On Wednesday, August 6, 2008, the San Antonio Express-News suddenly reported a piece of news that caused San Antonio Spurs fans to explode.
"Andrew Bynum's agent has postponed contract negotiations until September. The player seems unwilling to play in San Antonio."
"Marc Gasol's agent is seeking a starting position. The player is dissatisfied with the San Antonio Spurs' role definition."
"Kwame Brown is confirmed to play for the Milwaukee Bucks next season. The San Antonio Spurs face huge challenges in the offseason!"
Not every player is easy to deal with.
Perhaps Duncan had given the San Antonio Spurs management some illusions over the years.
When they brought up their "family" theory, the new recruits didn't buy it.
For an entire month, Manu Ginobili ignored advice and played for the Argentina national team with an injury, while Bynum threatened the team, seeking an absolute core tactical position.
Although Marc Gasol hadn't officially entered the NBA yet, after his agent switched to Mark Bartelstein, he also sought an absolute starting position for the player, and incidentally caused Kwame Brown to "run away."
The proud team culture disintegrated at this moment.
After related news broke, Popovich, who had temporarily stepped away from basketball, had no choice but to speak up for his disciple, Mike Budenholzer:
"I don't think this is the Head Coach's problem. In fact, all San Antonio fans support Mike, and the team's management knows how good he is!"
"If these players don't want to integrate into the San Antonio Spurs' team culture, then let them leave. The team will rise again!"
The San Antonio Spurs' beat reporters continuously updated on social media.
New York Media, who were intensely surfing the internet, burst into laughter upon seeing the news, and the comment section was quickly overrun:
"The San Antonio Spurs' team culture? Harming players? Second largest point difference in the NBA Finals?"
"They clearly haven't achieved anything, yet they always act like successes."
"Fill the salary cap! Fill the salary cap!"
"Eva might leave the Frenchman soon. No one will pay attention to San Antonio."
After waiting a month, the contract renewals still weren't settled, and management members even left for Oklahoma City.
San Antonio Spurs fans were utterly disappointed until close to noon when David Robinson updated his Twitter:
"We don't play for trophies! We only fight for family!"
Apparently, the team legend also didn't like Bynum's controversial actions.
Since there was still one year left on his contract, if the San Antonio Spurs didn't release him, no one could sign him, and neither side intended to compromise.
As for Marc Gasol, the San Antonio Spurs didn't have much reaction.
Ever since Scola had a falling out with the team, they had become more decisive in international player trades.
If any team was interested in this Spanish big man, Mike Budenholzer had no objections.
There were no big fish in the free agency market, and the San Antonio Spurs' news sparked widespread discussion, but when the news of Gilbert Arenas taking a pay cut emerged, it shocked the onlookers.
The loudmouth actually didn't want money anymore?
It was known that not long ago, Gilbert Arenas had vowed that the Washington Wizards must offer him a max contract.
Now, three months later, he had actually "backed down"?
Soon, curious sports reporters discovered that the Washington Wizards had quietly replaced their General Manager, with Grunfeld, who had previously been embroiled in a "workplace sexual scandal" in New York, finding new employment.
The Washington Wizards held a small signing ceremony for the pay-cut Gilbert Arenas, with Grunfeld and the team's core player accepting interviews together.
Gilbert Arenas, who was recovering from injury, first told reporters that he had regained his health, and then explained his decision:
"I am a competitor, I crave victory! If the team doctor allowed it, I would even want to play with an injury!"
"Modern basketball has changed. Those big guys with rough skills who only knew how to rebound can't survive in today's NBA. I clearly understand that I need help!"
Seeing all the reporters below staring intently at him, Gilbert Arenas was very satisfied.
A smile reappeared on his dark face, and he suddenly quipped:
"Lindsey Hunter is right, I respect him, but I want to add, if we still hold onto old basketball concepts, the NBA will indeed become Clay Lee's basketball game."
"During my recovery, I watched a lot of game footage. I know that to go further, the team must have excellent roster depth."
"I will also change my playing style. I am not Kobe Bryant, and I have no interest in imitating Michael Jordan. Clay Lee has already told us how to win, and what the Washington Wizards need to do is become the second New York Knicks."
"I like Ernie. He understands New York! His arrival will transform the Washington Wizards, and for that, I am willing to make sacrifices."
"You heard right, I chose to take a pay cut so the team can complete renewals and supplement the roster. I won't force the team to trade an MVP. I choose to fight alongside my brothers!"
Gilbert Arenas was almost undisguised.
He was clearly being sarcastic towards Kobe.
It wasn't the first time the two had clashed, and everyone present was happy to watch the drama, all smiling as if watching a show.
"Ernie, since you took office, you've delivered a perfect answer sheet to the fans. Do you think the Washington Wizards can achieve even greater success?"
