On Friday, August 1, 2008, the Cotai Arena in Macau was packed, and fans from across the ocean welcomed the second warm-up game of the Macau leg!
Starting from the 25th of last month, the warm-up games, known as "NBA Cares Global," officially began.
After easily defeating the Canadian team in Las Vegas, the Team USA showed a completely different game attitude from previous years, and the talented monsters began their crushing journey.
There wasn't much change in the 12-man roster, but the Defense attitude was visibly stronger.
Over 15,000 fans continuously cheered for the big stars.
On the United States Mens National Basketball Team bench, some players were still surprised.
They really didn't expect to have such high popularity across the ocean.
The game was nearing its end.
Carlos Boozer, who had just been substituted, received some boos from the fans.
Many Chinese fans disliked the Utah Jazz and had little affection for Boozer and Deron.
Constantly high-fiving his teammates, Boozer returned to his seat.
Chandler, with his big beard, saw his teammate's predicament and couldn't help but grin and joke loudly:
"I finally know why these fans hate you guys! You eliminated Yao Ming, and the Houston Rockets are the only home team here!"
Deron Williams, draped in a towel, was a bit depressed.
He hadn't understood the other side of the ocean before.
Everyone else got cheers, but only the two of them often heard boos, which truly made them lose face:
"It's crazy! I thought Dwight was lying. These fans are even more enthusiastic than he described. It's said that many people specifically bought tickets to watch the game."
"..."
Last night's game against Turkey was the first in Macau, and the enthusiastic fans almost overwhelmed some of the players who had never been there before.
In the United States, they certainly didn't receive such treatment.
ESPN, which champions data, is Lee's lapdog.
They can't wait to remind everyone in every show how great Lee is and how superhuman his stats are.
TNT only knows how to stir up trouble, constantly fanning the flames.
Whenever a player makes a name for himself, they'll drag in Lee for comparison, and once there's a direct confrontation and the player gets "beaten badly," the next day they'll turn on the player and mock him.
As for local sports media, they also only pursue traffic and disregard factual reporting.
Fox Sports, Yahoo Sports, Sports Illustrated, and the like are all the same, only inciting fan opposition in recent years.
Players who play honestly can't even get fans to remember their names.
Only data, big mouths, and entertainment value can get them reported by these mainstream media.
Without advanced data, without fans who "despise" them, without picky reporters, and without Lee's suppression, in Macau, the United States Mens National Basketball Team enjoyed "superstar" treatment!
Of course, all of this is thanks to Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian.
Since they joined the NBA, CCTV Sports has prioritized broadcasting Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks games whenever there's a game on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Because Yi Jianlian's performance declined after his injury, the Houston Rockets' games were the most frequent, and most of the broadcasts were of Western Conference games.
Many players benefited from this, even a Rookie like Chris Paul gathered a large number of loyal fans, not to mention Kobe, who has been in the league for over 10 years and has made it to the NBA Finals multiple times.
(A/N: Chinese people have extreme hate for Black people but they also worship Black players like a Deity. Especially, Kobe. It's like their famous quote, "Everyone hate Cao Thief but everyone wants to be Cao Thief." In this case, they hate black but wants to become them because of their large wee-wee 😂. In almost all chinese novels, Black people aren't considered human and at the same time in reality, they love many Black players lol. Weird.)
Prince was also startled by the enthusiastic fans.
The New York Knicks also accumulated loyal fans, being one of only two team fanbases across the ocean.
Thanks to Lee's highly successful operations, the first team win-chasers encountered was the New York Knicks, which also converted a large number of fans.
In the eyes of fans across the ocean, the New York Knicks have a long history.
Basketball magazines' short essays popularized the "Reed's Return" and also detailed the "struggles" of champion center Ewing in those years.
Madison Square Garden is a basketball mecca, and the loyalty of New York fans is well-known!
Even the "internal strife" of the Dolan Family is a topic of conversation for many fans.
After Lee inaugurated the "New York Era," jerseys and sneakers have been selling like crazy in this land.
Most importantly, most of the fans here currently don't mind Nike's advance technology.
"I didn't expect them to admire Kobe so much! I don't mean anything else, but the Los Angeles Lakers' reputation isn't very good in New York."
Even Prince, who usually doesn't talk much, joined the discussion.
This truly surprised him, as there aren't many fans who like Kobe in the United States, and some female activists still protest even now.
The New York Times, as one of the most influential newspapers in the United States, described Kobe as "Los Angeles' clown."
When it came to the Washington Post, well-known columnists also had no praise for Kobe, and the mainstream view was "Michael Jordan's imitator."
