Meanwhile, the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Lakers head coach Byron Scott watched the game live today.
"It's so shocking! Lu is simply the last piece of the puzzle for the Lakers' revival!
I have never seen such an insider. He can obviously rely on his height advantage, but he can control the ball and shoot from long range like a defender.
He actually played tricks on Paul and Jordan like monkeys!
If Lu Yao can join the team and join forces with you, why not worry about winning the championship! "
Byron Scott stared at the email that Lu Yao could no longer read and became dazed. He called Kobe.
He was really coveting Lu Yao's talent.
Byron Scott feels that Kobe's position is higher than his own. After all, he is the idol of many young players. In this situation, it is safer for Kobe to take action.
Just as Lu Yao finished washing and was about to go to bed, his phone vibrated, and an unfamiliar number from the Los Angeles area appeared on the screen.
"Hey, it's me, I'm Kobe. Your performance tonight shocked me. You have the heart of a champion." Kobe said bluntly.
"This is indeed an honor." Lu Yao was a little shocked, but quickly calmed down.
"Listen to me, man." Kobe continued, "Byron Scott and I both think you are the person we need. I am willing to fight with you to win the championship. Even if it means playing injured, we need you, The Lakers need you! We are willing to provide you with a salary of $10 million over two years!"
Lu Yao pondered for a moment and said, "Kobe, you and the Lakers have been my role models since I was a child, but I..."
Kobe interrupted him, "But what? Opportunities don't knock on the door every day. This is your best moment to compete for the championship!"
Lu Yao: "But I want to wait! I need to go my own way and explore my potential at my own pace."
Kobe's voice became quieter on the phone, and after a while he said: "No problem, I respect your decision."
Lu Yao hung up the phone, his heart was calm and firm.
Kobe felt a little regretful on the other end of the phone, but more curious about this young man named Lu Yao.
If Lu Yao comes to his Lakers team, everything will be smooth with him protecting him. The team plans to train him as his successor.
Kobe shook his head, and his inner fighting spirit began to ignite: "You are such a stubborn boy. You refused this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Then I will defeat you!"
Lu Yao has no regrets, not for anything else, but he is not satisfied with the price of the contract!
Although the salary provided by the Lakers is almost the same as this year's No. 1 pick, Lu Yao wants more.
After all, now that he has systematic help, he wants to prove himself more!
That's right, what we want is to drive up prices and let those teams slowly compete for them!
...
Thunder, manager's office.
"What? Lu Yao agreed to renew his contract? But he only wants a ten-day short contract?" Thunder general manager Sam Presti directly raised questions three times in a row.
"Yes, boss! Lu Yao only wants a ten-day short contract and doesn't want an extra day!" Billy Donovan said with certainty.
According to league regulations, players can sign two ten-day short contracts with the team.
And Lu Yao just wants to use this rule and wait a few days before putting himself on the shelves!
Sam Presti was so shocked that his face turned red.
He has never seen such a rookie, and he has already decided to extend the contract with Lu Yao until the end of the season with a salary of 6 million US dollars.
If Lu Yao is willing, he can immediately sign a high-paying 2+2 contract.
"Is this kid so confident in himself?"
Sam scratched his head. In his opinion, most rookie players want a long-term guarantee.
Because no one can guarantee whether we will be able to eat dumplings in the next game.
"No problem, Billy! Let him continue to play during this period! If he can perform as we expect, we will keep him at the highest salary!" Sam said decisively.
Sam Presti is very ambitious, and his vision has always been praised in the league.
Adu was selected in 2007, Westbrook and Ibaka were selected in 2008, and Harden was selected in 2009. Sam has never failed to see people.
"Listen, Billy, we must give Lu Yao a full chance. Since he is willing to sign a short-term contract with us, it proves that we still have a chance to sign a long-term contract with him!" Sam said.
"No problem, boss! I believe in your vision! This contract is over. No matter what you say, I will convince him to stay on the team!" Billy Donovan replied happily.
...
The next day, news came out that Lu Yao had renewed his contract with the Thunder.
The league's scouting community is exploding.
"Bad news, Lu Yao has renewed his contract with the Thunder! Good news, he still signed a ten-day short contract!"
"This kid clearly wants to let the alliance see his strength!"
"Can hold the ball, shoot, and open up space! Centers like this are so in demand in this era!"
Popovich of the Spurs is also looking for Tim Duncan's successor. After watching the video of Lu Yao in the last game, his eyes were completely attracted by it.
Taking down Lu Yao and using him for another 20 years, Popovich would laugh from ear to ear just thinking about this scene.
but.
During the regular season, the heat comes and goes quickly.
Because tonight, the "NBA Spring Festival Gala" Lakers vs. Cavaliers game will be staged!
The league's popular stars Kobe Bryant and LeBron James will have a direct conversation.
Every year around this time, the "Coblanc Wars" siphon off a ton of attention.
In the corridors of Staples Center, posters can be seen everywhere, announcing the upcoming showdown!
This year, though, there’s not as much trash talk on social media.
After all, the Lakers and Cavaliers are no longer the same weight team.
This year's Cleveland Cavaliers, after welcoming back "Little Emperor" James, the team formed the Big Three of LeBron-Irving-Love.
So far this season, we have achieved 9 consecutive victories, like an unstoppable trend, drowning every opponent in the league!
There is no doubt that James this year is here for the championship trophy.
The Lakers, who are riddled with injuries this year, are not so lucky.
Although Kobe Bryant recovered from an Achilles tendon injury the previous season, a torn shoulder left him in tremendous pain this season.
Head guard Steve Nash announced his official retirement due to a back injury.
1 win and 8 losses at the beginning of the season, which can hardly be an uglier figure.
"Kobe is old!"
The outside world is getting louder and louder about whether Kobe Bryant should retire. Even the most loyal fans feel that now is a good time for him to retire.
Before the game, in the locker room.
Bryant is undergoing a grueling rehab session with the team's physical therapist.
After the piercing pain of ice and acupuncture, Bryant held a hot towel and placed it firmly on his shoulders.
The hot towel seemed to take away some of the pain.
Kobe felt slightly relieved, and felt a little relieved.
Faced with this mess, Kobe has one last plan to bring the Los Angeles Lakers back to life.
That is to prove to the world that he can still play, so that he can attract players with more potential.
And here at the Energy Center.
The Thunder will face the Bulls tonight.
And tonight, what makes countless Chinese fans cheer for joy is——
Lu Yao was assigned to the starting lineup!
