collins sighed again on the TNT commentary booth. It was too brutal. New York made three-pointers like rain tonight.
"Shh!"

Boos appeared again in the arena, 78:58, with 3 minutes and 4 seconds left in the third quarter, the game had lost its suspense.

As the Knicks will have two consecutive back-to-back Western Conference road trips this week, head coach D'Antoni made rotations early, but the Lakers are still no match and the opponent looks like a bottom-ranked team.

Seeing the Lakers' ineffective attempts to pass the ball from the outside in the offensive round, Kevin Harlan couldn't hold it in in the commentary booth and subconsciously changed the subject:

"It's clear that Kobe really wants to play, but his health is related to the team's ceiling. I respect the Lakers' choice. The situation may be completely different in a few days."

The Lakers' attack ended with Odom holding the ball and forcing a strong breakthrough in the right elbow area, then he jumped to the basket and missed the shot again.

Kwame Brown retreated early, and Luke Walton did not fight for the ball actively. At the call of Old Fish, everyone retreated quickly again. For a while, there was only chaotic noise at the scene.

Phil Jackson, who was sitting on the bench, didn't react much. The old man had white hair and a white beard. Although he was behind, there was a smile on his face.

Maintaining the status of a championship coach, the old man from KFC is obviously ready to welcome the MVP. As for winning or losing the game, it is actually not that important.

Andrew Bynum, who was sidelined due to a knee contusion, was also a little depressed. It was obvious that the team gave up on him and ultimately failed to get rid of Kobe.

The camera frequently scanned the quiet Lakers bench. Whether this powerful team can rise again depends on the trades in the next few days.

With the score difference reaching 20 points, Li You also slowed down the pace of the game slightly. He had to spend this week on the plane, and playing too hard would consume his enthusiasm for the game prematurely.

"Defense!."

Only the DJ was still playing music. Some fans in the front row saw Li You suddenly change the direction of the ball at the top of the arc, and they subconsciously followed suit and booed.

Fisher, who was in good posture, showed his qualities as a defensive stalwart. He was almost passed by in one step. When he was chasing back, he saw Li You, who was accelerating with his shoulders lowered, pulling back under his crotch. His brain reacted, but his body stood still.

Near the free throw line, as the basketball returned to Li You's left hand, without waiting for the two players inside to react, he accelerated and broke through again, facing the two people's help defense, stepped in front of the basket, and dribbled the ball with his right hand!

Kwame Brown and Odom didn't even have time to raise their hands before the ball went into the net.
After two changes of direction and rhythm, he scored easily. Seeing that Li You had already started to retreat and was about to serve the ball, Kwame Brown could not help but complain in frustration:
"Damn it, this is my last game in LA!"

Fisher, who received the ball, said nothing. He didn't know how to comfort the other party. Kwame Brown was not like Bynum and Kobe, he was just a simple loser who didn't meet the team's championship needs.
With inexplicable emotions, Lao Yu rushed across half court without being closely guarded. He seized the opportunity, suddenly accelerated in front of Li You, stopped suddenly near the left elbow area, and then raised the ball and threw it!

80:60, there was still no cheering in the stadium. Instead, Li You patted Fisher on the shoulder to show encouragement and remind the opponent that the game had entered garbage time.

As the game time passed, Kobe on the bench began to frown. He didn't like "honesty mutual brushing" and he couldn't accept his teammates' lack of fighting spirit:
"Get out! Don't defend like a 40-year-old guy"

Kobe yelled a few times at the top of his lungs, glaring at Kwame Brown who was causing a big delay by failing to defend the pick-and-roll. The latter was slightly startled when he heard the voice, and then Li You in front of him lowered his center of gravity and disappeared in front of him.

The change of direction of the ball during the move allowed Li You to pass through the gap between people at the top of the arc. Odom looked at his opponent who was going straight to the basket from the middle and had no choice but to move his feet.

The basketball passed in front of him, Odom gave up returning to defense, and Gasol behind him received a hidden pass from Li You, and with no one guarding him, he made another one-arm dunk!
The two high-fived on the court to celebrate. For a moment, the Lakers players on the court completely lost their emotions. Even Kobe stopped shouting and continued to glare at his teammates with an "unhappy" look on his face.