In recent years, advanced statistics have been introduced, and historical players are compared using Excel.
Clay Lee, Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Olajuwon, Shaquille O'Neal, and others are the ones professional commentators praise.
Whenever a reporter tried to include Kobe in this discussion, they would always say one thing:
"What about Kobe?"
Then the commentators on TV shows would laugh, putting on a look of "you don't understand basketball at all."
This kind of public opinion environment directly turned Kobe into a meme.
But everything changed after coming to Macau.
Kobe has extremely high popularity here.
Every time he touches the ball, fans cheer loudly, and a spectacular dunk makes the crowd scream repeatedly.
(A/N: I'm warning u all here. In this novel, chinese fans seems to love Kobe out of nowhere because Chinese officials don't publicize much of our MC games and chinese are like birds in a cage. Only a few selected news are being shared with them. So, they love Kobe, and some other players but not Lee. Pitiful, right?)
In this environment, Kobe performed even harder, motivating the Team USA to give their absolute best.
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
Sweating profusely, Kobe once again stepped to the free-throw line.
The Lithuanian players on the court also looked somewhat surprised by the loud cheers.
European basketball also advocates Lee's playing style, and sports fans who don't like the NBA can also learn about Lee through Manchester United.
The "Red Fan Club" has swept across multiple countries.
On some holidays, Lee even advertised himself and the club on the internet.
The influence of football in some regions far exceeds that of the NBA.
After making the free throw, Kobe, who had been substituted, pursed his lips, suppressing his excitement, constantly waving, and finally putting his hand to his chest to express his gratitude to the fans.
He was so moved.
Across the ocean, basketball brought tears to his eyes.
Here, there were still these loyal fans supporting him!
Ultimately, the score of this warm-up game settled at 120:84, with the "Team USA" once again crushing their opponent.
On the 3rd, they will play their final two warm-up games at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center, against the Russian team and the Australian team, respectively.
Kobe's immense popularity surprised some people on the team.
Howard even turned into a sour grape.
He didn't like the serious team atmosphere, but James didn't support him, which made him very unhappy!
When Assistant Coach McMillan informed Kobe to prepare for the press conference, Howard, who had returned to the locker room, became even more sour.
He clearly had a better reputation in the United States, but now all the limelight had been stolen by the Mamba.
"Does anyone know why the fans here like Kobe so much?"
"Shit! This is crazy."
No sooner had Howard finished speaking than James, who had just removed his headband, interrupted his teammate, saying sternly:
"Don't discuss these boring things, Dwight. We have to stick together, we are family. Pau played very well, and the big guys need to maintain this form!"
For James's sake of giving him headphones, Howard didn't retort to his teammate, but he was still a bit annoyed.
Kidd was still watching the show, but as a veteran on the team, he also spoke up proactively:
"We're here to play, not to shoot commercials!"
"Don't underestimate any opponent. I don't want to break my own record. This is my only chance to win against Lee."
The locker room immediately returned to a joyful atmosphere.
In international competitions, Kidd always led the team to victory, and Lee even recommended him to be the Captain America.
Their relationship had warmed, and the old guy's words were self-deprecating.
Bosh, with his braided hair, noticed Wade's low spirits and, thinking he was upset about being a substitute, proactively comforted him:
"Our playing time is pretty much the same, man. You can go for the scoring title. We big guys don't have that kind of opportunity."
Wade, who had shaved his head bald, didn't mind being a substitute.
He had been following the Miami Heat's movements, and Pat Riley hadn't actively strengthened the team, which was the reason for his unhappiness.
He was planning a big season next year, after all!
"Yeah, Bro! I like the scoring title!"
Wade smiled again.
He couldn't influence Riley's decision, and no matter how displeased he was, he was powerless at this point.
He could only pray in his heart to bid farewell to tanking next season.
When Head Coach K and Kobe appeared at the press conference, the room full of reporters warmly welcomed them, and questions for Kobe came one after another.
Until a reporter from "Olympic Athlete" asked Head Coach K a question that made Kobe frown:
"Hello, Mike. We've noticed that you don't seem to have sent out your best player? I think many reporters, like me, are looking forward to Lee appearing in international competitions."
Head Coach K had already predicted this and, upon hearing the question, immediately smiled and replied:
"Yes, unfortunately, considering physical reasons, we did not invite Lee this time, but we sent out the most hardworking players!"
"I think you've all seen the defensive changes in these two games. This is the influence Kobe brings. His energy affects everyone on the team."
"..."
When the Team USA returned to the hotel, they were again warmly welcomed by fans.
