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12th man to Cricket legend. It's a cricket book for cricket lovers only.
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***
On May 15, 2007, a heavyweight guest was invited to the 1050 ESPN radio show in New York.
After Stephen A. Smith, as the radio host, routinely praised the New York Knicks, he suddenly connected with Kobe Bryant, who was fishing.
The curious listeners of the radio were naturally very surprised.
The unique Mamba had always disliked New York and considered Clay Lee his "arch-nemesis," so his participation in a "Lee-praising" show was truly unimaginable.
Most New York Knicks fans were preparing to celebrate the Eastern Conference Finals next week, until the content of Kobe's phone call was revealed, and everyone turned into curious onlookers.
As with previous radio shows, Stephen A. Smith first commented on Game 4, which had just ended last night, and seriously discussed Dwyane Wade's performance:
"I won't lose like this again? Sorry, the Heat have struggled to win a single game in the playoffs these past few years."
"I respect Dwyane Wade, he's like Clay Lee but lacks a consistent shot, but physically, there's a huge gap in their talent."
"To achieve greatness in the league, you must have a strong body, and Dwyane Wade clearly hasn't done that, just as his scouting report described him: his knees are a ticking time bomb!"
"BOOM! If they explode now, Dwyane Wade will undoubtedly start to decline like my Good Brother Allen Iverson."
.
Due to Dwyane Wade's absence in Game 4, the New York Knicks once again defeated their opponent 118:81.
Clay Lee only played 30 minutes, with most of his shots coming from beyond the arc.
His 7-for-11 three-point shooting was heavily praised:
"I intercepted a report from the Miami Herald: 'Clay Lee played golf all day and then attended a cocktail party in the evening. The next afternoon he returned to Miami and then thrashed the Heat!'"
"The article concludes by emphasizing that they were humiliated, but the old friend who wrote this article hasn't realized one thing: respect must be earned with strength!"
"Today I invited a special Mamba. Considering his past confrontations with the New York Knicks, I want to state upfront that I have nothing but respect for him."
Stephen A. Smith and the staff hosting the radio show in New York were still somewhat surprised.
Last night, after the New York Knicks advanced, they received a call from agent Rob Pelinka.
It wasn't until now, with confirmation that Kobe would appear on the show, that the group, filled with curiosity, began the phone connection.
At this time, Kobe was still at his home in Los Angeles.
Perhaps due to his early fishing, his frustration made him appear somewhat disheveled, unshaven, and with bloodshot eyes, as if he had been sleepless for a long time.
In the living room, Vanessa's face showed unease as the call was connected.
Rob Pelinka, standing nearby, was also a bit nervous, as public outbursts from players usually don't end well.
"Hello, Kobe! From what I understand, you seem very angry about the Los Angeles Times report. Now you can tell the fans why on the show. I think everyone will believe your words more."
Since the Los Angeles Lakers went fishing, the Los Angeles Times had been praising Kobe's performance for the past half-month, even subtly criticizing Lee's technical shortcomings and calling Kobe the league's strongest scorer.
However, these praises did not improve Kobe's mood.
Instead, he had another argument with the Los Angeles Lakers management.
Fortunately, the related news was not leaked, and Los Angeles Lakers fans were still unaware of what had happened.
Perhaps Kobe's unappreciative attitude angered some people.
Yesterday morning, a column in the Los Angeles Times dropped a bombshell on Los Angeles Lakers fans:
"As Los Angeles Lakers insiders have pointed out, it was Kobe Bryant's insistence on getting rid of Shaquille O'Neal that led them to their current predicament."
....
The article generally stated that during the F4 era, Kobe was jealous of O'Neal's achievements, causing the team to lose games in order to compete for the Finals MVP, and then pressured management in the offseason to choose between them.
Blaming Kobe for losing the championship and for the team's struggles in recent years made Kobe even angrier.
At this point, after connecting online, he couldn't control his emotions and angrily accused:
"I don't know why these newspapers are deliberately slandering me. That year, I received an invitation from Dr. Buss, and he explicitly told me in the hotel that he didn't want to pay $30 million!"
"This is not difficult to understand, because at that time, management believed that Shaq was old, and they ultimately chose me, who was better."
"After making that choice, Dr. Buss and I talked for a long time, and the Los Angeles Lakers promised to build around me, but the team became a mess."
"I get up at 4:30 AM every day, and whenever I'm on the court, many times I only play Defense."
"I just wanted to get the team back to the Finals, but everyone saw the result: the Los Angeles Lakers suffered another humiliating defeat. Now I have serious trust issues. Management misled me!"
Kobe's angry voice on the radio surprised Stephen A. Smith and the others at the other end of the station.
They never expected Kobe to directly attack.
"Trust issues? Do you think the current Los Angeles Lakers management can lead the team to another championship? I'm curious if you've had effective communication."
