NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 777 "Mamba Out" (Daily Life Chapter)

On Friday, February 18, 2011, All-Star Weekend officially kicked off in Los Angeles. The Lakers, as the host team, received news that left casual fans quite surprised:
Where did Kobe go?

The Los Angeles Times used the same headline for two consecutive days, and local columnists discussed whether the Lakers could go further after Kobe's departure.

Holding a veto power over any trades, and after a barrage of attacks, Mamba finally couldn't hold on any longer and, through his agent Pelinka, announced the start of the next phase of his career.
There is no doubt that the trade will happen after the All-Star Weekend, and Kobe will completely lose the NBA's highest honor, the "One Man, One City Award".

In response, most Los Angeles fans not only failed to try to keep Kobe, but also attacked him again. Some young, extreme fans even took to social media to accuse Kobe of being selfish.

"If Kobe had accepted a trade in the offseason, we would have already gotten Carmelo Anthony! His selfishness ruined the Lakers, and using a no-trade clause was the stupidest move!"

"."

This view has gained the support of many fans. Jim Buss's original idea was perfect. With Anthony and Stoudemire, the team immediately completed its rebuild.

It's difficult to acquire desired star players through trades now. Draft picks are great, but they're like "scratching a lottery ticket"—risky, and whether they can realize the potential is unknown.

Kobe's agreement to the trade only fueled his continued disdain from fans, marking another low point in his career and effectively closing the championship window.

By 18 p.m., Staples Center was already bustling with activity. The BBVA All-Star Game was just an hour away, and sports reporters had arrived early, all there to "watch the drama unfold."

Sunday may be Kobe's last game as a Lakers player in Los Angeles, and ticket prices have gone up, making exhibition games even more "exciting" as everyone wants to witness the Mamba's farewell performance.

ESPN's renowned columnist Bill Simmons served as the general manager of the Eastern Conference All-Star Game tonight, surrounded by fellow professionals. When the topic of the impending crazy trades came up, Simmons, dressed in a black suit, repeatedly shook his head.
"Unbelievable! The Lakers really made this decision. Kobe is one of the best shooting guards in the league."

Jimmy Kimmel was also invited to serve as the general manager of the Western Conference All-Star Game tonight. Dressed in sportswear, the well-known talk show host couldn't resist adding a touch of humor when discussing the topic.
"Are you sure Kobe is one of the best? I don't understand those ESPN charts, but your column tells fans that Kobe is terrible!"

"."

Jason Sudeikis, who was invited, laughed out loud. The actor, who often plays Biden in Saturday night shows and is a Knicks supporter, became a championship fan after coming to New York in 03. He also joked:

"Bill's article is more suited to Boston sports fans; Los Angeles fans won't buy it. I like the atmosphere of this year's All-Star Game."

Among those invited were celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Rob Kardashian, Nick Cannon, Trey Sunds, and Romeo Miller, who occasionally exchanged words about Kobe's ordeal.

Such a departure is very undignified. From another perspective, Jim Buss has won, using tough methods to send away the star supported by Jeanie Buss, and the Lakers' internal strife may also be coming to an end.

Magic Johnson, who was serving as the Western Conference coach, was also dressed in sportswear. Unlike before, he did not show his signature smile and looked serious when catching up with Chris Mullin and others.

On the contrary, Bill Walton, the coach of the Eastern Conference, was grinning from time to time, completely unconcerned about the blockbuster trade. The old man even had the mood to joke around.
“Mommy, you should keep your shares. I have a feeling you’re going to lose a lot of money. Maybe after the rebuild, Time Warner will reopen negotiations on the broadcasting agreement.”

"I'm sure I'm going to suspend the season! The next broadcasting contract won't increase the team's value."

Chris Mullin, with an "I have inside information" look, continued to support Magic Johnson, while Pippen, sporting a ponytail and not doing so well financially, made a few sarcastic remarks:
"Players are earning way too much now. Li's salary for the next few years could even reach 3000 million. It wasn't like this back then."

Trading Kobe also meant the disappearance of the Lakers' past culture. Jerry Buss didn't intervene, but Magic Johnson felt uneasy, raising an eyebrow and muttering:

"The league has changed a long time ago. To be honest, I don't quite understand it, but this isn't my job."

"Oh!!"

A huge cheer quickly erupted in the arena. In front of the players' tunnel, Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Lee Yu smiled and hugged. The two had just arrived.

Arne Duncan, dressed in his training gear, was in good spirits after receiving the invitation and didn't let work affect his personal life. He even shared some insider information:
"In a few days, we might see Kobe in the Eastern Conference, which would be great for the fans. Everyone wants to see you and Kobe face off."