Taking photos, signing autographs—everyone enjoyed themselves.
Until a young fan approached Kobe with a poster, and Howard, who had been constantly sour, almost burst out laughing when he saw the content of the poster.
The exquisite poster in the hand of the fan, who looked to be under 18, was a photo of Lee and Kobe together.
The two were smiling and bumping fists, and although they were wearing different jerseys, they looked like "good brothers."
Kobe endured the discomfort in his heart and smiled as he signed his name on the poster, which excited the young man so much that he loudly said in broken English, "Friendship Lives Long!"
...
By the time everyone returned to the hotel, Howard could no longer hold back, cheering gleefully, and the whole group found it hard to maintain their composure.
Even James and a few others who were trying to stay serious started to snicker.
Chris Paul, though about to shed his Rookie status, was still the junior member of the team, so he stepped forward at this moment and solemnly helped the Captain out of the predicament:
"This is just a fan's wish, I think the poster is very well made! Everyone really likes Kobe."
Even across the ocean, Kobe seemed unable to escape Lee's influence.
He awoke as if from a beautiful dream, his previous mood gone, and quickly returned to his room with a grim face.
He needed to find someone to ask what was going on.
The next day, on the plane to Shanghai, Kobe still had a long face.
After consulting Yao Ming, he understood why such a situation had occurred.
After NBA culture swept across the ocean, the quality of sports magazines varied, but inspirational stories blossomed everywhere!
Lee's early career trainer was Tim Grover, and the two even published a book together.
Kobe had also received training from him.
In the stories, both of them inherited from Michael Jordan.
"From the same lineage," they each ascended to the top of the Western Conference and Eastern Conference, becoming both rivals and friends, maintaining a friendly competition, and encouraging each other, becoming close brothers in the NBA!
This was a touching NBA story, widely circulated across the ocean, and deeply loved by New York fans.
The more Kobe thought about it, the angrier he got.
Recalling the repeated humiliations from his "arch enemy" over the years, he wished he could smash those indiscriminately reported magazines, and the "revenge" emotion in his heart grew even stronger:
"I will never forgive the humiliation of these past years!"
After finishing the Vodacom Challenge, Manchester United played another friendly match against Portsmouth in Nigeria.
After a short rest, they returned to Manchester.
On Saturday, August 2nd, there was a warm-up match against Espanyol tonight, as well as Ole Gunnar Solskjær's "farewell" event; the baby-faced assassin was officially moving to the coaching bench.
Old Trafford Stadium was packed with 69,872 United fans.
After winning the Champions League, the team's cohesion surged, and most United believed that Manchester United was still on the right track!
British sports reporters also turned out en masse.
Every season before it starts, Lee comes to watch the game live, and this year was no exception.
What made these reporters even happier was that Lee had a new female companion, though she appeared to be barely an adult.
But age didn't matter.
Being underage worked even better for them.
In just one afternoon, news about the Olsen Sisters began to circulate on the internet.
Unfortunately, they couldn't find Elizabeth Olsen's social media account.
Before the match began, Solskjær received cheers from fans in the center of the pitch.
The baby-faced assassin was teary-eyed, choking up several times, and could only excitedly express his gratitude:
"Thank you."
After the thunderous cheers came waves of applause.
Lee smiled and applauded along with the club staff, and finally, he embraced the emotional Solskjær.
There was also an atmosphere team arranged on site.
In the camera, some fans were shedding tears.
Soon, Lee, dressed like a "Red Scarf," took the microphone and spoke emotionally in a reminiscent tone:
"Ole is a true legend! No one will forget his winning goal in the 99th Champions League Final at 92 minutes and 17 seconds!"
...
Lee, who began to recount history, praised Solskjær fiercely, making his face even redder with excitement.
The Manchester United fans present were also stimulated by these beautiful memories, cheering continuously.
No one could refuse to reminisce.
"The club will fully support him. I believe Ole can make Manchester United's youth team even better. Under the guidance of a legend, the young lads will fulfill their potential..."
Making Solskjær the youth team coach was a promise Ferguson made when he signed the contract.
For this, there were also a series of personnel changes in the reserve team, and for Manchester United New York fans, this was a legacy!
"I cannot express my gratitude. Boss, thank you. I will always be a Manchester United man!"
Solskjær, who was called a "gentleman" by the team staff, excitedly hugged Lee to show his loyalty.
The veteran actor Lee also proactively promised in front of his own TV station:
"Ole, Manchester United will always remember your contribution to the team! This will always be your home, and soon you will see your story in the team museum!"
Ferguson and the coaching staff on the sidelines were in a daze.
