NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 778 "Loyalty" Begins to Fade. (Chapter without main character)

On Monday, February 21, 2011, a blockbuster trade that shocked the entire NBA world was officially revealed by ESPN and several other sports media outlets:
"Next stop—Philadelphia!"

Most sports media outlets, like ESPN, cited the relevant headline: This time it wasn't a trade rumor; 76ers' new head coach Doug Collins officially confirmed it after the All-Star break.
"No one would refuse this trade because we get Kobe, and he's worth any price the team has to pay."

The happiness came so suddenly that fans on the 76ers subreddit were stunned. They woke up early in the morning to find the subreddit traffic had surged, and only then did they believe that Kobe had really "come home"!

Although trade rumors have been circulating since the start of the new season, most onlookers did not expect the Lakers to be serious.

Starting last night, major sports media outlets and related columnists worked through the night to write articles, and only after Kobe's farewell tour at home did sports commentators dare to confirm that the trade had occurred.

If you were to ask who the main character is in the new season, many people might answer "the Heat's Big Three," but the truth is that Los Angeles has been dominating the headlines, and Kobe was the real protagonist in the first half of the season!
Looking back at the related news now, it's not hard to see that the Heat only had some buzz when they were chasing their winning streak. After that, even though their record was far ahead, most people stopped paying attention.

James Harden remains a top player in the league. The Lakers held a press conference at 10 a.m. today. All the players who participated in the All-Star Weekend stayed in Los Angeles to witness this historic moment together.

At 9:30 a.m., sports media crowded into the Staples Center media room. With their cameras and microphones, the room became increasingly crowded, but everyone's faces showed excitement.

Even now, several Yahoo Sports reporters still find it unbelievable that Adrian Wojnarowski, who has become a household name in the last two years, was traded without any prior notice.

Just before the All-Star Game, Yahoo Sports was still belittling Adrian Wojnarowski, continuing their usual blatant mockery. But after the trade actually happened, Wojnarowski found it hard to accept, and at this point, he whispered complaints to his colleagues:
"Go to Philadelphia? God! Kobe is crazy. This is the worst option. The 76ers haven't beaten the Knicks in the last 14 years."

"Nobody cares about Kobe after a loss; he might even lose his All-Star status because of it."

Adrian Wojnarowski, wearing glasses, practically said that Kobe couldn't change the 76ers' situation. Anyone could see that Li You's Knicks were targeting Philadelphia, and there was currently no solution to this situation.

Many reporters agreed with this view, but Molly Sullivan, who had just been appointed by NBC Sports as a sideline reporter for the 76ers, frowned and responded quietly:
"Perhaps Kobe will soon lead his team to victory."

After Molly Sullivan said those words, the people around her suddenly fell silent, which made her awkwardly tidy her long black hair. She had only been back in the sports world for a few years and didn't really know the specifics.

Tina Cervasio, standing to the side, wore a teasing expression. As an MSG reporter who had always covered insider news about the Knicks, she tossed her long, wavy blonde hair and said with a smile:

"Kobe doesn't have that ability, otherwise the Lakers wouldn't have traded him. $2400 million, high salary and low performance, only Philadelphia would take him."

Soon, some people expressed their agreement. Although their first reaction upon hearing the news was disbelief, after careful consideration, they felt that the Lakers' decision was reasonable.

Kobe clearly has no intention of taking a pay cut; the trade can be seen as "cashing out at a high price."
Molly Sullivan glanced at Tina Cervasio in black stockings and then muttered "bitch" in her mind. "Look at her dyed hair, she's definitely not a good woman!"

Local reporters in Los Angeles had mixed feelings; Kobe's shout of "Mamba out" during last night's All-Star game was truly moving.

出场36分钟，28中14，三分线外8中2，罚球8中7，贡献了37分14篮板2助攻4抢断1盖帽4失误，这就是科比最后代表湖人队的比赛。

Kobe's outstanding performance reminded many fans of his stellar moments, but many more Lakers fans made sarcastic remarks after the game:

"If Kobe could perform like this in the Finals, he wouldn't be constantly dominated by Lee; the All-Star MVP is his limit."