Faced with the leading question, Kobe chose to continue his outburst.
He was suffocating, and the thought of those lazy people in the locker room fueled his anger even more:
"I can't be sure. I won't deny that there were problems in the Los Angeles Lakers locker room after the Christmas War. I respect Kupchak, but he failed to deliver on his promise."
"Phil Jackson has always asked me to share the ball, and I tried my best to do so, but the team still lost. The losing streak before the All-Star Game was particularly painful for me."
"If possible, I would prefer to see Mr. Jerry West return to the team."
Rob Pelinka's face immediately changed when he heard this, and he waved his hand at Kobe, which made his big client stop complaining, but Stephen A. Smith seized the opportunity to continue guiding:
"Can I understand that if Jerry West cannot return to the Los Angeles Lakers, you will seek a trade?"
The agent was still whispering dissuasions, but Kobe couldn't stop.
Facing such a pointed question, he gave an affirmative answer without hesitation:
"Yes, I am waiting for them to make changes. I am the best scorer in the league, and I should be competing for a championship in my prime!"
"Sometimes I have no choice. I really don't want to leave, but I won't allow the Los Angeles Lakers to be eliminated so miserably again. We lack championship pieces, and everything needs to start over."
Stephen A. Smith at the other end of the radio almost burst out laughing.
This news was too explosive.
Kobe had publicly stated that he would give up the "One Team, One City Award."
Without this highest honor, Kobe's recently improved public image would undoubtedly plummet again.
News of a league superstar publicly seeking a trade has not happened often in the past.
The subsequent radio broadcast continued with explosive content.
Under Stephen A. Smith's guidance, Kobe accused his teammates of lacking professionalism.
Regarding the title "Black Mamba," Kobe believed he should have it exclusively, as he was the most lethal scorer in the league.
When finally asked about his preferred team, Kobe Bryant reiterated that his idol was Michael Jordan, and he had considered joining the Chicago Bulls a few years ago, and it was still the same now.
When discussing his determination to trade, Kobe also added that they were already preparing to look for a house in Chicago.
After the call ended, Kobe, far away in Los Angeles, hung up the phone expressionlessly.
Vanessa, beside him, was already stunned.
Were they really going to move?
Rob Pelinka, pacing back and forth, was also a bit numb at this point.
He hadn't expected Kobe to deviate from the plan and unleash such an outburst with just a little prompting:
"We shouldn't make such a clear statement! Kobe, you will completely infuriate Buss! This is not a wise decision, especially with the Delonte West issue. Kupchak will give us trouble."
Noticing the anxious expression on his agent's face, Kobe felt relieved.
He had wanted to do this for a long time.
Continuous fishing was absolutely intolerable for him:
"What does it matter! We have a trade veto. I'm not interested in continuing to m play with those lazy bums. It's one or the other. I'll win!"
"The Lakers need me. Kupchak is a liar. He didn't trade for Kevin Garnett!"
"Don't forget he originally promised us to trade for Jason Kidd. He knew I didn't like playing with trash like Parker, but he still couldn't make the trade."
"I've had enough. Players should control the team! If Lee demanded a player trade, what would the Knicks do? James Dolan would package and send the target away overnight!"
"."
Hearing Kobe's sudden incessant complaints, Rob Pelinka was completely stunned.
In his opinion, these were two different matters.
After all, Lee had won big.
His big employer hadn't reached that level yet.
After a serious discussion, Kobe couldn't be swayed from his decision, so Rob Pelinka could only leave in a hurry.
He had to handle the aftermath.
Los Angeles sports media would likely be going crazy with gossip at this point.
Vanessa had not interrupted.
Ever since being deceived by her Good Brother Karl Malone, she rarely participated in team gatherings.
Watching Kobe cover his face, she could only whisper:
"Are we really leaving Los Angeles?"
Looking at the conflicted expression on his wife's face, Kobe suddenly regretted his rash outburst.
After all, moving was no small matter, and they had long grown accustomed to the sunny life there:
"Don't worry, we will most likely stay in this city."
After the afternoon radio program ended, as the news spread, the entire NBA circle went crazy with gossip.
First, Kevin Garnett allowed himself to be traded, and then Kobe Bryant forced the management's hand.
Compared to the crushing playoffs, this kind of drama was much more interesting!
When ESPN's television program connected with Kobe again that evening, he was once again asked if he was seeking a trade, and Kobe unhesitatingly gave an affirmative answer.
This completely confirmed it: Kobe Bryant really was giving up the ultimate honor of "one person, one city."
On Wednesday the 16th, the Knicks, who had already returned to New York, continued to enjoy their holiday.
When Lee took Krysten Ritter to Lenox Hill Hospital for a check-up that morning, he also experienced Kobe's "influence."
