Champion Rules

Chapter 178, Section 174: They are all curious about the future (Seeking monthly votes!)
Lynch was a killer; this was the most incredible fourth quarter in Olympic history. It wasn't entirely individual heroism; the Chinese team's strategy was certainly part of the victory, effectively relieving Lynch's pressure in the first three quarters. But ultimately, Lynch was the brightest star of this star-studded night! — Bob Costas' post-game summary.

This is the greatest night in Chinese sports history! — CCTV commentator Yu Jia's post-match summary.

It's tough being a player, but sometimes you have to learn to respect others. Lynch's performance was outstanding, without a doubt. — Dwight Howard, wearing his silver medal, gave a wry smile during an interview with a CCTV reporter.

You know, these things happen all the time in basketball. Nobody can explain why, I just have to face it. But missing a crucial three-pointer doesn't define my overall performance; my plus-minus is still among the top three on the team. — LeBron James explaining his crucial airball.

Really? You really want to ask me how I feel at this time? — Kobe Bryant, facing the camera, looked utterly resentful.

Believe me, this is revenge, and it's a harbinger. Look at everything the Knicks did this summer; Lynch is simply announcing in advance that the true champions are back. — Mike Breen excitedly predicts the start of the new NBA season.
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The 2008 Olympic gold medal propelled Lynch to the pinnacle of his global fame.

The US team had been defeated before.

However, those who defeated them did not have much commercial value. Manu Ginobili was not a superstar in the NBA, and Carlos Arroyo was just a role player in the NBA.

Those key figures who defeated the Dream Team never broke free from the constraints of being "regional heroes".

People will just say that team X beat the Americans.

But Lynch is different.

His silhouette stands on the giant screen in Times Square, his smile illuminates the neon lights of Shibuya in Tokyo, and his boot advertisements cover everything from the Champs-Élysées in Paris to the Bund in Shanghai.

When this superstar, who held two NBA championship rings and whose commercial value had skyrocketed, delivered the decisive blow against the Dream Team under the dome of the Wukesong Arena, the whole world witnessed a groundbreaking turning point—people no longer vaguely talked about the "Chinese team miracle," but instead forever labeled this epic victory with a personal legendary footnote: Lynch led the Eastern Dragon to defeat the American basketball empire.

For the domestic audience, this championship carries a deeper meaning that transcends mere competition.

A nation uses this sporting event to showcase its rising ambitions to the world, and Lynch becomes the embodiment of that ambition.

You could say that at this point, Lynch was more than just a basketball player.

He is a calling card, a global icon, a source of inspiration for countless children like Kevin Lucas, and the reason David Stern's globalization strategy was so successful.

Next, countless new fans from all over the world will flock to the NBA to see how the guy who thrashed the Dream Team at the Olympics will dominate the league.

Riding the wave of the Olympics, Reebok is expected to overtake Nike completely within the next year.

Sonny Vaccaro laughed at the Chinese team's victory celebration: "I really want to see that idiot Phil Knight's face right now! He abandoned me, and he abandoned you. And now, we've joined forces to become the rulers of the sneaker market! That arrogant idiot is probably just watching his witch-like wife sulk right now, hahahaha!"

Amidst the rising steam of alcohol, Zhu Fangyu, his face flushed, squeezed into the conversation, holding a wine cup in his hand: "Old Lin! Come on, let's drink! What makes a superstar? Someone who's willing to humble themselves and set screens for me, that's a superstar! This cup of wine is to thank you for not putting on airs!"

Lin Qi looked at the wine cup and swallowed hard. But to show respect, he also picked up the wine cup.

After clinking glasses, Zhu Fangyu magically produced a small white wine cup, about the size of a thumb, and poured out a shallow amount of the liquor from the cup: "Hehe, no need to actually drink a cup. Why should we, brothers, fight to the death? A clinking glass is enough."

The classic order is one cup, one sip, and the rest is refunded.