Grunfeld, who had been silent for several years, had grown a big beard and had become completely thin.
The "sexual scandal" actually had very limited impact on him.
As one of the creators of the New York Knicks dynasty, he never lacked work in the industry:
"This takes time. Whether it's drafting or trading, we can't know the specific chemical reactions."
"What I need to do is help the Washington Wizards shorten this process. Gilbert's desire for victory shocked me, and for his sacrifice, I just want to take off my hat in tribute!"
"…"
Washington sports reporters were overjoyed.
No one doubted Grunfeld's ability.
Just look at the New York Knicks' performance in the draft in previous years, they were like they were guided by God!
Thinking that the Washington Wizards could also accumulate talent through the draft, even the most critical reporter wouldn't speak sarcastically now.
The press conference proceeded very harmoniously, with flattery flowing like a tide, making Gilbert Arenas float with joy, until an ESPN reporter fanned the flames:
"Gilbert, have you paid attention to the national team's situation? In China, Kobe Bryant is more popular than other athletes? What are your thoughts on this?"
When Kobe was mentioned, Gilbert Arenas felt a pang in his heart.
In recent days, news about the Olympic Games had been increasing, and the highly popular Kobe had also made headlines in many newspapers:
"I don't know why this is happening!"
With a "perplexed" expression on his face, Gilbert Arenas spread his hands in front of everyone, as if very confused, then joked with a peculiar tone:
"Just like you always report on Kobe's hard training, I don't know what's so commendable about that."
"In fact, just discussing individual training, I wouldn't lose to anyone. My training plan is even crazy, but you never report on that!"
"Kobe always says he doesn't care about stats, he's just talking nonsense! All players in the NBA know what stats mean. No team will offer a max contract to a player averaging 10 points."
"But Kobe has indeed surpassed me in some aspects. I can't say 'I am the best player.'"
Gilbert Arenas, imitating Kobe's tone, shouted a few times in front of everyone, which made the atmosphere even more joyful, but the loudmouth's output was not over yet:
"Clay Lee has blown me out more than once. He is on another level! And Kobe and I, we are just ordinary All-Stars."
"Do you think Kobe has ever come close to Clay Lee or Michael Jordan? Come on! Check the stats, they are completely different."
"I always feels like Chinese fans are blind worshippers."
"Maybe I would also be very popular in Asia, at least my stats are no different from Kobe's."
Gilbert Arenas not only spoke rapidly but also had vivid expressions on his face, amusing the sports reporters.
These words indeed sounded reasonable, and many people planned to thoroughly check the statistics to see how big the gap was between Gilbert Arenas and Kobe Bryant.
When the press conference ended, Gilbert Arenas recalled the news he had seen these days and felt even more bitter.
Sports media used "worship" to describe the sudden affection of chinese fans for Kobe.
"Ernie, does Lee have a special training plan with the New York Knicks?"
Grunfeld had heard this question more than once, but looking at Gilbert Arenas's hopeful eyes, and then thinking about the pay cut, he finally told a white lie:
"Special training? Lee likes to practice boxing, which might help him become more flexible."
"?"
Gilbert Arenas had a puzzled expression.
This wasn't the answer he wanted.
In fact, he wanted to understand some "core technology" issues.
He felt that Lee's body was "inhumanly" strong.
If he could get technological enhancements, even with some side effects, as long as he could become stronger, Gilbert Arenas wouldn't mind trying it.
The Los Angeles Lakers quietly signed Gerald Green to a minimum contract, and Fisher also connected with his good brother, Matt Barnes, who once again became his teammate.
For Kobe, he was no longer paying attention to this news.
He was surrounded by enthusiastic Chinese fans and media reporters.
Ever since the last warm-up game against Australia in Hangzhou, Kobe was surrounded wherever he went.
He was completely immersed in this atmosphere, which was completely different from what he experienced in the United States.
On Thursday, August 7, one day before the opening ceremony, Kobe took time to accept a personal interview with CCTV Sports.
Among the US Olympic delegation, the Sudanese flag bearer was ignored.
Among all athletes, only Kobe was the most popular.
In addition, Sun Yue would be joining the Los Angeles Lakers in the new season, which made fans like Kobe even more.
Many people were already looking forward to seeing the two partner in the backcourt.
Cameras recorded him from the moment he got in the car.
Although it wasn't his first time in Beijing, Kobe still expressed his amazement at the city's development and continuously praised the environment here as being much better than reported by American and European media.
The Basketball Park program had special coverage, with A, B, and C all present.
No one expected Kobe to be so enthusiastic and cooperative during the recording.
During the Q&A session, A, the old man who often commentated on Los Angeles Lakers games and loved to say "wild shots" and "unreasonable," asked a question that puzzled many fans:
"Kobe, we've noticed that you often take forced shots during games. Can you talk about this particular offensive choice?"
