NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 842 The "Legacy" of New York (Daily Chapter)
On Monday, September 10, 2012, while ESPN was still chasing after Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert's "trade insights," the Los Angeles Times suddenly reported a piece of news:
"Jerry Buss' condition has worsened, and the Buss family is splitting again."

Old Master Bass had health problems a long time ago, but the Bass family has never disclosed what illness he suffered from.

After Jim Buss completed a major trade last month, the Lakers seemed to be back on track, and the arrival of Dwight Howard has attracted a large number of fans again, but internal divisions have resurfaced within the team.

Perhaps unwilling to be excluded, Jeanie Buss has been playing the family card lately, giving numerous interviews with her close friend without involving team business.

The interview mainly focused on team culture. While she didn't publicly criticize the recruitment of Howard, Jeanie Buss made a pointed comment in a recent interview:
"From the time my father took over the team, the Lakers' goal has been to win the championship. As for business reforms and innovations, they are all to help achieve this goal."

"The Lakers have lost advertisers and ticket revenue is declining. On the surface, it's due to their performance, but in reality, it's the disappearance of their championship culture."

“I never wanted to trade Kobe because it didn’t fit the Lakers’ team culture. Playing in Los Angeles is not an easy thing. Howard is great, but he needs to make changes for the team.”

“My father is very worried about the current state of the team. The Lakers don’t want to become the next Celtics. We need to rediscover the championship legacy we’ve lost.”

"."

During a Fox Sports program, Jeanie Buss broke down in tears when discussing Jerry Buss's feelings for the Lakers and his physical condition.

Although no specific information was revealed, after making inquiries from various sources, many reporters believe that Jerry Buss is nearing the end of his career, and the power struggle within the Lakers is likely to begin again.

Howard's arrival in Los Angeles did not quite fit the Lakers' "temperament." Unlike Kobe, the team leader of previous years, "Happy Beast" always showed off his white teeth in front of the camera.

While maintaining his superstar aura, Howard is more approachable to fans, which benefits the other players on the team as well, a fact that is undeniable.

Some fans don't believe that the Lakers' management has once again engaged in a bitter feud, and they certainly don't believe that Jerry Buss's health has deteriorated to this extent.

It wasn't until the afternoon when someone photographed O'Neal visiting the hospital that everyone believed that Jerry Buss was really dying, and even former players came to see him "one last time."

Jeanie Buss is back in the spotlight, bringing her boyfriend Phil Jackson back into the media spotlight.

Interestingly, many people didn't see Jim Buss and Kupchak. The Lakers' current leadership is clearly very unhappy with this hype, especially regarding the so-called "team culture."

-

On Tuesday the 11th, Kobe Bryant, who had just flown from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, was immediately surrounded by reporters as soon as he got off the plane.

The Philadelphia Inquirer gave extensive coverage to the 76ers at the beginning of the month, while other teams were still waiting for media day, Philadelphia had already started training camp ahead of schedule!

Even though the management failed to fulfill its promise to build a championship-contending roster for the Mamba, Kobe did not complain to the outside world. Instead, he set an example by calling on his teammates to return early. Apart from training, there was no news from the team.

Even the usually reluctant Mr. Buss had to comply with his daughter's arrangements this time. After seeing familiar old friends these past two days, he was in a much better mood, but when he saw Kobe and his wife, he showed mixed emotions.

Kobe, who had just exchanged pleasantries with the KFC manager, didn't seem to care about his former team's feelings. He had spent the peak of his entire career with the Lakers, and no matter what the Mamba said, he still considered himself a "Lakersman".

Inside the hospital room, Jenny Buss arranged the bouquet while observing her father's emotions. She could tell that the old Buss still didn't like the decision he made back then.

"It's awful, isn't it! I'd rather go back and have a few drinks than meet old friends in a place like this."

"Kobe, I feel very sorry about the changes in the team over the past two years. Thank you and Shaq for coming to see me. Maybe I made the wrong decision back then."

The gaunt old Buss still spoke in his usual magnanimous tone, but there was a hint of apology in his gaze as he looked at Kobe.

Vanessa has always been resentful about her husband being traded. Although it was Kobe who initiated the trade, she knows that the management's tolerance of public opinion also played a role, otherwise the local media would not have launched such a massive smear campaign against Mamba.

Dressed casually, Kobe sat on the edge of the bed, raising an eyebrow. To this day, he remains grateful for the support of his father, Jerry Buss, who provided him with a max contract and MVP teammates.

"We're not wrong, it's just that the alliance is changing too fast."

"I still clearly remember when I first entered the NBA, everyone in the locker room was talking about Michael Jordan, and many people would laugh at my obsession with him."

Recalling his rookie season, Kobe's stern face broke into a smile, but he quickly composed himself and added:

"Now, nobody talks about Michael Jordan. Basketball in the 90s has become a joke. When I tell young people that I want to teach them post-up skills, very few people respond positively."