Dressed in jeans and a black casual outfit, Li You looked much younger tonight. Upon hearing the news, he feigned surprise, then shook hands with the other person again, smiling as he said:

"It seems my information is outdated, but I like this result. At the end of their careers, veterans should really enjoy the game."

Arne Duncan grinned. Years ago, when he played basketball in Australia, the former education minister, an athlete himself, understood the unspoken meaning: Li You was implying that Kobe would never win a championship if he went to the Eastern Conference.

Half an hour before the game started, the fans behind the stadium began chanting Li You's name again. Neither the host Kobe Bryant nor Amar'e Stoudemire had appeared, and some Los Angeles fans had "betrayed" him.

The Olsen sisters were already seated in the front row, and when they saw Li You appear with the slender Elizabeth, they immediately waved.

The young woman, who had just turned 22, had a slightly flushed face. Her loose white shirt couldn't hide her full figure; she had swelled up since the birth of her eldest son, and her figure no longer resembled that of a young girl.

After sitting down, Elizabeth was still adjusting her blonde hair and black jeans, while her two older sisters were more relaxed and turned to chat with Li Youchang.

"I remember Kim was always against Race to the Top, but I didn't expect Arne Duncan to treat you so well."

Ashley covered her mouth and whispered that, compared to her lively sister, she had been more concerned with her career in recent years. Kim, who had successfully run for Congress, had previously criticized the reform along with other Republican Party members.

If you follow news related to teenagers, you'll find that many states have complaints, with New Mexico, which is at the bottom, having even more complaints.

"This is a basketball show, I thought you didn't like watching this kind of boring news."

Li You was interrupted by Mary Kate halfway through his whisper. Both of them were dressed in black shirts and blue jeans tonight, looking much more mature.
"How about going to Greystone Manor tonight?"

Elizabeth was celebrating her birthday these past few days and was enjoying some alone time with her sister. Mary-Kate didn't bother her, but at this time she wanted to go to a nightclub in West Hollywood to have some fun.

Before Li You could respond, the two sisters had differing opinions. One said Greystone Sundays was amazing, while the other complained that it lacked taste.

It wasn't until the broadcast camera focused on the four that the three girls smiled. Li You and the young girl held hands tightly and whispered about their evening activities. Elizabeth quickly nodded with a smile.

After the Celebrity Game began, Kevin Harlan frequently chatted about gossip in the commentary booth, Mike Fratello didn't want to comment on the trades, but Reggie Miller spoke up for the Mamba:

"Loyalty has always been something to be celebrated. I don't like this kind of trade. In my opinion, it undermines the culture of the NBA."

"Winning a championship shouldn't be the only goal. Many great players haven't won a championship, but their contributions to basketball will never be forgotten."

In recent years, under the guidance of the New York media, the idea that only championships matter has become the mainstream view. Without a championship, one will be ridiculed, and more and more fans are accepting this view.

Even the once very old-fashioned Mike Fratello has kept up with the times, not directly refuting his partner, but instead saying tactfully:
"Many great players have encountered this predicament at the end of their careers, but it does not affect their achievements."

"Leaving the spotlight doesn't mean leaving championships behind; perhaps Kobe will achieve success again in the next few years."

After a brief chat, the three stopped discussing the topic. The celebrities on the court were having a great time. Jalen Rose attempted a dunk but was blocked by the rim, which drew cheers from the crowd.

At 21 PM, the Rising Stars Challenge took place as scheduled. Serge Ibaka was selected for the Knicks' second-year team, as was Wesley Matthews.

The second-year team, led by James Harden, failed to demonstrate a clear advantage; instead, rookie DeMarcus Cousins ​​was unstoppable on the court.

Stephen Curry, Brandon Jennings, and Matthews all unleashed a barrage of three-pointers, but the opponent ultimately went on a run.

With a score of 148-138, the first-year Red Team, led by the Kentucky duo of John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins, completed their second consecutive victory.

John Wall, who dished out 22 assists, ultimately lifted the MVP trophy. However, after the game, sports reporters were more concerned about Stephen Curry. According to sources within the Warriors, Curry was put on the trading block again in order to acquire the Mamba.

Curry, who was being interviewed by TNT on the sidelines, was clearly unhappy. His name is always mentioned when the team is involved in trades, which shows that the Warriors do not have high hopes for his future.

He tried hard to control his emotions, but when the topic of championships came up, Curry displayed confidence and answered seriously:
"Li has shown us what a championship requires! I firmly believe I am the best shooter and ball-handler among the new generation of players!"

"Kobe is doing well. I don't want to comment on trade rumors. Let's see what happens next. I believe the team will make the right choice."

