On sunday, June 1st, 2008, Children's Day, a time that should have been filled with family joy, the Lakers players were still active on the training court.
As the Finals approached, a large number of sports reporters flew to Los Angeles, constantly digging for information on the Lakers. ABC, as the broadcaster, naturally wouldn't miss the annual 'chicken soup' segment.
The NBA can sometimes be very realistic.
If you play hard on the last-place team, no one will pay attention to you, and few will praise your "work ethic."
Some extreme fans will even belittle the team's core player, no matter how much effort he puts in for the team.
If the team is in last place, he ultimately has to take the blame.
Every player who makes it into the NBA is a "genius" in his own growth story, but once on this stage, "genius" becomes cheap.
People only care about winning or losing.
Ariza was selected in the second round but didn't get a contract, wandering in the G League.
After making a name for himself, he was drafted by the Orlando Magic, but even then, his position wasn't guaranteed.
Just like ordinary second-round picks who struggle for a few years and eventually leave the NBA reluctantly, Ariza was actually prepared for that, but the Lakers' trade changed everything.
Since coming to Los Angeles, Ariza has received far more attention than ever before.
Reporters here would pursue him, and fans here would shout his name.
If he performed well in a game, he even had the chance to attend press conferences afterward.
Coupled with those enthusiastic and brainless girls, Ariza even felt like he had arrived in paradise!
Every NBA Finals has a lot of pre-game packaging.
Underdog players strive to enter the league and eventually stand on the supreme stage of the NBA Finals—this is a living, inspirational story.
Perhaps never expecting that he would one day become a "protagonist," Ariza shed tears in front of the camera during an interview after the morning training session.
When the interviewer brought up his struggles in the G League, Ariza found it hard to control his emotions, and tears streamed down his face.
He had been through so much!
"We all know that you didn't seem to be trusted by the Orlando Magic, but after coming to the Lakers, you quickly earned a starting position."
"Can you talk about these changes?"
The backdrop was black, just like last year.
The entire interview process was quite simple, but the thought that basketball fans worldwide would be watching the Finals made it difficult for Ariza to control his emotions:
"Yes, when I was in the G League, what I most longed for was to return to the NBA. I succeeded, but then I failed again."
"I respect the Orlando Magic. They saved my career. But ultimately, it was the Lakers' team culture that gave me new life. It's completely different here from Orlando."
"Playing for the Orlando Magic, everyone wasn't eager for victory. In my opinion, many Eastern Conference teams have this problem. It's hard for me to describe that feeling."
"But the Lakers are different. Kobe, whether on or off the court, constantly pursues victory. When Tim Duncan joined the team, we completed our transformation."
"When your teammate is an MVP, it's hard not to desire greater achievements because we know the team has that capability."
Wearing a gray practice jersey, Ariza spoke eloquently in front of the camera.
As a "wanderer," he enjoyed talking about team culture and had many insights.
However, the interviewer wasn't really interested in these things.
After getting the answers he wanted, he immediately asked a seemingly unrelated question:
"In your opinion, Eastern Conference teams seem to lack the desire for victory. Is this related to Clay Lee? We all know that since entering the league, he has only missed the Finals once."
"..."
Ariza was a bit confused.
He was just a small player, a fringe player even on the Orlando Magic.
At most, he heard his teammates complain.
After he gave an uncertain answer, the reporter in front of him seemed even more excited:
"Are the Lakers ready to bring basketball back to the right path? Do you have the confidence to end New York's reign?"
Unconsciously, the conversation shifted to this question.
Ariza bit the bullet and gave an affirmative answer.
The interview was for fans worldwide, so he couldn't be a softie at this moment.
With the desired content—chicken soup and bold statements—successfully obtained, the staff signaled that Ariza could leave and assured him that they would release the full interview.
ABC and ESPN had different strategies for different players.
For those with families, the whole family appeared on camera this time.
In the afternoon, Tim Duncan's entire family sat in front of the camera.
Having put on beautiful makeup, Amy held her daughter and happily shared the changes their family experienced after coming to Los Angeles.
Unlike San Antonio, fans here paid more attention to them, a comprehensive kind of attention.
Not just basketball, but their private lives were also scrutinized, and even their political stances would be discussed.
"We lived in San Antonio for a long time, and leaving was very unsettling. No one likes to adapt to an unfamiliar environment."
