Chapter 1 The Lakers' New Season

The first battle was a great victory over the Warriors. Online, many Lakers fans who had almost been driven to despair by the Lakers haters began to settle accounts.

However, before they could be happy for two days...

In the second preseason game, the Lakers lost to the Jazz by 20 points in Utah.

In this game, Su Feng and Kobe played 10 minutes and 15 minutes respectively.

On the court, the Lakers mainly focused on examining substitute players, so the actual process of the game had no reference value.

But online, the Lakers haters went wild.

Just like in the future, no matter how many goals Cristiano Ronaldo scores, there will always be people who say "Headers don't count," "Penalties don't count," and "My grandma could score that goal."

The truth is...

It's still Benzema's fault.

As a veteran who is about to enter his 13th season in the NBA, Su Feng knows very well that trying to complete the team's integration in these few preseason games is simply a fantasy.

Therefore, Su Feng's team has always allocated playing time to role players in the preseason.

On the one hand, this allows for further examination to determine whether certain players on the edge of the roster need to be cut.

On the other hand, young players can experience the intensity of the NBA in advance through the games.

As for the main players?

As everyone knows.

There are 82 games in an NBA season.

Therefore, even if you are a little out of shape at the beginning of the season, as a main player, you have plenty of time to slowly get back into shape.

Whether in his past or present life, no team in the NBA would let their main players play for too long in the preseason.

Because even in the low-intensity preseason, if the main players get injured, who are you going to complain to when the regular season starts?

In Su Feng's opinion, those who take preseason results as an indicator of the regular season are outrageous...

Admittedly, through the preseason, you can indeed see the progress some stars have made in the offseason.

But for those teams that even take it easy and slack off in the regular season...

Don't even mention the preseason.

Even in the regular season, you probably won't be able to see anything.

…

On the 24th, after returning to their home court and narrowly defeating the Rockets 109-104, the Lakers finally ended their seven preseason games with a record of 4 wins and 3 losses before the start of the new season.

The performance of the new recruits who joined the team in the new season can only be described as mixed.

Dragic performed the most consistently.

Playing 25 minutes per game in the preseason, he averaged "10+3+4" and, thanks to Su Feng and Kobe always helping him share the organizational responsibilities in the games, his average turnovers didn't even exceed 1.

Look!

What is the best point guard development environment in the NBA!

No exaggeration.

With such respectable and lovely seniors like Su Feng and Kobe around, what more could you ask for?

In addition, Jordan Jr.'s performance was also good.

Although his reckless habits need to be corrected with game experience, his amazing athletic talent deeply shocked the Lakers fans at the Staples Center in his limited playing time.

There was one play in the preseason that left a particularly deep impression on people.

At the time, after being tricked by the opponent's fake move, he jumped up again before the opponent could even shoot.

Then, the opponent continued to fake, and he continued to jump.

But just as the opponent was about to finish...

Jordan Jr. gave the opponent a solid block.

Oh, right...

The player who was crushed by Jordan Jr.'s talent was none other than Andrew Bogut, whom the Spurs couldn't get rid of no matter what.

However, compared to Dragic and Jordan Jr...

Livingston's performance was really a bit lacking.

Because his back-to-the-basket skills and pull-up skills at this time were not comparable to the one Su Feng remembered...

Plus, years of major injuries have caused him to have a psychological shadow on attacking the basket that others find difficult to understand.

Therefore, in the preseason, not only did he score fewer points than Jordan Jr., his shooting percentage was not as good as Big Ben's, his assists were not as good as Little Mo's, and even his free throws were only 55% because he wanted to prove himself too much.

And Adam Morrison, whom the Lakers signed in the free agent market before, was even more of a joke...

As Michael Jordan's "Bird successor," he, who doesn't bathe all year round, has proven with his strength just how bad Jordan's vision was after his retirement, in addition to driving Big Ben crazy these days.

Therefore, as soon as the preseason was over, Kupchak, his face flushed with shame, immediately cut him.

And Livingston, who originally thought he would be kicked out with Morrison...

Never expected that King Feng would be generous enough to give him an extra chance.

"As long as you can beat me in a one-on-one, I'll have Mitch keep you, how about it?"

That day, looking at Livingston, who had already packed his bags and was ready to leave, Su Feng smiled.

Hearing this, Livingston nodded and gave Su Feng a grateful look.

But...