New York has four major sports leagues, and the city's sports atmosphere has always been good, but such widespread gossip had to be traced back to when Michael Jordan announced his retirement after being eliminated.
The staff and several nurses were old acquaintances of Lee.
Perhaps wanting to hear inside gossip, a plump black female nurse whispered inquisitively with great curiosity:
"Is Kobe going to Chicago? Is this true? My husband was still hoping the Knicks and the Lakers would play in the Finals again."
"Clay, do you think he will really leave Los Angeles?"
The simple joy of many middle-aged men is watching sports games, cursing referees and players during the game, and for those with financial means, making a small bet.
Lee felt that this family member must have participated in a gambling session again.
Noticing that several people wanted to hear gossip, he simply revealed the truth and jokingly reminded them:
"Don't forget that superstars have trade veto rights. The Lakers' anger is useless. Kobe can decide whether he stays or leaves."
"Don't listen to Stephen A. Smith talking about the Chicago Bulls becoming a strong rival to New York again. Perhaps there will be another challenge next season."
The white female nurse, who had deliberately dyed her hair blonde, blinked.
She didn't care about these things.
Looking at Lee's gray striped shirt, which was stretched tight, she changed the subject in a sweet voice:
"Miss Ritter is so lucky. There are too few thoughtful boyfriends like Lee!"
The older female nurses all silently glanced at the bewildered naive girl, speechless.
Lee's children were almost enough to form a basketball team.
After the check-up, confirming the due date was in late June, Krysten Ritter, wearing a loose white T-shirt, hugged Lee and quietly shared the good news.
The middle-aged white female doctor sighed inwardly.
She hadn't seen many such absurd lives.
Looking at the happy couple, she reminded them again:
"Lee, remember to make sure Miss Ritter stays active."
Lee readily agreed.
Krysten Ritter, beside him, actively squeezed into his arms, a smile on her slightly plump face.
She looked up and whispered happily:
"Darling, it's a boy!"
That evening, in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, 82:86, the Cavaliers, back on their home court, gave the Detroit Pistons no chance, once again narrowly defeating their opponents with their Defense.
With a dominant 4:1 series lead, the Cavaliers advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, and nearly 20,000 Cleveland fans at the Gund Arena were celebrating wildly.
Jeff Van Gundy was also extremely excited at this moment.
At the end of the game, he turned and hugged his old partner, shouting excitedly to Thibodeau:
"Tom, we did it! We're back in the Conference Finals again!"
Having been eliminated in the Eastern Conference Semifinals for two consecutive seasons, criticized by commentators for "ugly basketball," and with the management taking back trade authority, Jeff Van Gundy was under immense pressure this year.
His deep dark circles and hair receding to only his temples illustrated Van Gundy's plight.
He knew that even the team's core players had doubts, which was what truly frustrated him.
Thibodeau was also somewhat excited.
Leading the team to the Conference Finals during their core players' rookie contracts would earn them more time.
Furthermore, the current "shooting and snatching" and "counter-attacking" savage basketball was his idea.
Eliminating the Detroit Pistons filled Thibodeau with a sense of accomplishment.
He clapped his old partner on the back and encouraged him loudly:
"Jeff, everything will be fine! There's nothing wrong with our decision!"
The two old men embraced in greeting, extremely excited.
The Cavaliers fans present cheered loudly, celebrating joyfully.
The Conference Finals were just one step away from the championship.
They were on the right path.
Chauncey Billups and Hamilton were dejected after the loss.
Facing LeBron James, who hugged everyone, they could only offer helpless congratulations:
"Congratulations, Bro!"
Entering the Conference Finals for the first time in his career, LeBron James was overjoyed at this moment, unable to contain the smile on his face.
He responded somewhat triumphantly in a low voice:
"Great game! I hope we can continue to play against each other in the future!"
Playing 46 minutes, shooting 9-for-27 from the field, 2-for-8 from three-point range, and 10-for-14 from the free-throw line, LeBron James delivered a near triple-double performance tonight with 30 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, and 4 turnovers.
Unlike previous seasons, this year, under the guidance of Van Gundy and Thibodeau, LeBron James began to focus on attacking the rim and shooting three-pointers in the latter half of the regular season.
Missing shots wasn't important.
If he drove to the basket and missed a layup, Dwight Howard would fight for the rebound.
This simple and brutal tactic surprisingly worked well in the playoffs.
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
A unified chant erupted in the Gund Arena.
LeBron James, who was being interviewed, felt even better, completely unaware of Dwight Howard's envious gaze on the other side.
Completely stripped of his low-post offensive tactical position, and due to it being a contract year, Dwight Howard had been pretending not to care, but hearing the "MVP" echoing through the Gund Arena at that moment, he felt a pang of bitterness:
"Maybe I could perform better."
.....
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