The day after the celebration banquet, Lin Qi left China without stopping.

Reebok will not waste Lynch's commercial value; he has many business events to attend this summer.

Lynch's silhouette wove a star trail among global business landmarks, and when the transoceanic flight finally landed at JFK Airport, only one week remained until the countdown to the new NBA season training camp.

And Lynch couldn't rest this week either, as he started the long-delayed Reebok training camp.

This year's Reebok training camp is the largest ever, with a record-breaking 128 elite trainees, setting a new record for the Reebok training camp.

The organizers also added a competition segment, similar to the Adidas ABCD training camp—or rather, not exactly a copy, since the ABCD training camp was also created by Sonny Vaccaro.

Blake Griffin, Brandon Jennings, and DeMar DeRozan have become the most anticipated players at this year's Reebok training camp.

Also attracting much attention are Stephen Curry and James Harden.

Although college players did not participate in the scrimmage with high school players, Curry and Harden shone in Lynch's orchestrated games.

As a unique highlight of the training camp, organizer Lynch specially planned a cross-disciplinary competition, inviting current NBA players and college players to engage in high-intensity informal matches.

This unconventional mixed-team format not only provides young players with a testing ground to face the intensity of professional competition, but also creates a highly topical platform for them to showcase their talents.

Although it's essentially a pickup game, the intensity is quite high.

Prior to this, many NBA scouts were concerned that Stephen Curry would not be able to maintain his jump shot accuracy in the competitive environment of the NBA.

But in this public crossover match, the baby-faced Davidson College striker repeatedly scored over Trevor Ariza and Wilson Chandler.

James Harden also performed exceptionally well, proving that his explosiveness was enough to allow him to make clean and decisive breakthroughs even when facing NBA-level players.

Such competition undoubtedly provides NCAA players with a larger stage to showcase their talents, giving them better draft prospects and commercial value.

Of course, Lynch and Sonny Vaccaro weren't doing charity work.

This training camp greatly strengthened the relationship between Reebok and young talents, and most of them would be more inclined to sign with Reebok when they enter the professional basketball world.

At least, James Harden and DeMar DeRozan have both decided to join Reebok.

Stephen Curry is still undecided because his father wants him to sign with Nike.

In any case, in the current landscape, Nike is no longer the irresistible choice for young people.

Therefore, Reebok is essentially promoting its brand ambassadors in advance.

After the last day of training camp, Lynch, as usual, treated Curry, DeRozan, and Harden to a meal at his family restaurant.

“I wish you success,” Lynch said, holding up a glass of freshly squeezed juice. “This time next year, you’ll be NBA players too.”

James Harden rubbed his hands together, his eyes gleaming with excitement: "Lynch, tell me quickly, which nightclub in New York is the most fun?"

Realizing his slip of the tongue before he could finish speaking, he quickly scratched his head to make amends: "Uh, don't misunderstand, I meant I want to avoid these places so as not to affect my progress!"

Lynch chuckled, as if he saw through everything: "Listen, James, I have to tell you, if you really are in New York next year, playing alongside me, your nightlife won't be as exciting as you imagine."

Stephen Curry, however, had a completely different concern. This baby-faced guy was actually the most mature of the three: "Lynch, putting aside your identity and brand affiliation, which do you think would be most beneficial for me, signing with Reebok or Nike?"

Curry trusts Lynch, even though he knows Lynch is Reebok's most important spokesperson, he still wants to hear his thoughts.

Lynch leaned forward with interest: "Stephen, is the person at Nike who's in charge of you named Nick Harrison?"

Seeing the other person's pupils shrink suddenly, Lin Qi smugly swirled his glass: "Don't underestimate my network of connections."

Just then, the waiter began serving the dishes, the crisp sound of the porcelain plates clinking against the table interrupting Lynch and Curry's conversation. Lynch also thought to himself, "Some people's stupidity is always foreshadowed."