Perhaps it was precisely because of this kind of fan environment and the lack of support from management that Kobe gave up his trade veto power. The Mamba was clearly heartbroken by the fans, and his "loyalty" faded as a result.

Around 10 o'clock, Kobe appeared in the media room in a gray suit, and the scene became noisy again. The crowd seemed to want to be the first to ask a question, and the staff had to shout to calm them down.

Kobe said a few words after lifting the trophy last night and then turned away. He almost cried at the time. After calming down, Mamba seems to be in a better mood now, with only his tightly clenched hands on the stage revealing his inner turmoil.

After the media room quieted down again, Kobe adjusted the microphone, a slight smile appearing on his face. He raised an eyebrow and said in a deep voice:

"This is my last press conference as a Lakers player. After that, my career will enter the next stage!"

"As you've seen in the news, I'll be returning to my hometown of Philadelphia, and I hope to bring championships to the city in the coming years."

The crowd erupted in discussion again. If it were any other team, people wouldn't have reacted this way, but the 76ers had just suffered a 58-game losing streak in the regular season, so Kobe's choice was terrible.

Seemingly anticipating the crowd's reaction, Kobe, with a solemn expression, added again in a deep voice:

"You know, I won't team up with multiple star players just for a championship; that's not the kind of basketball I'm looking for."

"As a veteran, I only want to win trophies through my own efforts. Playing for my hometown team is a result of my 'well thought' and I will bring my championship experience to Philadelphia."

"."

Many reporters exchanged bewildered glances; this championship experience didn't seem particularly impressive. During the Q&A session, an ESPN reporter bluntly exposed this, asking:

"Kobe, sources have revealed that the 76ers made the trade based on market decisions, right at the end of their career. Do you have the ability to turn around Philadelphia's basketball market?"

Kobe's influence has been declining in recent years, his jersey sales have been gradually decreasing, and his signature shoes are not selling well in North America, even less than those of LeBron James, the second-best player on the Nike roster.

ESPN assessed Kobe Bryant, concluding that the Mamba was unable to revive the struggling Philadelphia basketball market. The 76ers fans, numb from their losses, are currently in a "if you can't beat them, join them" state, with many having already defected.
"My only goal is the championship. Victory can change everything! Basketball will ultimately provide the answer."

After a brief reply, Kobe frowned and stopped looking at the ESPN reporter. These guys hadn't said anything good about him over the years, and their advanced stats had even "expelled" him from the ranks of superstars.

Most reporters were still quite accommodating at this point, and the questions that followed were mostly about their expectations for the new team.

It wasn't until a Sports Illustrated reporter asked another awkward question that the crowd of onlookers perked up again:
"Kobe, if the 76ers continue to struggle against New York in the next few years, will you face the issue of a trade again?"

The next contract will definitely not include the trade veto right. The Lakers missed out on Anthony because of Kobe, and they still regret it to this day. Most teams in the league have learned from this lesson.

Kobe stared at his opponent with a "death stare," his anger blazing. He raised a finger, raised his voice, and roared:

"I'm a championship guard! You may like to use those bullshit formulas to describe me, but basketball doesn't lie, and you'll soon see the changes in Philadelphia!"

"Remember, I won a championship with the Lakers, and I am still the most successful player in the league. You have no right to judge my career."

The angrier Mamba was, the happier some reporters were. As for respect, it simply didn't exist. After the trade, everyone knew that Kobe might be on a nomadic journey for the next few years.

Like many famous basketball stars in the past who faced embarrassing situations at the end of their careers, Kobe's future will only get worse, eventually fading into obscurity and retiring quietly.

Fortunately, the Lakers staff managed to control the situation, and Kobe, having regained his composure, ignored the unscrupulous reporters. Reflecting on his career, his eyes reddened as he expressed his gratitude:

"I will still thank the Lakers. I have been through so much here. I thank the fans who have always supported me. They have shaped who I am today."