"But Mr. Buss and his family helped us a lot. The fans in Los Angeles are amazing, and we quickly integrated into the new community. The children also love the weather here."
"Personally, I really like Los Angeles. At least my husband doesn't have to fly for consecutive road games. He'll have more time to spend with the children."
The Livestock Association annually commandeered the San Antonio Spurs' home arena for exhibition events, which meant Duncan spent nearly half a month each season on airplanes.
Actually, this wasn't an issue for a superstar, as he earned so much money and had to make sacrifices.
But when Amy mentioned these things, she started to cry, as if they had been suffering all along.
"Family" is very important.
This is a societal consensus.
The little girl, seeing her mother cry, also expressed herself in front of the camera:
"I like Los Angeles, and Daddy will win the championship..."
Although the mother and daughter didn't directly complain about life in San Antonio, the information revealed in their words made Duncan feel a bit uncomfortable.
He actually preferred his past life.
He had good friends on the San Antonio Spurs.
Perhaps the sports reporters there didn't have much influence, but the fans were very loyal.
The poor performance was only because the management didn't spend money.
The pace of life in Los Angeles made him uncomfortable.
Perhaps it was due to Hollywood, but life here was full of a sense of "freedom."
The extra attention sometimes bothered Duncan.
"Tim, this will be your 5th time in the Finals, and your opponent is still Clay Lee!"
"Facing the Knicks again, do you have a different feeling? Kobe Bryant has achieved success, and this time you have a championship guard by your side."
Mentioning Kobe, Duncan sighed inwardly.
As the Finals approached, his new partner became increasingly "crazy."
The staff couldn't stop him.
He practiced intensely every day, even with injuries.
During training, anyone who lost focus would be scolded by Kobe, which made everyone tense.
This severely affected the locker room atmosphere.
"No team in the league wants to face the defending champions in the Finals. For me, there's both pressure and motivation."
"I know my opponent very well. Basketball is no longer a game dominated by big men. Clay Lee has changed the sport, but I believe Kobe can respond."
"Perhaps our coordination is still a bit rusty, but in the Finals, responding is more important. The team is ready now."
Duncan, in front of the camera, was also speaking favorably of Kobe.
After joining the team, he had discovered some issues, but as an MVP, he now craved a championship even more.
Phil Jackson had also hinted that Kobe sometimes wouldn't pass the ball.
Duncan was prepared for this.
As long as they could win, he didn't mind being a "supporting player."
The interview continued, and Duncan's humble demeanor made Amy a bit displeased.
Just like her time as a cheerleader in college, she liked being the center of attention.
"You should show your core status. You are an MVP. There's no need to please anyone else!"
After the interview, Amy's whispered complaint surprised Duncan.
She had never shown such an attitude before.
"I need a championship!"
Duncan embraced his increasingly refined wife, giving a simple response without much explanation.
There were only so many possessions, and someone would inevitably have to make sacrifices.
As a championship guard, Kobe's interview naturally delved deeper, and "family" became a crucial part.
Everyone was aware of Vanessa's experiences, and the questions were sometimes not very friendly.
Fortunately, after years of experience, Vanessa had grown accustomed to the reporters' provocations.
Holding her eldest daughter, she continuously spoke highly of her husband in front of the camera:
"Basketball is his life! In the past, I might have complained, but now I only feel pride!"
"I know how much effort my husband has put in to return to the Finals. He has dedicated all his time to basketball."
"..."
According to Vanessa, Kobe woke up at 4:30 AM to practice, spent the entire day in the training facility, and even watched game footage when he returned home.
Other than taking care of their daughter, all his time was for basketball.
Under the reporters' deliberate emotional prompting, Kobe recalled his struggles over the years.
Hearing his wife's support, his eyes reddened.
He had made it through!
"Kobe, as a championship guard, returning to the Finals, how do you think you will perform?"
"I'm not interested in discussing individual performance. I will only lead the Lakers to lift the trophy again! I've wasted too much time, and now I just want to reclaim everything that belongs to me."
Perhaps recalling the internal team struggles of recent years, Kobe said this and then added with a serious expression:
"I know you don't like me. Many people only look at statistics now, but I won't compromise for numbers. Soon, you will realize who is the best player in the league!"