At this time in the Lakers locker room, the videographer was also recording the game. Since the trade was confirmed, Phil Jackson has also regained his spirits.

At the request of the championship coach, the post-match analysis report must be more than 30 pages. If you want to regain the championship, you must analyze the opponent.

"We were doing useless work, attacking on pick-and-rolls, and most of the plays were initiated from Lee. Unless the referee allowed some special hand movements, it was impossible to defend."

The staff staring at the computer couldn't help but complain. How should this kind of post-match report be written? 30 pages of water is meaningless.

No one responded to him. In fact, most teams in the league watch the Knicks' game videos repeatedly every year.

It used to be somewhat effective before, but the emergence of long-range three-pointers has made their efforts useless. No matter how you summarize it, it will eventually come back to the most fundamental matchup problem.

Phil Jackson was not aware of the complaints from the back, and the game was no longer suspenseful, which did not affect his communication with the assistant coach:
"I hope Kobe can take on more defensive tasks, he will do better than Dwyane Wade!"

The third quarter was about to end, and the assistant coach heard the old man's whisper and knew that the other party wanted him to do psychological work again and persuade Kobe to sacrifice for the team.
92:68, during the intermission, boos appeared again in the Staples Center. There are quite a few members of the "Anti-Lee Alliance" in Los Angeles, and the noble Lakers fans have always disliked New York.

Every time the team plays consecutive away games in the Western Conference, the team staff will be extremely busy. Fortunately, the game ends early and some people have already started to quietly organize the tactical boards and clothes.

When Li You took over the away blue training suit, the medical staff also started working, giving a simple massage to help reduce damage and consumption to his thigh.

"Don't be nervous, guys. I know my body. You should have more confidence!"

Seeing the medical team working more seriously than ever before, Li You smiled and comforted them, but everyone did not stop their work and explained a few words:

"30 is definitely not young for a professional player anymore."

Before the Knicks arrived, a columnist for the Los Angeles Times wrote a prediction that was well-reasoned and convincing!
To sum up, Li You's condition will decline year by year. In four years at most, he will be defeated by young people just like Michael Jordan.

The article also mentioned Kobe's injury, and said that Li You would get injured sooner or later, saying that he played too many games and even God couldn't stop the body from being worn out.
The newspaper is for Lakers fans, so this kind of argument is naturally popular in the local market. In other cities, no one would mention this matter at all. Old rivals like Philadelphia have lost.

The fourth quarter entered garbage time, and Rondo was not polite. He did not play randomly like his opponent, but continued to play tactically in a methodical manner.

The more he shot, the worse he missed, and the more he lost. Watching Rondo assist his teammates with easy layups in transition offense several times in a row, Kobe on the Lakers bench lowered his head and stopped watching the game, waiting for it to be over.

Barea also got a chance and helped the team score as soon as he came on the court. The Staples Center became quieter and quieter, and then the buzzing sound started, and then the boos appeared again.

124:89, the Lakers suffered another crushing defeat and were swept twice this season.

Kobe stood up from the bench without saying hello to his opponent and walked towards the player tunnel immediately.

Fans on both sides shouted his name, and Kobe forced a smile, but as Bynum walked into the tunnel one step faster than him, the smile completely disappeared.

Although he missed the game due to injury, a large number of reporters surrounded Kobe after the game. Teaming up with the MVP, many people were optimistic that they could break through in the Western Conference.

"Kobe, we got the news that the Suns have reached a preliminary agreement with the Heat, and O'Neal will join Phoenix!"

“Will this affect the Western Conference landscape?”

For two consecutive seasons, the Lakers lost to the Suns. The ESPN reporter's question was obviously malicious, and Kobe began to frown, staring at the other party and answered seriously:

"I respect Shaq, but it's going to be hard for him to get back to where he was before."