When asked if he would enjoy playing in Los Angeles, Curry gave a helpless smile, shrugged, and continued:
"Man, this isn't something I can decide. If you ask me which team I like best, my answer is the Knicks."

"Lee changed basketball, and I believe all small players can understand that. Everyone aspires to have a career like Lee's, and I am no exception."

The Los Angeles fans at the scene had naturally seen the news from the past two days, but they didn't have a good impression of Curry. His "skinny" build didn't look like that of a superstar at all.

In addition, given the Warriors' injury-prone nature, most fans are not optimistic about the trade. The Warriors' most valuable asset is their draft picks, and apart from that, they don't have any players they like.

Magic Johnson, sitting courtside, was also surrounded by reporters. When asked about the details of the trade, he immediately spread his hands, flashed his signature smile, and gave a simple answer:

"This is the NBA, business is business. I just hope everyone is doing well. Life is more than just basketball."

"."

-

The individual challenges took place as scheduled on Saturday night, but Kobe, as the host, was still unable to appear in person.

Li You was also absent; Los Angeles media captured footage of Olson's birthday party still going on, leaving no doubt that Li You had gone with the child's mother.
On Sunday the 20th, Blake Griffin, who won the Slam Dunk Contest, failed to attract media attention, as did Stephen Curry, the Skills Challenge champion, and James Jones, the Three-Point Contest champion.

On the contrary, Kevin Durant, who contributed 6 points in the three-point contest, was more popular with fans. His poor performance made everyone laugh. The results of this new generation star were really outrageous.

The Western Conference All-Star team will be coached by Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Brooks, while the Eastern Conference All-Star team will be coached by Miami Heat head coach Spoelstra.

The two young head coaches seemed to have received the news as well, and didn't give much advice before the game, as tonight would be Kobe's farewell game.

Kobe, who hadn't given any interviews before the game, was fully engaged once the game started at 20 p.m. Chris Paul kept feeding him the ball, taking care of Stoudemire while giving the Mamba more opportunities.

In the Eastern Conference All-Star game, Howard was substituted after only 3 minutes on the court. The "Happy Beast" is still troubled by a back injury and played with the injury this time.

To show respect, Li You and the others didn't try to steal the spotlight. Before the game started, they praised Kobe. In the first quarter, Gasol, who came off the bench, only symbolically reached out to defend under the basket. Everyone watched the Mamba put on a show.

Before halftime, the Western Conference All-Stars led by 12 points, and Kobe had already scored 20 points, finally bringing cheers from the Staples Center.

Seeing this, Mav Albert sighed inwardly. As the Mamba walked solemnly towards the players' tunnel, he couldn't help but remark:
"Kobe gave everything to this city, and I hope he can leave with respect."

Steve Kerr wasn't happy after watching the first half either. He hadn't expected Los Angeles fans to boycott Kobe so much, to the point that there were boos in the first quarter.
"Looking back at the championship, it's easy to see Kobe's contributions to the team. He was the best shooting guard in the league, and history will give him a fair evaluation when his career ends."

Reggie Miller, who felt the same way, was no longer in the mood to comment on Kobe. The behavior of the Los Angeles fans at the scene made him feel that the Mamba was not being treated well!
In the second half, Kobe continued his offensive onslaught, which drew even louder cheers from the arena. Thanks to his outstanding performance, the Mamba finally received the treatment befitting a home team.

In the latter half of the fourth quarter, Li You had already left the court to rest. On the Eastern Conference All-Star side, few people sympathized with Kobe's plight, while Howard had been gloating over it for the past two days.

Although James and his two companions didn't make any sarcastic remarks, they were relieved to see that Mamba had lost the "one man, one city" award.

Garnett watched Rondo's struggle on the court without saying a word, while only Ray Allen was still whispering to Li You.

The Celtics are doing well, and Ray Allen doesn't bother with gossip. He was surprised to see the news these past couple of days, but he still doesn't know where Kobe is.
"Los Angeles fans are going crazy! It's unbelievable how many people support the trade."

Hearing his friend's whisper, Li You simply shrugged. The "meeting" trend had spread throughout the league, and fans criticizing Kobe had become commonplace. Remembering the news he'd received before the game, he covered his mouth and whispered:

"Perhaps Kobe can regain the support of fans after returning to his hometown."

"."

At the end of the game, the score was 150-138, with the Western Conference All-Stars winning the game. Kobe Bryant finally received the All-Star MVP trophy from David Stern.

Many fans stood up to applaud Kobe. Mamba held the microphone, remained silent for a long time, and finally, his eyes reddened, and he choked out:
"What can I say! Mamba out!"

"."

(End of this chapter)