"Thank you Dr. Buss, he gave everything for the championship. It's a pity I couldn't lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy here."

"."

Seemingly recalling the painful experiences of the past few years, Kobe finally shed tears, covering his eyes to prevent the audience from seeing his vulnerable side.

Many reporters couldn't help but recall the scene with Allen Iverson back then. The son of Philadelphia also left the team in a sorry state and was eventually "beaten" until he was forced to retire.
At the end of the press conference, no one made things difficult for Kobe anymore. He had indeed tried his best, but his skills were simply not up to par. Basketball can be very cruel sometimes, and hard work can't compare to absolute talent.

Until Kobe got up and left, the Los Angeles reporters couldn't get any questions out of him. The Mamba's dislike by fans was inseparable from their help; it was everyone who together drove away the core player who had served him for many years. Under the watchful eyes of Lakers staff, Jeanie Buss and several others went up to hug and greet Kobe. Kupchak was not present, nor was Jim Buss.

"I'm sorry, Kobe, that wasn't my intention."

Wearing a white business suit, Jenny Buss explained in a low voice with red eyes. Linda Rambis, standing next to her, was also upset and occasionally chimed in to express her good friend's support for Mamba.

Kobe simply shook his head slightly. If he hadn't proactively requested a trade and fallen out with Jerry Buss, perhaps things wouldn't be like this today.

Mamba finally realized that superstars can't be above the team, and no-trade agreements are useless. When the city no longer supports you, leaving is the best option.

“I know it’s all in the past, and Los Angeles is still my home.”

There was no farewell ceremony, and not many people saw him off. After parting ways with a few people, Kobe, accompanied by his agent Pelinka, came back to the arena. The two quietly looked at the championship banner in the sky.

Will I win the championship again?

Kobe's confident expression vanished, and after muttering something, he sat down on the floor. Leaving Los Angeles, where he had lived for many years, and returning to his "hometown," he couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Going home was Pelinka's suggestion, which is a relatively dignified way to leave, since fighting for his hometown would allow him to maintain his superstar status.

"Everything will be alright, Kobe, and you will eventually receive a fair evaluation."

Pelinka smiled and offered quiet words of comfort, but inwardly he sighed. With no more championships to be won, maintaining respectable statistics in the future would be the best-case scenario.

-

After the press conference, news of Kobe's return home once again swept across major sports media outlets, and related topics exploded on Twitter, although the comment section was mostly dominated by New York fans.

Similar comments appeared in the comment sections of every news article, with some New York enthusiasts seemingly eager to "borrow" money:
"The 76ers are completely finished! Kobe will ultimately face the same fate as Iverson; failure awaits him."

In the afternoon, many players who remained in Los Angeles also began giving interviews. Shaquille O'Neal had been very low-key since arriving, and only spoke up after the trade was confirmed:

"I'm not surprised, man! My little brother can't lead the team to a championship. The Lakers are just repeating what they did in the past."

"Maybe you're seeing basketball issues, but I think salary is the key."

"After leaving the Lakers, I returned to the Eastern Conference Finals, and I believe my little brother can do it too. He will prove his strength."

TNT's afternoon program quoted Shaquille O'Neal's comments, but these comments sounded more like sarcasm. Given Kobe's ability, he won the semifinals, and nobody believed that the Mamba could rise again.

ESPN released the opinions of several star players on the trade. Also interviewed at the hotel, the Heat's trio didn't seem as somber as Shaq; Wade even joked:

"Business is business. Players like Kobe can be traded. I think those guys who sing praises of loyalty probably won't talk about it anymore."

James behaved more maturely, without being sarcastic or sarcastic, and simply spoke out again in support of "super teams":
“Modern basketball is completely different from the past. Kevin said a long time ago, ‘Don’t let loyalty ruin you.’ A no-trade clause does not mean you are safe.”

"In the pursuit of greatness, you always have to give up something. I like Kobe's decision to fight for his hometown, which is something every player longs to do."