They didn't expect Lee to put on such a show, even preparing a speech, which made everyone suspect there was an insider in the team.
The old man pushed his glasses up. Regardless, Solskjær was his beloved disciple.
Ferguson soon appeared on camera as well, and after an embrace, he also waved his fist to the United fans.
There was indeed an insider in the club.
Recently, there has been increasing news about Dimitar Berbatov's transfer, and Tottenham and the player himself have also released more information under the media's instigation.
Before returning to the stands, reporters quickly surrounded him again.
Interrupting their greetings, Lee smiled and took the initiative:
"Ladies and gentlemen, let's get straight to the point. I've been following the recent news!"
"Clay, we've received news that Manchester City is preparing to participate in the exhibition. They plan to offer £35 million for Dimitar Berbatov. Will this affect the team's transfer plans?"
The question came from a Guardian reporter.
Lee also noticed that The Times, Daily Mail, and several other mainstream media were present, so he confidently bragged:
"No one will refuse to play for Manchester United!"
"35 million? As long as Sir Alex Ferguson and David approve, and our New York fans welcome it, this deal will happen!"
"As for whether Manchester City bids, I'm not interested in knowing, because Berbatov will ultimately choose Manchester United."
Immediately, everyone became even more excited.
A bidding war between city rivals!
Sports media doesn't care if the contract will be inflated.
They wish the two clubs would "fight" over it.
"Clay, are you dating the Olsen Sisters at the same time? They are—"
The reporter wanting gossip was quickly stopped by staff.
Looking at Lee's waving back, he was still shouting loudly until the fans at the stadium erupted in cheers again, welcoming the owner back to the stands.
In the box above the stands, the old man Stan Kroenke witnessed Lee's influence.
As a sports industry magnate, he has always disliked dealing with reporters.
After acquiring the Denver Nuggets and Avalanche in 2000, Kroenke remained as low-key as ever, until he tried to buy Arsenal and was ridiculed by their CEO, which finally made the old man a bit angry.
Near the box, Elizabeth Olsen, dressed in black trousers and a white casual shirt, was whispering to Katheryn Winnick, who was casually dressed.
Both were surrounded by security personnel, but reporters were still taking photos:
"There are reporters everywhere. Where are we going tonight?"
The young woman asked knowingly.
Katheryn, having finished her household chores, wasn't as mischievous, but seeing Olsen dressed like a girl, she couldn't help but tease:
"Home, of course. You'll love that little manor."
Olsen was still a bit nervous.
In fact, after a nearly crazy four-on-one, she had a strange feeling, wanting to have him all to herself, to have a few tender one-on-one sessions.
It's just that Lee's life seemed somewhat different from what she imagined.
The thought of her sisters enjoying their competition at the time made her heart involuntarily speed up...
Inside the box, Lee shook hands with Kroenke again.
The two had no prior connection, but as their wealth grew, they naturally came together.
The 60-year-old Kroenke had a mustache.
As someone born in the 1940s, his business philosophy was also deeply influenced by the times, but he was indeed angered by Arsenal last year:
"That's amazing! Clay, you seem to be completely in control of the club. I observed the attendance carefully, and Old Trafford Stadium's operations are excellent!"
Lee, now back on the sofa, shook his head slightly and proactively explained the real situation here:
"Controlling the club is still a long way off. Ferguson's influence on this club is so great that I'll only be able to replace some key positions after a few more years, after experiencing some failures."
"Sir, you certainly didn't come to praise me. 'We don't need people like him.' Oh, I noticed the relevant news last year. As arrogant as ever!"
Hearing Lee deliberately exaggerate his British accent, Kroenke also laughed.
He indeed disliked those arrogant British fellows:
"If through financial means, do you think I have a chance to gain control of Arsenal?"
"They've just gotten rid of debt. I think it's better to wait. The Premier League's current operating situation isn't good, and the return on investment might not reach the ideal state."
"A club won't be strong forever. There will always be a low point, and that's the best opportunity."
Hearing Lee's suggestion, Kroenke chuckled, and thinking of Manchester United's achievements last year, he couldn't help but tease:
"Will Manchester United, having won the Champions League, also fall into a slump?"
"Of course! I have no doubt about it. When New York fans hope for the team to rise again, that will be my opportunity!"
Such a sincere answer made the old man laugh again.
Lee, on the other hand, was very frank, even openly admitting that Manchester United would decline:
"How about the slogan, 'Make Manchester United Great Again!' I think United fans will like it."
"Oh! Clay, you're more interesting than I imagined!"
"..."
.....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)