“I know people think this technology is outdated, and that’s what’s changing in the alliance.”

"The Lakers are just pursuing development, and in the process, the team made choices. I don't blame anyone because I have indeed let down the fans who supported me."

This was the first heart-to-heart talk between the two since the trade. Seeing the no longer obsessive Mamba, Jerry Buss sighed inwardly and simply changed the subject, saying:
"You've accomplished something amazing in China! It was an incredible trip. I heard you have over 6 million fans there?"

Kobe laughed when he heard this, and the two quickly started talking about their experiences in China over the past year. When they got to the part where they were having fun, Mamba excitedly described the excellent basketball environment on the other side of the ocean.

Perhaps it was because he had seen many old friends these past few days, but Old Buss's physical condition had improved somewhat. When talking about the championships in recent years, he excitedly shouted and laughed at the New York fans who had lost the game.

They chatted for a long time until Jeanie Buss reminded him, at which point the old Buss lay back down on the hospital bed. Just before Kobe was about to leave, he suddenly whispered:

"Kobe, if the Lakers really start to decline like the Celtics, can you return to the team before you retire?"

"Results aren't important; I hope you can return to the team for your last two years and share our championship experience."

Upon hearing the familiar phrase, Kobe almost lost his composure. During their training camp in Philadelphia, Thaddeus Young shared his championship experience every day, while Nick Young beside him became a sycophant, with the two leading the opposition.

Kobe initially wanted to reject the idea outright, but seeing the expectant look in Jerry Buss's eyes, he didn't refuse, shrugging and jokingly saying:
"Maybe I'll leave the league in 14."

"I believe you will stick with it for 16 years. I know you, Kobe. Los Angeles will always welcome you. This will always be your home."

Buss extended another invitation with a smile, and Kobe finally nodded, stepped forward, and bumped fists with the old man. He was willing to return home in the final year of his career and share his championship experience with the Lakers.

As she left the ward, Jeanie Buss proactively explained her plans and made a promise to Mamba:
"We can hold a grand tour then, which you deserve. We respect everyone who plays for the Lakers."

Kobe interrupted the opponent's long pass, saying with a smile that he had no interest in starting to dream about the future after four years.
"That's not what I'm thinking about right now. Right now, I just want to get back to the playoffs and show everyone what pure basketball is all about. As for the rest, I'll leave it to time."

"We hope Dr. Bass recovers soon!"

Although Phil Jackson was keen to join the team's management, after seeing the "new F4" Lakers, he felt that he had no hope. The old man from KFC felt more and more abandoned by the times.

Before Kobe left, the once-dominant championship coach, no longer adhering to his basketball philosophy, surprisingly admitted:

"Maybe the triangle offense is no longer suitable for this league, Kobe. The failure is not just your fault. I made a stupid decision."

With the Lakers' generational shift, the triangle offense has completely disappeared in the last two years. Except for a few teams that still manage to utilize it in occasional possessions, most championship contenders have become pick-and-roll teams. The white-haired Phil Jackson witnessed this change. After expressing his thoughts, the old man seemed relieved. Kobe simply smiled, stepped forward to hug him again, and then earnestly responded:
"We did nothing wrong, we just couldn't win those games. I'll prove those bastards right."

On the drive back to their home in Los Angeles, Vanessa, who had been quiet before, was in much better spirits. She was happy to see her husband back, and when the topic of their return came up, she couldn't help but ask:

"Perhaps we should have come back sooner?"

Kobe had not yet received a call from Jim Buss or Kupchak. Although he had agreed to return for the last two years of his career, he didn't want to be at the mercy of others, so he said in a deep voice:

"I will keep my promise to Coach Collins and the Philadelphia fans. As for Los Angeles, that will only be my last stop and it doesn't matter."

"."

Excluding the playoffs, the 76ers have a record of 0 wins and 64 losses against the Knicks. Philadelphia fans aren't asking for much; they just want to win one game to end this embarrassing record!
In an interview last week, Kobe and Doug Collins solemnly promised the fans on behalf of the team that they would win the game in the new season, which Philadelphia fans are eagerly anticipating.

On Reddit, some Philadelphia fans even likened ending a losing streak to winning a championship, and would hold a grand celebration whenever they won.
Unsurprisingly, this situation was ridiculed by New York fans again. The New York fan club even released a special video last week, in which, in addition to "beating up the Mamba," a bunch of people started making crazy flags.

"If Philadelphia can win, they'll eat shit!"

"If Kobe can score 30 points against Lee, I'll jump off the Brooklyn Bridge."

Thinking of the terrible basketball environment, Vanessa remained silent for a long time. Her husband, who had returned from China, seemed to have overcome his past mental illness. She really didn't want to see that "crazy" Kobe again, and could only pray in her heart:

"Just one win is enough."

-

On Thursday, September 13, Kobe Bryant, who had returned to Philadelphia, gave a rare interview to ESPN, where he discussed his career plans on the morning's Sports Center program.