The old man, with a smile on his face, constantly watched Kobe's expression.
Contrary to their expectations, Kobe leaned back in his seat, a confident smile still on his face, and once again emphasized his basketball philosophy:
"In a basketball game, ordinary offense cannot destroy the opponent's confidence! I like to use difficult shots to hit the opponent!"
"Constantly attack the opposing player, constantly score under double-teams! I will keep attacking him until his Defense starts to get frustrated. When the opponent shows a weakness, the team can easily win the game."
All three of them showed expressions of astonishment, which made Kobe even happier.
He never expected to receive recognition on the this communist country!
B was very satisfied with Kobe's attitude and quickly led the topic to matters of concern to the fans:
"Next season, Sun Yue will join the Lakers. We all know that it's difficult for second-round picks to get many opportunities in the NBA. What advice do you have for your new teammate?"
Kobe, busy fighting with the lazy ones, hadn't paid much attention to the Rookie second-round pick, but the Olympic Games were about to begin, and he would soon get to know his teammate:
"I don't know how Rookies get opportunities on other teams? But on the Lakers, as long as they train hard, they will get recognition from me and the coaching staff!"
A controlled his expression.
Having lived in the United States, he knew that Kobe was subtly mocking Lee.
This season, the Los Angeles Times always joked about the internal competition of the New York Knicks:
"Training hard is not as good as carrying Lee's bag."
Although he couldn't confirm whether the news was true, A felt that the report still had some credibility.
After introducing the Lakers' internal situation to the fans, and incidentally mentioning the current locker room culture, Kobe still felt it wasn't enough, and finally said seriously:
"I will personally guard Sun in the game! I want to see his strength!"
"..."
After finishing the interview, Kobe returned to the Olympic Village.
Among the entire delegation, Tyson Gay, the renowned sprinter, was actually the biggest star on the team.
Coupled with the influence of American public opinion, Kobe was not popular among female athletes in the delegation.
Instead, LeBron James had already blended in with everyone early on, constantly "visiting" to get familiar with faces these past few days.
Wade found Kobe at this time.
Their relationship was generally strained because O'Neal always brought new subordinates to mock his old partner.
After entering the room, Wade didn't waste words.
He showed Kobe the news on his phone and jokingly teased his former teammate:
"Lamar is really an unlucky guy, but I have a good relationship with him. If someone interviews me later and asks about the trade, I will express my support!"
"Dude, this is just the team's choice. I don't think you guys will give up on him. I've been hearing about trade news for almost two years now."
Yahoo Sports broke the news that Odom was interested in returning to Miami.
Seeing the phrase "fed up with the Lakers' environment," Kobe's good mood instantly vanished, and he finally said with a grim face:
"Thanks, Bro! I won't pay attention to these boring news."
Wade shrugged his shoulders.
He felt a bit sorry for Kobe.
He reached the NBA Finals but didn't receive much praise.
Remembering the situation of this year's NBA Finals, he finally kindly suggested:
"I think you should consider gaining muscle and returning to your form from a few seasons ago. In the NBA, referees will let Lee get away with small fouls. The extensive physical contact made you lose your way."
"I wanted to say this after training camp. Those reporters shouldn't slander you."
Kobe then put on his "big brother" demeanor, nodded slightly to express his thanks, and then said nothing more.
Wade was too lazy to argue about it and quickly said goodbye and left.
Kobe was very aware of the two different voices within the Lakers management, but he couldn't make a decision on which side was correct.
Thinking of these frustrating things, Kobe couldn't help but curse under his breath for a moment:
"Shit! Why does he always succeed?"
On Friday, August 8th, the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, Lee, still in the UK, had been dealing with British reporters recently.
Although Cristiano Ronaldo remained with the team, the curious public wouldn't let go of this hot topic.
London is also one of the world's financial centers, and Wall Street's troubles have also affected this side.
Lee has received many invitations from bankers these past few days.
Of course, he had to go to the banquets, but if the other party knew that Lee was going to short them in a few months, they probably wouldn't be in a good mood.
Not pulling out a gun on the spot would be considered polite...
Watching games, banquets, "practicing basketball"—the monotonous life temporarily hit pause today.
Lee and the others, who woke up almost at 11 o'clock, could directly have lunch.
This private villa in Cheshire is very large, and after modern renovation, its comfort has also been greatly improved.
The butler team can live in another part.
Natalie Dormer praised this place endlessly, and Elizabeth Olsen felt the same.
After being deceived by the historical red brick exterior, she gradually fell in love with the quiet environment here.
Katheryn, who had the best stamina, clung to Lee as they emerged from the bathroom together.
She then haphazardly threw on a T-shirt, glanced at the schedule that had been delivered, and said with some surprise:
"Are we going back to the US this weekend?"