After losing to Su Feng by huge scores of 4-21, 5-21, and 3-21 in a row...

How could Livingston dare to shamelessly ask Su Feng to play another game with him?

So...

I'm even more useless than I thought...

Sean, Sean, you used to think that you couldn't make it because injuries prevented you from getting enough opportunities...

Heh...

Don't be ridiculous, Sean.

Even if you really had enough opportunities, what could you do?

That day, looking up at the Lakers' training hall, Livingston knew...

His Lakers career may have come to an end.

Thank you, Los Angeles.

Thank you for giving a waste like me a chance.

But now the dream is over.

Maybe I'm not suitable for playing basketball.

"No...

Is that how you treat your only chance to stay on the team?"

On the court, just as Livingston began to doubt himself, Su Feng never expected that the young Livingston would have such a fragile mentality.

But come to think of it...

Because he hasn't experienced deeper levels of despair yet...

So it's inevitable that he won't be able to recover for a while after encountering a setback.

So, after sighing, Su Feng continued to say to Livingston: "Because you've suffered several major injuries, you're now afraid to even put any intensity on your opponents when defending?

You have height, you also have wingspan, and your lateral movement speed is also good during normal training.

But why didn't you even dare to touch me just now when we were one-on-one?"

Hearing this, Livingston was silent.

Because it was indeed as Su Feng said...

Being too afraid of getting injured again, he didn't发挥 (fāhuī - bring skill into full play) his original strength in the one-on-one just now.

And in competitive sports, this mentality of not daring to exert force after a serious injury can actually lead to more injuries for these players who are just recovering from major injuries.

For example, because of a left foot injury, you don't dare to use your left foot to exert force in the game.

As a result, because your right foot is not prepared at all, your left foot is fine, but the risk of injury to your right foot increases.

Take Su Feng and Kobe's one-on-one recently as an example.

As the regular season approaches, Su Feng has slowly been using his full strength in his one-on-one with Kobe.

And even though Su Feng refused to admit that he was using his full strength in the few one-on-ones he lost to Kobe because he felt it was embarrassing to lose to Kobe...

But everyone with eyes knew...

Su Feng was just being stubborn at the time.

So, seeing that Livingston was very worried about getting injured again, Su Feng decided to give him one last chance after picking up the basketball on the floor and throwing it back to Livingston.

"Sean, if an athlete is hesitant because he's worried about injuries, then in my opinion, he might as well just choose to retire.

Because in this league, no one can guarantee that they won't get injured. (Except for me)

In my opinion, if you get injured, just take good care of yourself.

Then, after you recover, just go all out again.

Maybe your luck is a bit bad.

But, compared to luck, I feel that you now...

Are simply a coward."

In the training hall, looking at Livingston, who was still hesitating, Su Feng shook his head and said, "If you want to leave, then leave.

Anyway, in my opinion, you're not worthy of being called an NBA player anymore.

Of course, if you want to prove that you're still an NBA player, then pick up the basketball and play another game with me."

Hearing this, Livingston was angry.

He wasn't angry at Su Feng's stimulation.

But at his fragile heart.

Yes, maybe I will continue to get injured in the future...

But so what?

If I get injured, I'll recover and continue to run forward.

Even if I return to the starting point again and again...

But as long as I can keep running...

Then who says I can't catch up with my former self?

"Are you... really willing to play another game with me?" Looking at Su Feng, Livingston picked up the basketball, swallowed his tears, and asked.

After shrugging his shoulders...

Just like when he ignited the dream in that Akron boy's heart eleven years ago...

Su Feng smiled and spread his hands, saying, "Of course, if you're willing, I can play with you all day!"

…

Before the start of the new season, Livingston finally stayed on the Lakers team.

On the 25th, the Lakers officially announced the team's 14-man roster for the new season.

Center: Marc Gasol, DeAndre Jordan, DJ Mbenga.

Power Forward: Shawn Marion, Ben Wallace, Josh Powell.

Small Forward: Su Feng, Luke Walton.

Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant, Maurice Williams, Maurice Evans.

Point Guard: Goran Dragic, Shaun Livingston, Jannero Pargo.

According to the schedule, on the 28th, the Lakers will host the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Staples Center in the opening game.

As a president who understands the fans' psychology, Stern has always arranged the games in a way that generates the most buzz.

