Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 341 See you tonight!

By April 4th, all the teams in the Western Conference had finished their games.

With 3-4 games remaining, the playoff race still hangs heavy in the Western Conference.

The Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, and Los Angeles Lakers will all have one of these teams finish ninth and miss the playoffs.

The answer lies in tomorrow.

The Thunder's four future rivals are the Pistons, Timberwolves, Rockets, and Bucks.

The Thunder, who won their crucial game against the Lakers on April 2, actually have the best chance of making the playoffs. With a record of 47 wins, they only need one more win to secure a playoff spot based on their current ranking. Right now, they are focused on achieving a better ranking.

Of these four opponents, the Timberwolves have little desire to compete, and they have completely lost their chance to qualify for the playoffs.

The Pistons are a tough nut to crack, and they are also striving for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Both the Rockets and the Bucks are in a situation where their records won't change their rankings, so they'll let their bench players get a feel for the game in the last few matches.

Therefore, the Thunder are the team with the least need for tension and worry among the four teams.

The Spurs currently have a record of 45 wins, three games short of the playoff standard of 48 wins, but the teams they face are the most formidable.

Wizards, Cavaliers, Mavericks.

These three teams have long been in a tanking phase, and with the Spurs' strength, winning both games is a foregone conclusion.

The Utah Jazz have 48 games left, with their last four opponents being the Kings, Lakers, Nuggets, and Clippers.

The Nuggets are vying for third place with the Trail Blazers and Rockets, so this game will be tough for the Jazz.

The king is conceding defeat, victory is a foregone conclusion.

The Lakers are direct competitors, and the battle will inevitably be fierce and bloody.

The Clippers are the most unpredictable and have an ambiguous attitude. If Chen Wang doesn't play, there's a chance of winning; if he does play, there's no hope at all.

Fortunately, if they win just one more game, they'll be in a very secure position, with a high probability of making the playoffs and even a good ranking.

Finally, the Lakers.

The Lakers were embroiled in internal strife and their performance fluctuated in the first half of the season. It wasn't until they acquired Davis before the trade window closed in February that their performance began to steadily improve.

In particular, the chaotic battle with the Clippers in March ignited James' fighting spirit, leading to 9 wins in the next 12 games and a miraculous rise to the edge of the playoffs.

At this moment, the Lakers have 46 wins and are ranked eighth in the Western Conference.

The final three opponents are the Clippers, Jazz, and Trail Blazers.

As mentioned earlier, it goes without saying that neither the Jazz nor the Trail Blazers will give the Lakers any hope of throwing the game.

On the contrary, the Clippers have a glimmer of hope.

If the Clippers throw the game, the Lakers have a chance. They can win one of the last two games, and if they win both, they're pretty much guaranteed a win.

Because with the same record, the Lakers had a 2-0 record against the Spurs in the regular season, and James naturally had a psychological advantage against DeRozan.

The Lakers are currently the most uncertain team. They need to prove themselves and win at least two more games to eliminate the Spurs.

But if you lose two games, you're leaving your hopes to fate.

As a result of various factors, the entire league's attention was focused on the Lakers' away game against the Clippers on April 5th.

With grudges, playoff qualification, and a first in the history of the two cities, so many elements have led the media to exclaim that this is a battle that can be called the Finals.

The Clippers have two options.

First, if Chen Wang doesn't play, the Lakers will win a crucial game, giving them great confidence to face the Jazz and the Trail Blazers.

If they advance to the playoffs, there is a very high probability that they will make history.

The Clippers, with the best record, faced the Lakers, who were ranked eighth, in the first round, marking the first playoff matchup between the two teams in franchise history.

Without a doubt, this is the outcome that the league, the media, and the fans most wanted to see.

Given the strained relationship between Chen Wang and James, this first round will undoubtedly set a new record for the highest-rated playoffs in NBA history.

"Imagine it, hundreds of millions of fans in China and hundreds of millions in North America, plus Europe, South America, and Asia—this could be the NBA playoffs with a billion viewers in history," Lakers beat reporter Brian excitedly tweeted.

The Clippers' second option is to ruthlessly eliminate the Lakers. If the Lakers lose, it means that they must win both of their next two games to have any hope of eliminating the Spurs and making it into the playoffs.

But this is too difficult. The Trail Blazers and Jazz are also fighting hard for playoff seeding, so it will be very difficult for the Lakers to win.

Therefore, whether Chen Fang will play has become the biggest suspense and hot topic in North American sports.

However, the person in question did not respond. After the suspension ended, Chen Fang did not play in the three home games against the Cavaliers, Grizzlies, and Rockets, but only accompanied the team.

Of these three games, the Clippers won two and lost one to the Rockets, further solidifying their league standings.

With a record of 61 wins and 18 losses, they also made Clippers history.

Prior to this, the record was 57 wins and 25 losses, achieved in the 2013-2014 season.

That season, the Clippers were led by Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.

So on April 4th, the Los Angeles Clippers posted on social media to celebrate this great record.

The poster features only Chen Wang in a graceful jump shot pose, without any other characters, signifying the Clippers' official recognition that Chen Wang is the team's sole core player.

In an era teeming with two or three superstars, a single player leading a team to the best record in the league is nothing short of a miracle. This is also the Clippers' official response to the league's decision to unfairly oust Chen Wang for the MVP award.

Given the Clippers' current record, Chen Wang doesn't need to play in the last three games; focusing on preparing for the playoffs is the best option.

After all, no one wants to see anything happen to Chen Wang. Who knows what terrible things the Lakers might do in desperation and hatred?

The Clippers are under immense pressure from everyone, including the coaching staff, management, and even owner Steve Ballmer, who are all asking about Chen Wang's attitude.