"I'm sorry, I haven't been able to fully take care of my family all these years, but I don't regret it. God has answered!"
If Kobe used to respond hysterically to reporters' questions in previous years, after many years of tempering, he can now handle them with composure.
"You don't think Clay Lee is the best player in the league?"
Hearing the playful question, Kobe still didn't resort to pleasantries, nor did he look at Vanessa, who was winking at him.
He calmly replied:
"Yes, he has more championships, he's set many records, but that doesn't mean he's the best."
"I work harder than him! I've never seen basketball as a job, because I love this sport immensely!"
"I put all my energy into basketball. Every day I'm constantly refining my skills. I can confirm that no one in the league can compare to me."
"…"
The ABC staff were dumbfounded.
"The harder you work, the better you become"—that was Kobe's viewpoint.
In some respects, Kobe did indeed surpass Lee.
After all, the GOAT isn't a "try-hard king."
When the interview concluded, Vanessa sighed inwardly.
She felt her husband should see a psychologist.
At times, Kobe was incredibly stubborn.
"Sorry, I might be home late these next few days. You know, Phil and the others have been watching game footage, and I have to participate."
On June 3rd, the Lakers had to fly to New York.
Kobe had been training diligently these past few days.
Vanessa looked at her husband's stubborn expression and ultimately said nothing, pulling her daughter close and whispering:
"You have to listen to the team doctor's arrangements."
Kobe didn't give a clear response.
Right now, he only wanted to defeat his "arch-rival," bring home championship glory, and lead the Team USA to another gold medal at the Olympics.
This would be the pinnacle of his career.
The Lakers' atmosphere group also got an interview opportunity.
For the Rookie, they had a great yearning for the Finals!
The Knicks naturally had a day off for Children's Day.
Lee was no longer excited about the Finals' hype.
He spent the entire day playing with his child at Peninsula Manor.
Old dog Happy had also played himself out today, returning to his room early to sleep soundly.
Also sleeping early was the pregnant Scarlett.
The succubus, under the care of her little attendant, had been going to bed early and waking up early.
In the old house, only Lee and a few others were still active on the third floor.
Lee never relaxed his demands on himself.
Ivanka's increasingly plump and fair skin was the best proof.
The young woman had completely shed her youthful shyness, and her figure was becoming more voluptuous.
As midnight approached, the intense confrontation temporarily ended.
Ivanka, who had been shaking, also collapsed onto Lee, trembling repeatedly.
The feeling of fullness returned, and she let out a soft moan:
"Oh."
Melinda and Kim, their bodies bare, stood up.
They left the bed to rehydrate, and seeing Lee carry the girl in his arms to the sofa, they immediately teased:
"If those fans knew the inside story, maybe they'd boycott your signature shoes even more. Someone's always been against you."
Jay-Z and his lackeys never gave up, and Nike was somewhat helpless about it.
The conflict between the two was essentially irreconcilable.
Melinda always had a mischievous streak at times.
After saying this, she leaned close to Lee, joining him in playing with that huge, fair pair, and finally didn't forget to offer a sip of juice.
The trio's interaction made Kim blush a little.
After the sounds completely died down, seeing Lee stand up, she quickly changed the subject:
"Second-quarter revenue might decline…"
Her words were cut short by a kiss.
Feeling the cool, smooth touch of the woman in his arms, Lee chuckled softly, pulled Kim back onto the sofa, and nonchalantly discussed the matter:
"No one can keep making money forever. Besides, losses will only bother Mark and the others."
This quarter, North American revenue didn't meet expectations, and his personal stats in the playoffs dropped a tiny bit, leading to dissenting voices at Nike.
Some inside even suggested allocating more resources to Kobe.
In fact, part of the reason for the sales decline was that the new generation of signature shoes was a bit expensive.
Perhaps due to the sluggish economy, outdoor basketball shoes actually saw a surge in sales, but overall profits decreased.
Everyone is happy when they make money, but they're unhappy when they make less.
Unfortunately, talk alone can't change the market.
If they want a solo performance, they still have to discuss it with Lee.
Melinda, holding a completely dazed Ivanka, let out a lazy sigh.
She didn't care about the current minor issues, leaning into Lee's embrace and whispering:
"Do you want to visit Dick Cheney? Bobby got news from the hospital. If they can't find a matching heart, he might not have much time left."