Before the start of the new season, the Lakers and Cavaliers were ranked fourth and fifth respectively in the first team power rankings.

In addition, it is worth mentioning that in this year's ESPN player rankings, ESPN also excluded Su Feng from the player rankings for the first time.

The reason is that putting Su Feng on this list is simply an insult to Su Feng in ESPN's view.

"A player who would be the first person in basketball history even if he retired immediately should not be placed in a discussion with other active players!"

However, without Su Feng, the controversy over this list has become even greater.

Because at the top of this year's player rankings is none other than LeBron James.

Following him are Wade, Duncan, and Nowitzki...

As for Kobe, who has just recovered from injury?

"Huh, why can't I see your name in the top fifty?" That day, holding the newly released player rankings, Su Feng looked at Kobe with a puzzled expression and asked.

Kobe: "..."

Seriously!

Since you also know that ESPN is an unscrupulous media that specializes in discrediting me, why are you using their player rankings to provoke me?

"Let's not talk about this, I have something to discuss with you." Looking at Su Feng seriously, Kobe said after tearing the list to shreds with his own hands.

"You want to tell me that you want to be the last one to appear in the opening game's entrance ceremony?

No problem, considering that this is your first game after your official return, I'll allow it." Looking at Kobe, Su Feng smiled.

Kobe: "..."

Damn it!

So, the meaning is that if this game wasn't because of my return from injury, you wouldn't be willing to let me be the last one to appear, right?

But forget it...

Because Kobe didn't come to Su Feng specifically to talk about this matter, so in Kobe's opinion, Su Feng's proactive initiative to bring up this matter was already a pleasant surprise.

"Well... actually, I wanted to talk to you about who will guard LeBron in the opening game." After a pause, Kobe said.

Hearing this, Su Feng was first stunned, then taken aback.

Then, feeling like he had lost 100 million, he said with a justified tone: "Since I entered the NBA, I haven't played any position other than forward.

So, since LeBron's position is guard, of course, you should guard him."

Kobe: "..."

I knew it!

Looking at Su Feng's shameless face, if it wasn't because he had already made psychological preparations before coming to Su Feng specifically, then Su Feng's words would have been enough to make Kobe lose his composure.

In fact, if it wasn't because he wanted to prove himself in front of his hometown folks, with Kobe's personality, he would probably be eager to match up with James on the court.

But...

Because Coach Lue had already informed Kobe in advance that he would only have 25 minutes of playing time in the opening game...

So, if he also had to guard James in the game...

Then where would he have the chance and time to prove himself?

You know, this James is not the approachable boy next door who was easily bullied when he first entered the league...

If James really gets going in the game, then even Su Feng wouldn't dare to pat his chest and say that his offensive state wouldn't be affected by guarding James.

Therefore...

Knowing that Coach Lue couldn't possibly arrange for Dragic to match up with James, Kobe specifically found Su Feng.

However, based on Su Feng's attitude of slacking off in games ever since he knew that he wouldn't be able to win the regular season MVP again in a short period of time...

Kobe knew very well.

If he wanted to persuade Su Feng, he had to have plenty of patience this time!

"Why are you so stubborn?"

However, to Kobe's surprise, even though he had made ample psychological preparations, Su Feng's shamelessness exceeded his imagination.

"No, in the opening game, the Cavaliers will definitely use Ron to guard me, right?

Then, coming back, you want me to guard LeBron...

Bro, this isn't the Finals, are you hoping that I'll die directly after playing this opening game?" Looking at Kobe, Su Feng refused again with sufficient reasons.

"Moreover, I'm already a 30-year-old veteran...

In a few more years, I might not even be able to walk...

Are you really willing to watch me suffer so much in the game?" After a pause, Su Feng continued to look at Kobe with a wronged face.

And this time...

Kobe finally understood...

Why people in the streets prefer to call Su Feng Su Gou (Dog Su).

"Okay, let me tell you the truth, I've already discussed it with Tyronn...

In the opening game, I'll play power forward, and then Shawn (Marion) will match up with LeBron." Looking at Kobe, who was about to lose his mind, Su Feng suddenly changed his face and smiled.

Kobe: "..."

Are you deliberately playing with me?

Since you've already discussed it with the coach, would it kill you to say it earlier?

"Shawn is strong and powerful, and he only needs to shoot open shots on the offensive end, so he's definitely the best choice for us to match up with LeBron in the opening game." Patting Kobe on the shoulder, Su Feng continued.