Nick Harrison, who was in charge of connecting Nike with Curry, will misjudge Curry's value a few years later and let him go to Under Armour, causing Under Armour's market value to skyrocket from $140 billion to $280 billion, allowing the brand to successfully establish itself in the basketball market.

After becoming the general manager of the Mavericks, Nick Harrison "helped" the team lose Jalen Brunson and Luka Doncic.

Such a remarkable person managed to rise to become Nike's Vice President of Basketball Operations for North America within ten years, and then even managed to become the NBA's General Manager. The world truly is a giant makeshift operation.

“Sign with Reebok,” Lynch picked up the conversation after the waiter left the room. “Nike doesn’t understand your value, and Nick Harrison understands even less—do you expect a mediocre basketball player from West Point to see your worth? What serious basketball player goes to West Point?”

“I’m not saying this to you as a Reebok spokesperson, but as a friend. They’ll treat you no differently than they would Duke, so don’t give them the chance to humiliate you.”

Curry nodded: "I'll talk to my dad, you know, his generation was too obsessed with MJ and too much of a Nike fan."

After answering the two men's questions, Lynch looked at Demar DeRozan, who had remained silent throughout.

The warm yellow spotlights in the restaurant's private room gilded his curly hair, but couldn't illuminate his downcast eyes. This young man, who always hid himself in the shadows, stood in stark contrast to Harden, who was gesticulating wildly across from him.

If you don't initiate conversation with him, he can remain silent all night.

"Demar, how are your family?" Lynch asked.

"Everything is fine." The muffled reply was like a stone falling into a deep pool. DeRozan didn't even dare to look Lynch in the eye. After answering, he buried his head and continued to struggle with the food on his plate with his chopsticks.

Have you received your monthly payments on time?

"I am extremely grateful to you, Lin Qi. I will repay you immediately when I receive my first endorsement fee next year."

“That’s not what I meant. I’m not trying to collect a debt.” Lin Qi reached out and pressed down on the other person’s taut forearm, feeling the tendons throbbing beneath the fabric.

"I know, but you've already done so much for me."

"OK, as long as everything is fine."

The conversation ended; the usual exchange between Lynch and DeMar DeRozan was brief.

After dinner, Lin Qi took them to the hotel; someone would arrange for them to go home tomorrow.

As the Rolls-Royce Phantom finally drove towards home, Lynch stared intently at the "Dynasty is Coming" slogan on the billboard.

He knew perfectly well that the three young men with such different personalities were an indispensable part of the Dynasty Plan—of course, Lin Qi hadn't thought of this when he first met them; it was just a strange twist of fate.

Next summer, one of them will definitely become his teammate.

The Knicks have no shortage of big men; Tyson Chandler is still young and has a long contract.

They also don't lack small forwards on the wing. Trevor Ariza will sign an early contract extension with the Knicks this season, and having him as a starter is enough.

If the Knicks want to build a dynasty and maintain their dominance, the most important thing they need to add is a guard.

Raja Bell and Steve Nash are both getting on in years.

DeShawn Stevenson has limited abilities; he's an excellent rotation player and a great comedic partner, but he can't be a starter to help Lynch build a dynasty.

The whole world knows that Ben Gordon is just a temporary mercenary. His purpose in coming to New York is not to build a dynasty with Lynch, but to use the New York stage to pursue the maximum salary contract he desires next summer.

Therefore, the best course of action for the Knicks to realize the value of the Timberwolves' 09 first-round pick is to select a young guard who is capable of being the team's second star.

The three best guards in the 09 draft class were right in front of Lynch.

Who will be the one to help him plant the dynasty's flag on the mountain peak a few years later?

Lynch was filled with curiosity about his future.

Meanwhile, LeBron James is also filled with curiosity about his future.
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LeBron James slammed his crystal glass down on the mahogany table, the amber liquid swirling and churning on the glass. Outside, the Cleveland night was swallowing the last rays of twilight, just as the silence of the Four Horsemen was engulfing the entire living room.