"The Lakers' only goal is to win the championship. No one can influence me. I am not interested in news about other teams." The TNT reporter was a little unhappy when he saw Kobe still being arrogant. As soon as he finished speaking, he was possessed by a "bargaining spirit" and asked a question that made Kobe uncomfortable:
"You and Tim Duncan both actively sought a trade. If you lose in the finals, does that mean your individual strength is the biggest problem for not winning the championship?"

For a player who wants to be strong, it is impossible to admit that he is not strong enough. Mr. 81 points was angry at this time and said unhappily:
"Have you ever thought about me winning the championship?"

"Do not"

This sound stunned the reporters around, and then some of them began to hold back their laughter, and their eyes looking at Kobe were also full of different meanings.

Li You, who attended the press conference, did not have the same worries as Kobe. The reporters in the audience were actually more concerned about other issues. There was really nothing to summarize about this game:
"Lee, it is said that this year's All-Star reserve lineup has embarrassed the league's coaches, and some players believe that the votes lack fairness. Do you support the league in revising the relevant rules?"

A Yahoo Sports reporter asked about a hot topic in the league recently. Iverson and McGrady, who did not want to be named, proposed to the league to amend the ballot.

Both believe that the All-Star starting lineup should also be selected by commentators and players, and should not be based solely on fan voting.
This proposal was even approved by many players, but Li You did not participate in this boring topic and casually replied:

"All-Star Weekend is for the fans. Some people will come from all over the United States to watch the game. They certainly have the right to decide which stars they want to see."

"I will not forget my identity. The All-Star starter was obtained with the support of the fans. I don't think there is any problem with the current voting."

"I want to get into the starting lineup and show my better performance. Basketball is not complicated. Fans can see who deserves to be voted for."

Some reporters laughed when they heard this. It is obvious that Li You looks down on people like Iverson and McGrady. If he writes an article in the evening, fans of both sides will definitely have a fight.

Soon, ESPN reporters also asked about the Heat's trade. It was the first time that Li You heard about it, so he simply gave his blessing:

"Shaq may want to prove himself again. Although I don't think they will win, their efforts deserve respect."

"Sean is a talented player, it's a pity that we didn't have the opportunity to work together"

Once this deal happens, the beneficiary becomes Artest, and Marion puts him under a lot of pressure, after all, the other party is also an All-Star forward.

On Thursday, January 1st, TNT announced the New Orleans All-Star Game reserve lineup during its show:

The seven Eastern Conference All-Star substitutes are:

Jason Kidd, Chauncey Billups, Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, Antawn Jamison, Kevin Garnett, Tyson Chandler.

The seven Western Conference All-Star substitutes are:

Steve Nash, Brandon Roy, Allen Iverson, Carlos Boozer, David West, Tim Duncan, Amar'e Stoudemire.

After the list was announced, Iverson's fans were ecstatic. Their idol's return to the All-Star Game was undoubtedly a sign of his rise!

Sometimes it is good to speak out frequently. At least the coach will be impressed. McGrady was not selected again, and the fans also have something to say:
"Injuries have hindered the votes. If Tracy were healthy, he would be an All-Star starter."

Another "fan circle war" broke out on Reddit, with Li You's fans angrily criticizing the coach. They had finally knocked Iverson down, but unexpectedly they were carried back again.

The argument lasted only one night, and then the long-awaited major transaction happened on time!

On February 2, the NBA announced a deal, and Los Angeles was once again in an uproar:
The Lakers sent Kwame Brown, Andrew Bynum, Marc Gasol, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McGee, and the 2008 and 2010 first-round draft picks.
Got MVP Tim Duncan from the Spurs.

Apart from the two atmosphere groups, Kwame Brown and Andrew Bynum are the main rotation players in the Lakers' interior. Considering Bynum's age, Duncan has left a "future" for his parent team.

Although the deal was revealed early on, San Antonio fans still couldn't accept it after it actually happened, and videos of fans burning jerseys soon appeared on YouTube.

Social media was also boiling with more and more fans calling Duncan a "traitor" and quite a few accusing the Lakers of "poaching".