"But, is it really okay for you to play the four?" Kobe asked.

"Kobe, do you know who you're talking to?" Su Feng asked back.

Kobe shook his head.

"The greatest power forward in NBA history! You know!

If Chris (Bosh) can score 15 points in front of me in the opening game, then I'll retire immediately and become a truck driver." While putting his hands on his hips, Su Feng said to Kobe.

Kobe: "..."

Sure enough, in the NBA, there's no one who can pretend more than Su Feng.

But anyway, after solving the problem of who will guard James...

Now, Kobe can finally free up his hands to prove to the fans...

Just how strong he is after this return of the king!

…

October 28th, 8 PM.

Los Angeles, Staples Center.

As the opening game of the 08/09 season, no need to elaborate, no need to set the stage...

On the court, as the Cleveland Cavaliers' players walked onto the court one by one...

The appetite of countless basketball enthusiasts in the arena and in front of the TV was piqued.

Although O'Neal failed to发挥 (fāhuī - bring skill into full play) his due role on the Cavaliers last season.

However, this season, after successfully losing weight before the start of the season, he confidently stated in an interview that he and James would join forces to sweep the entire Eastern Conference.

In addition, as ESPN's pick for the best active player other than Su Feng...

Anyway, except for some James fans...

Almost everyone in the world knows that this season, James will launch an冲击 (chōngjī - assault) for his first regular season MVP trophy in his personal career.

Cleveland's ambition is well known.

However, compared to the Cavaliers...

Before the start of this opening game, Lakers fans were more concerned about where Su Feng had gone.

In the arena, Su Feng, who was supposed to be the second-to-last player to appear in the entrance ceremony, was nowhere to be seen.

If it wasn't because they knew that His Majesty the King had always had the world in his heart...

Then the Lakers fans would have suspected that Su Feng was angry and refused to appear because the DJ only introduced him as "Lakers #23" tonight.

On the Lakers' bench, Kobe was anxious.

Because unlike the Lakers fans, Kobe knew that Su Feng had always been meticulous...

So at this moment, Kobe was really worried that Su Feng would become depressed because the DJ only said "Lakers #23" when introducing him.

But...

Just as Kobe was extremely anxious...

A familiar voice came from the Staples Center.

On the Lakers' home DJ stage, Su Feng took out a pre-written draft and read:

"He was born strong and never feared the fierce wind and waves.

He had lost everything, but he also regained his confidence and climbed up again.

He has overcome all difficulties...

And endured all kinds of hardships and hardships, just to fulfill his dream and overcome obstacles.

Twelve years ago, he said to me that if we don't defeat Michael Jordan in our era, then our basketball career will be meaningless.

And now, everyone in Los Angeles, what are you waiting for?

Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm applause to:

The eighth rookie the Los Angeles Lakers traded for in the 1996 NBA Draft.

NBA champion player...

NBA scoring champion...

NBA slam dunk champion...

Ten-time NBA All-Star starter...

The best NBA player in my mind.

And also my best brother...

Kobe Bryant!"

Staples, looking up at the ceiling, Kobe, who had his head covered with a towel by Coach Lue at the first moment, couldn't say a word at this moment.

At this moment, trembling all over, his thoughts had already been pulled back to that afternoon in 1994.

"Kobe————!!"

"Kobe————!!"

"Kobe————!!"

As Staples began to shake...

New York, at this moment, David Stern only wanted to open a bottle of vintage red wine for himself.

Unexpectedly, unexpectedly...

That small Lower Merion back then...

Actually cultivated two "Sleeping Dragons and Phoenix Young" who could make the NBA forget Jordan, forget all the past, and only let fans look forward to the present and the future.

Inside the arena, the Lakers fans finally saw Su Feng walking back to the court from the DJ stage...

And time, at the moment when Su Feng and Kobe hugged each other deeply...

It seemed to freeze.

Los Angeles!

Are you ready to open the glorious era of 23+24?

If not...

Then you have to open your eyes wide...

Because this is basketball that only Pennsylvanians have witnessed with their own eyes!

Lower Merion Twin Stars!

They...

Are coming!

…

PS: The second update brings a total of 10,500 words! In addition, before tomorrow's update, Qiao will first release Kobe and Su Feng's abilities and the rosters of each team in a free form! Continue to beg for double monthly tickets!