If it were any other player, even a core player, the team might not indulge him and would make the best choice for him. But this is Chen Wang, the most dazzling rising superstar in the league right now. He's only 20 years old, and he'll only be 21 after this summer.

If he stays healthy, Chen Wang's time in the league will be measured in decades. And once the Clippers are in place, Chen Wang will naturally become the greatest icon in Clippers history.

Therefore, even though the benefits of the two choices were vastly different, no one dared to put pressure on King Chen, and they didn't even intend to ask him directly.

Furthermore, it seemed as if a gag order had been placed on everyone on and off the boat; even the cleaning lady kept quiet in response to the reporter's indirect questions.

The starting lineup had to be announced eventually. On the morning of April 4th, Chen Fang attended the pre-game press conference. Such pre-game media conferences are mandatory by the league, and teams have no right to refuse.

According to records, 300 media personnel registered before the event, and 158 journalists were ultimately allowed to enter the venue.

Chen Fang sat on the stage, looking at the faces from all over the world below—Asian, European, South American, not to mention locals.

Actually, there's only one question today: will Chen Wang play, and what is his attitude towards this derby match?

"I know what you want to ask," Chen Fang said with a smile, without avoiding the question.

"There are too many people here today, so it would be a shame to let anyone ask questions. So let me answer them directly."

There was a slight commotion in the audience, everyone was surprised, but they quickly quieted down and waited for the suspense to be revealed.

"Yes, I will play, and this is the last regular season game." Chen Fang was very satisfied with the feeling of so many reporters looking up at him with eager eyes. It felt great. This is the spotlight. No wonder James likes to create suspense and announce his decision.

The crowd erupted in uproar. This was a blatant declaration; Chen Wang had openly expressed his hatred for James.

"If I were the one who sent the Lakers fishing, I would be more than happy to do it."

"This is also part of my duty as a Clippers player."

After saying three sentences, Chen Fang felt great seeing the reporters below the stage taking notes. He continued, "I know you want to ask why. I am very clear about the expectations circulating in the market right now."

"In my opinion, this is disrespectful to the Lakers. Losing to the Clippers does not mean there is no hope, nor does beating the Clippers mean there is a chance to make the playoffs."

"Regardless of which viewpoint it is, it is disrespectful to all teams." Chen Fang began to get serious.

"Of course I also hope that the Lakers and us will have a battle of the century and break each other's team records. This would be a huge contribution to promoting the league's global influence."

"But a player's duty is to go all out and give it their all when they step onto the court; that's my value."

"So, what I want to say to the Lakers is this: if you want to make the playoffs, come and get them yourselves. Win every game and provide the most exciting games of the regular season for all basketball fans."

"LeBron, I'm looking forward to tonight's game. I'm ready. Are you?"

After speaking, Chen Fang stood up, and the reporters felt that their trip had been worthwhile. Chen Wang was always worth looking forward to; the amount of attention he generated could only be contained by the Pacific Ocean.

Back at the training ground, Chen Fang looked at his teammates who were all waiting for him. He scanned their faces one by one, finally settling on Dillon's face.

"Welcome back, brother. Please allow me to celebrate for you with today's game."

Ti Lung, rubbing his hands together and radiating murderous intent, replied, "I still hate myself for missing out last time. Today, I'm going to make up for all the regrets."

"Yes, I will get my face back," Chen Fang said firmly.

Then he walked towards the whole team, and everyone gathered around him. Chen Fang, who was standing in the very center, raised his right arm.

"Go Clippers! Beat the Lakers!"

Chen Fang was met with a roar from the entire team: "Go Clippers! Beat the Lakers!"

The roar echoed through the arena. Not far away, Rivers sighed deeply and said to Lawrence, "Just watch, today's game will suffocate us."

"Prepare some nitroglycerin tablets." Lawrence had the same expression.

Meanwhile, Chen Fang's words at the press conference spread to all parts of the world through various channels within just a few minutes.

Duan Ran, who was outside the Staples Center preparing for the live broadcast, received the news immediately and solemnly addressed the camera: "Breaking news."

"Breaking news: Chen Wang will play in today's game against the Lakers, which will also be Chen Wang's last game of the regular season."

"Chen Wang stated frankly that it was the Clippers' duty, and also his intention, to crush the Lakers."

"It's 11:15 now. In seven hours and 45 minutes, the Staples Center behind me will witness the ultimate showdown between champions."

"Whether it is Chen Wang who personally sends the Lakers to their doom, or James leading the team to defeat the Clippers and make it into the playoffs, the suspense will be revealed in ten hours."

"I'm Duan Ran, see you tonight!"

The Lakers' press conference was held half an hour later.

James and Davis attended together.

Many more reporters, some even coming directly from Chen and Wang's side, arrived unchanged.

“I heard Chen’s statement. Very good. That’s the charm of the NBA.” James said calmly, looking at Davis, who responded with a slight nod.

"I was ready. I've been preparing for this day."

"Chen is great, but I'll tell him today that he's a whole Pacific Ocean away from touching me." For some reason, James was incredibly confident today, speaking eloquently and captivating the reporters with his superstar aura.

"The Clippers aren't scary. Their record doesn't reflect their actual strength," James continued.

"We don't rely on anyone or any team. This season has been a rollercoaster for us, but thankfully we're now on the verge of the playoffs, and we won't let the opportunity slip away."

"See you tonight!" James's words were even met with cheers.

Everyone was excited; this was the feeling of a grand opening act.

All the reporters were excited, wishing time would fly by, as it was already 7:30 pm.

"Let's wait for tonight together," said renowned host A. Smith solemnly to the camera.

"This will be the most exciting game of the season!"

(End of this chapter)