At this very moment, the Four Cavaliers are sitting in LeBron James' home, discussing LBJ's future.

The following 08-09 season was the final year of LeBron James' contract with the Cavaliers.

In the summer of 09, James could opt out of his contract and become a free agent.

That was considered a pivotal moment that saved his career.

His career definitely needs saving; 2008 was the darkest year of LeBron James' career.

The Olympic defeat affected everyone on the Dream Team, but LBJ was clearly the most affected.

Because that damned three-no-stick shot was just too eye-catching.

It's really hard to say whether that airball was the reason for the Dream Team's ultimate defeat.

Just like you can't say that Karl Malone's final mistake in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals completely doomed the Utah Jazz.

In competitive sports, people will always remember those who create miracles at crucial moments, and they will also always remember those who make mistakes at crucial moments.

He lost to Dwight Howard and became the one responsible for the defeat in the Dream Team's major loss.

Originally, he needed to chase after Michael Jordan, but now he can only try to escape Lynch's shadow first.

At the very least, we should try to find a way to defeat him.

“We should re-sign with the Cavaliers,” Randy Mims, a close friend, broke the silence. “Leaving this city at our peak would be a huge risk for us.”

"Victory is the most important thing." Maverick Carter, a former staunch supporter of the movement, disagreed.

"Listen, bro, we can't be good students anymore. KG and Kobe are partying in Los Angeles, and that bastard Lynch is clinging to two-time MVP Nash. Times have changed. And if we choose to transfer, we can use some methods to salvage our commercial value. No player in NBA history has ever announced their decision on live television. LeBron, this is your chance to be in the spotlight again. This will be the most sensational transfer announcement in sports history."

Rich Paul took his cigar away from his mouth: "We've been in contact with Melo's agent, and they're very interested in joining forces. And I bet Joe Dumars knows about it too, since he only signed Chauncey and Richard to short-term contracts. This means the Pistons can free up enough salary cap space to accommodate three superstars next summer. You know what that means, LeBron."

His deliberately drawn-out tone carried a tempting allure, like a poisoned apple.

“But Gilbert has done so much for us!” Randy Mims gripped his cigar cutter tightly. “Shaq is coming, didn’t you know? The Cavaliers have been doing things for us, for LeBron.”

This statement shook LeBron James once again.

He had considered leaving Cleveland, but when Daniel Gilbert fired Larry Brown for him and traded Elton Brand for him, he wavered.

He is now very hesitant because there are rumors that the Cavaliers are preparing to acquire Shaquille O'Neal from Memphis, who has been clamoring to leave, in order to counter Dwight Howard, with Zydrunas Ilgauskas and draft picks as the main components.

The Cavaliers have been working hard for him.

He knew very well what it meant to abandon his own team and go to Carmelo Anthony's team.

But his inability to win a championship with the Cavaliers was also a disaster for him.

“LeBron, all of this needs to be planned in advance. What is your decision?” Maverick Carter pressed. “We can’t delay any longer. Your decision is the most crucial one.”

LeBron James took a sip of his drink, his mind replaying Lynch's repeated victories.

I've been struggling in Cleveland for so long, yet I always end up with failure.

Why go through failure if there's a shortcut?

This is not cowardice at all. I have been fighting for so long, how can it be considered cowardice?

This is the clarity of a strategist!

KG, Kidd, and Kobe could team up; Wade, Gasol, and Pierce could team up; and that shameless Lynch even teamed up with MVP Nash.

Why can't I?
This is not cowardice, this is not cowardice.
“Tell Daniel,” LBJ put down his glass, his voice hoarse, “if we can’t win the championship this season, I won’t renew my contract.”

LBJ still has some influence because the whole world is waiting to see when the King will be crowned, or rather, when he will completely collapse and become a joke.

In that case, LeBron James is prepared to show the world an answer that no one expected.

(Thank you so much to Lin Yu and other big shots for the generous donations! I'm extremely grateful!)
(End of this chapter)