Only the fans in Los Angeles were happy. The "lazy guys" got the MVP. This deal was a great deal! As for Bynum's talent, it was nothing compared to Duncan.

Old Buss brought his family out with him, and the Lakers management was also mobilized. The next night, they held a grand press conference for Tim Duncan who flew to Los Angeles.

When Tim Duncan appeared at the Staples Center with a serious expression and a yellow No. 21 jersey in his hand, the reporters in Los Angeles were also excited!
General Manager Kupchak was completely deified at this moment, and some people began to feel unfair when they recalled the humiliation Kobe inflicted on him during the offseason.

Old Buss quacked beside Duncan, and the old playboy smiled like a flower. Without waiting for the reporter to ask questions, he took the microphone and said:

"Unbelievable, we got an MVP!"

"This season the Lakers will return to the finals at all costs. Our only goal is the championship!"

Jeanie Buss, who was standing by, was wearing a white shirt and a denim skirt. She also had a decent smile on her face. She whispered to the reporter and asked Phil Jackson beside her:
“Are we going to win the championship?”

The old KFC man who was applauding his boss glanced at the other party, then looked at the cheering reporters, and finally did not say anything to spoil the fun:
"Of course, this is the best big man in the league. He will fit perfectly into the triangle offense and we will win everything back!"

When Duncan took his seat, the press conference was still lively, and there were even a large number of fans gathered outside the arena. All of this was seen by the former MVP.

The Lakers have an away game on Sunday, and Los Angeles reporters soon asked the question everyone was concerned about:
"Tim, welcome to Los Angeles! I'm sure you've felt the energy of the fans."

"Now we want to know when you will officially play for the Lakers. The team is having some minor problems right now, and the record is not ideal."

Perhaps remembering his bold words in San Antonio, Tim Duncan did not blow X when he heard the question, but just expressed his determination:

"Joining the Lakers is a choice I made after thinking for a long time. I came here to do only one thing, and that is to chase the championship."

"I can't wait to start the game. I don't mind starting on the road. The home advantage in the playoffs is very important and the team needs to be nervous."

Duncan was wearing a loose black formal suit with the collar of his shirt open, making him look not neat and tidy enough, which was a personal style completely opposite to Li You's.

However, the Los Angeles media was very pleased with Duncan's attitude, especially after hearing his positive attitude. Everyone followed suit and praised him, and there was a lot of flattery on the scene.

Watching Duncan answering questions quietly, Buss was very satisfied. His body was not as good as before, but this deal made him happy from the inside out:
"Great job! I'm tired of that James Dolan idiot"

Kupchak didn't respond to his boss's complaint. The Great Western Forum was acquired by the Dolan family, and the Buss family was unhappy with the other party's wealth.

After the press conference, the next day, reporters in Los Angeles captured Kobe and Duncan chatting and laughing as they boarded the plane.

After the relevant news was reported, many San Antonio fans began to burn their jerseys, New York fans were "laughing" again, and the relevant comments on YouTube were dominated by people who were just having fun.

The topic of "pure basketball" and "commercial basketball" was also ended. With the flawless "One Man One City Award", Li You became the representative of "loyalty" among active players.

All past debates seem meaningless in this transaction. Time will give the answer. Li You is a true role model, loyal to the city and loyal to the fans!
The Knicks had a record of 2 wins and 2 losses on their Western Conference road trip, losing to the Jazz and the Trail Blazers respectively. Fortunately, Durant provided warmth in back-to-back games, and the record met expectations.

On Wednesday, February 2, New York fans were still preparing to watch tonight's home game, and another major transaction occurred in the afternoon:
The Miami Heat sent Shaquille O'Neal to the Suns in exchange for All-Star forwards Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks.

At the moment of the transaction, the old Shark also accepted an interview with the Miami Herald, apologizing to local fans while speaking for himself:

“I’m definitely older and staying in the Eastern Conference, and it’s tough to play against Lee, but that doesn’t mean I can’t beat some teams.”

"Now I want to bring my championship experience to Phoenix. I will rise again in the Western Conference. This is the last choice of my career!"

"."

(End of this chapter)