Hospitalized again due to heart problems, the power of Vice President Dick Cheney might soon be completely taken away by death.
His eldest daughter found it difficult to inherit much political legacy because his second daughter publicly stated her preference for women, and Cheney personally expressed support for his daughter.
Under his hint, Axe Capital helped Halliburton package and sell its subsidiary, thereby getting rid of some litigation troubles.
The relationship between the two sides is currently stable, but if the person is gone, some congressmen will most likely change their stance.
When a person leaves, their influence wanes.
No one will dwell on old friendships, and years of networking will be broken.
"An ordinary athlete wouldn't get involved in trouble, and the old man will definitely find a heart."
Lee emphasized "heart" when he spoke.
Kim quickly understood.
After all, the United States is so big, there's always someone who's a perfect match.
"I plan to invite Mary and her 'husband.' They don't participate in politics, which can also show our stance."
"Fox's program isn't safe either. Investors don't want to see Bobby and those economic experts arguing on TV."
Many people believe Cheney is about to return to the embrace of God.
After the documentary was released last year, some people also started busy distancing themselves.
Lee doesn't plan to run away.
As long as the person is still there, the deal can continue.
Melinda blinked her big eyes at this decision, turned and kissed Lee. God always favors them.
In crucial choices, they haven't made a mistake so far.
It's not easy to get those earnings from Wall Street.
If the contract is lost, the person in charge runs away, there are many ways to default on debt.
Having profits doesn't mean things will be easy in the future.
Everyone else is losing money, so why should you be making money?
As the three whispered, Ivanka, who had been resting in Melinda's arms, finally came to.
The continuous exertion left her still flushed, her blonde hair disheveled.
When she propped herself up, her face grew even redder:
"Darling, I'm not here today."
Melinda made room, tracing a finger across the other woman's chest and lower abdomen.
Feeling her tremble, she whispered again:
"What does it matter? Everyone wants a girl!"
As Ivanka straddled him again, a new round of sparring began.
Lee, polishing his dribbling skills, cast aside the recent annoying matters.
Although he said revenue didn't matter, thinking about the slight decrease in dollars still pained him a bit.
Lee took hold of the protrusion, and amidst her giggles, began to increase the intensity of their sparring:
"More resources?"
On tuesday, June 3rd, the Lakers, watched by sports reporters, boarded their plane.
They were set to depart for New York, where the Finals would officially begin the day after tomorrow.
ABC and ESPN believed that the Los Angeles versus New York showdown would bring the NBA "back to its peak," completely solving the problem of declining viewership.
Of course, some people were not optimistic about this year's Finals.
Boston sports reporters insisted that the game would be one-sided.
Although they lost, the "The Big Four" were definitely stronger in pure strength than the "Duo."
In Game 4, the Celtics only scored 75 points, which caused Boston fans and sports reporters to collectively break down, constantly saying "if" these days.
The Atlanta Hawks, who pushed the "The Big Four" to Game 7 in the first round, were also joining in the fun these days.
Josh Smith and Zaza Pachulia even publicly blasted the Celtics in front of the media:
"If it weren't for those controversial calls, we would have eliminated them!"
As for the Cleveland sports media, they directly called the "The Big Four" "shameless thieves."
Faced with these comments, none of the parties involved responded.
With so much entertainment, New York newspapers and some columnists also began fabricating various news, fiercely criticizing Boston and mocking the Lakers in passing.
In the afternoon, the Knicks completed their training as usual, but that evening, MSG broke a piece of news that once again sparked heated discussion:
"Clay Lee will not participate in the Olympics. He will focus on recovery and family during the offseason."
The United States Men's National Basketball Team had already extended an invitation, and training camp would begin in Las Vegas in mid-July.
From the Knicks, Chandler and Tayshaun Prince had already confirmed their participation in the Olympics.
James Dolan personally confirmed the news, stating bluntly in front of his own media that "health and family are most important."
That night, when Kobe Bryant proudly announced through his agent team that he would lead the national team, related news once again ignited the comment section of ESPN.
Major sports media reacted differently to Kobe's "leadership," but Los Angeles sports reporters were incredibly excited.
The next morning, the Los Angeles Times led the charge, with its front page proclaiming:
"The Best Player is Here!"
.....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)