Lee turned on the TV, settled into the living room sofa, watching the news channel's report, and casually replied:
"I need to go to Washington for a few days. You can stay here, and please thank Natalie for me. She's taken good care of the house."
As a mature young woman, Katheryn had completely changed her mindset.
While drying her hair, she casually agreed, then hummed a song and prepared to inform the kitchen.
It was almost 12 o'clock when Olsen tiptoed out of the bathroom.
She was a bit embarrassed, but thankfully Katheryn wasn't malicious and thoughtfully prepared her clothes.
The opening ceremony was about to begin.
The young girl bit her lip and squeezed next to Lee.
She still wasn't used to showing affection under her sister's gaze.
Sharing the happy feelings of the past few days, Olsen, who had gradually snuggled into his arms, looked at Lee's side profile, which appeared particularly youthful after he shaved his beard.
She instinctively hugged him tighter, then whispered:
"Darling, will we always be together?"
If it were his two twin sisters, they would never say such a thing.
Lee looked down at the young girl's expectant eyes, a sunny smile on his face, and responded without hesitation:
"God wouldn't let me miss a good girl…"
The sweet words in her ear made the young Olsen incredibly happy.
With a little teasing, soon a pair of fair hands were held again, and when she was kissed, the physical pleasure made all doubts in her heart disappear.
She even had some fantasies:
"Maybe we can start a family, I can take care of those cute little ones, they'll like me!"
Katheryn, returning to the living room with snacks, couldn't help but secretly roll her eyes at the young girl's emotional state.
She really couldn't bear to break certain fantasies.
Some things were better left for the twin sisters to say.
At certain moments, the young girl's sweet talk and vibrant waist couldn't attract Lee's attention.
Witnessing the grand opening ceremony again, memories flooded back into his mind.
At that time, due to his excellent spoken English, he even served as a volunteer under his workplace's arrangement.
Office life felt like it was just yesterday.
When Katheryn brought the snacks over, Olsen blushed, pulled down her T-shirt, and remembering her previous thought, she secretly glanced at her blonde sister and couldn't help but become more confident:
"I'm only 19."
Seeing the camera on the TV suddenly linger on Kobe's face for several seconds, and a huge cheer erupt from the scene, Lee, who had just gotten away from the young girl, thought of past events and immediately laughed.
At certain times, he was like Melinda, a fun-loving person, always with a bit of a mischievous streak.
On the other side of the ocean, in the Bird's Nest stadium, at the moment the cheers erupted, Kobe waved repeatedly.
Remembering his experiences in the United States over the past few years, emotions surged in his heart again, and he finally shed tears in front of the camera.
Those around him didn't expect Kobe to react this way.
Tyson Gay, who received a long shot, maintained his superstar demeanor, only smiling at the camera.
The two men's differing attitudes formed a stark contrast.
On Saturday, August 9th, Kobe's tears became a trending news story across the ocean.
His die-hard fans were ecstatic and began speaking out for their idol on Tieba (chinese google maybe).
This news also had extremely high discussion in the United States.
On Reddit, in the Lakers' section, a post by a Kobe die-hard fan exploded in popularity:
"8 seconds of footage, even across the ocean they recognize Kobe, why do we always mock him?"
"I don't understand why so many people like Lee, he doesn't love basketball at all. Kobe is different, he was practically born for basketball!"
"In the delegation, he is the special Mamba. I am proud of Kobe. As my idol, Kobe makes me more confident."
None of the replies below the post were in agreement.
The fun-loving people of New York were almost splitting their sides laughing.
Young people in front of their computers called their friends, crossed into other sections, and mocked the original poster to their heart's content.
At first, the fans resisted, until almost the entire forum replied:
"Kobe has never won a championship that truly belonged to him."
(A/N: Chinese fans almost never won an argument with Americans and always bashed them only in their private sites. I've been there a few times and laughed my heart out lol.)
"..."
Also this weekend, the New York Knicks officially confirmed that Ron Artest and Raja Bell would continue to play for the New York Knicks next season, with both parties having signed a 4-year contract.
Although the specific amount has not been announced, a pay cut is impossible.
Many basketball commentators, upon receiving the news, began calculating New York's salary cap.
On Sunday afternoon, old Smith also stopped putting on airs.
After a month of fuss, seemingly influenced by the "New York Black Shop," only the Grizzlies and Denver Nuggets had offered bids for his good son.
To play in Memphis or Denver, even if JR Smith agreed, their family would tie him back to New York!
Actively accepting an interview with a New York Times sports reporter, old Smith appeared exceptionally loyal, not mentioning at all his search for a contract last month:
"To be able to accept God-Lee's guidance, I am proud of my son!"
"..."
It's unclear when it started, but every player who signed with the New York Knicks would thank Lee.
The New York Media might have noticed, but who would care about the specifics?
As long as they keep winning, New York will still have the most loyal fans.
...
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)