Regarding the rumors circulating outside, Mamba openly admitted that he is willing to end his career as a Lakers player!

This news thrilled Mamba fans, but most Lakers fans were indifferent, with some even expressing concern on social media that an aging Kobe would disrupt the team's chemistry.

In contrast, when the news was reported from across the ocean, Lakers fans were overjoyed, feeling that "the fallen leaves have returned to their roots," and that Kobe should finally return to where his career began.

Kobe, at 34, has already begun planning his retirement, but in New York, Li You's die-hard fans and many of his supporters firmly believe that 34 is the age to create another miracle!

Unlike their neighbors, New York doesn't pay much attention to other teams' activities. They might report on the national teams during the Olympics, but by the end of August, Knicks news was all about internal strife.
With so many newcomers and fierce competition for positions, the conflict between Jimmy Butler and Lance Stephenson has become completely public.

Since their brawl at the Summer League, their rivalry has continued, and they even organized a one-on-one game during Basketball Lee's practice sessions.

The games became one of the hottest basketball events in New York, attracting a large number of onlookers and even causing a split within the New York basketball fan club.

The Knicks exercised Butler's team option, while Stephenson will be in his third year as a rookie next season. Given their current playing time and role, one of them will inevitably leave New York.

With Li You's career still a few years away, young players don't want to leave. Leaving aside the possibility of him becoming the new leader of the Knicks, the sheer amount of media attention he'll receive in the future is enough to make anyone envious.

Fortunately, Matt Bartelstein monopolized most of the Knicks' agent business, which prevented other agents from joining the "battle," otherwise the rookies would have had something to say.

MSG's evening program continued to fuel the fire, with Jimmy Butler also appearing on TV tonight, following Stephenson's appearance.

With Walter Frazier retiring for the new season, the MSG studio has a new face, with Wally Szczerbiak officially becoming a studio analyst.

Al Troutvig, now 66, continues to host the show. As a renowned American sports commentator, he always lets loose on MSG.

In terms of guiding the conversation, they are especially loved by New York fans. Wally Szczerbiak's criticism of his former teammate Garnett has become a regular occurrence in the past two years. The transformation of the tough guy into a softie is inseparable from the contributions of the two.
The program started off relatively normally, since the Knicks don't typically start training camp early. When discussing preparations for the new season, Butler mostly flattered them.

"Boss is already 34 years old. He doesn't need to train like a young person to maintain his excellent physical condition!"

"Kobe's promise? He should send Boss a text message. In my opinion, the 76ers have no chance. Boss only needs to play 50% of his Finals form to take down that special Mamba."

"The main job of young people is not to add burden to the boss. Tough defense is the best way to demonstrate this. As for offense, the boss can always find us. Putting the ball in the basket is enough to complete the task."

"."

Despite Butler's blatant lies on some issues, the two studio staff members nodded repeatedly after his enthusiastic praise, with the completely bald Al Troutwig even making a solemn promise to the camera:
"Those young teams might achieve good results in the regular season, but they will be dominated by Lee in the playoffs!"

"I don't want to keep reminding everyone like ESPN does that Lee is almost 35. God clearly favors Lee; time has stood still for him. With more and more championship experience, Lee will only get stronger."

At this point, the director also showed a photo recently released by ESPN, in which Lee Yu, who was in New Mexico, got a bit tanned, but looked full of energy.

Dressed in a black suit, Wally Szczerbiak adopted an "I understand you" attitude and began to fuel the fire against Butler:

"Jimmy, I understand how you feel. You know, when I played for the Timberwolves, I also got into a fight with Kevin Garnett!"

"As a tough guy, I maintain that this is a display of competition between men. The Knicks chose to exercise your contract, and you can share your thoughts on the competition within the team with the fans."

Stephenson answered the same question a couple of days ago, and his attempt to gain sympathy and credit back then actually garnered a lot of support from fans.

Butler, who had already started growing his hair out, didn't answer like his competitors. After saying a few polite words, the rookie got a little excited and then loudly added:
"I'm not the most talented person on the team. Who is the most talented person? It's the Boss."

"Who is the one favored by God? It's the Boss."

"But who is the hardest working person? It has to be me! Every day, in every training session, I give it my all!"

“I do more ball handling and shooting drills than Kyrie and Danny, I do more strength training than Morris and the big men, I’d even be willing to live in the gym.”

"The moment I put on the Knicks jersey, I was a Knick for life."

By the end, Jimmy Butler was already in tears, and Wally Szczerbiak was stunned. The tears came so easily; in that respect alone, he completely outshone Stephenson!
The show is still going on, and Tobias Harris, who recently returned to Manhattan, was completely stunned when he saw this episode at home. His competitor is not only working hard, but also getting more and more shameless.

Thinking of the bearded Davis, who was teaching him by example in the locker room, Tobias Harris couldn't help but start planning in his mind:

"Perhaps I should join them?"

"."

(End of this chapter)