Bosh didn't discuss trades, but instead brought up the second half of the season, praising the Mamba again when discussing the 76ers' strength:
"I think Kobe can change the 76ers. Maybe they will step up in the second half of the season. We will be prepared for that."

Almost every player who participated in the All-Star Game commented on the trade, with Garnett being the most emotional. Garnett was extremely dissatisfied with his good friend's situation and spoke out:
"The media always sings the praises of loyalty, but many people forget that it is a two-way street."

"When the team chose to give up, no one blamed them. I don't understand why Los Angeles fans would boycott Kobe, who played for the team for 15 seasons. It's a joke."

"They'll miss Kobe. Welcome my good brother home!"

Lee Yu was not seen in the ESPN interview, but on Twitter, enthusiastic Los Angeles fans shared a photo of the Knicks players having a gathering at Greystone Manor last night.

A sports commentator shared the post and ended with a gossipy comment:

"Many people have forgotten that the Knicks have been open for quite some time now!"

While the reaction to Kobe's trade in the US was significant, it paled in comparison to the reaction across the ocean, with die-hard fans feeling "the sky had fallen" after seeing the midday news.

Although Zhang Weiping caused a surge in "Kobe haters" fans, the supporters who have remained over the years are definitely true fans. Many fans have been criticizing the Lakers for being "inhuman," and the Mamba will prove them wrong sooner or later.

CCTV News broadcast an interview with Yao Ming, who only played 10 minutes in the All-Star game, giving most of his playing time to the host Stoudemire.

Yao Ming, who has been troubled by a foot injury recently, has no objection to his playing time. Like "Happy Beast," he uses the All-Star Weekend more for rest.

When discussing blockbuster trades, Yao Ming shook his head repeatedly on camera, looking surprised and saying in a low voice:

"Incredible! Before I entered the NBA, the teams I followed most were the Bulls, the Knicks, and the Lakers. Kobe, like Li You, was an idol for many players."

"Maybe that's just how the NBA is. There are always some things that happen on the road to winning a championship. I hope Kobe can succeed with the 76ers."

-

On Tuesday, February 22nd, the first day back to work, the NBA released a major trade that had garnered much attention:
76人队送出安德烈-伊戈达拉、埃文-特纳、路易斯-威廉姆斯、2012年、2014年首轮选秀权，2011和2012年次轮选秀权得到科比-布莱恩特。

Turner, the second overall pick in 2010, was highly regarded by the Philadelphia media. Before the rookie could even realize his potential, he was hit with a "pie"!
Evan Turner had had enough of his half-season in Philadelphia. The whole city was being corrupted by its neighbors. When the Knicks came to Philadelphia to play, the home team turned against them, shattering the rookie's dreams.

The trade information was released this morning, and Lou Williams immediately posted an update on Twitter, looking extremely happy:

"Next stop—City of Angels! I will become the Lakers' best sixth man!"

Andre Iguodala, who had just recovered from injury, was also secretly pleased with the deal.

Leaving the Knicks' dominance and joining a powerhouse team, he only encountered Li You twice a season at most, and things started to get better!
Like his teammates, Iguodala also posted on Twitter immediately, but he was more composed, bidding a heartfelt farewell to Philadelphia fans before finally expressing his happiness in his second post:

"It's an honor to be a part of a championship team. Let's go Lakers!"

Philadelphia fans were ecstatic, and the 76ers even organized a welcome party. With the Mamba home, tickets were sure to sell like hotcakes, regardless of the team's record.

While onlookers were still hotly debating this major deal, another transaction left sports commentators dumbfounded:

The Knicks traded Rio Chalmers, Tayshaun Prince, and some cash to the Clippers in exchange for Baron Davis and a 2011 first-round draft pick.

When the information first appeared on Twitter, some fans didn't believe it. But after the league announced the trade, social media exploded. Considering the previous photos, this was truly a "farewell dinner."
Davis, the bearded man, also updated his Twitter immediately. The veteran didn't pretend anymore; his joy was palpable.
"Champion, here I come!"

"."

(End of this chapter)