Saturday, June 14, 2008, Father's Day was approaching, but the sports media's carnival continued.
Every day, a large number of news articles and columns appeared on major ESPN websites.
Young sports fans even had the illusion that the news was more exciting than the Finals!
On the morning of the second day after the Finals ended, a video appeared on the TMZ website showing Shaquille O'Neal rapping and cursing Kobe Bryant with a group of girls.
The explicit rap caused a strong reaction.
If it was just "Kobe can't do anything without me," it wouldn't have gone viral, but Shaq got drunk and completely let loose, even freestyling on the spot:
"He said Shaq gave a woman a million, but I wouldn't do that, because my name is Shaquille O'Neal."
"I love them, I won't leave them, I had a vasectomy, now I can't make them pregnant."
"Morher Fucking Kobe ruined my marriage, say it with me, fuck!"
The content of the video on the website spread continuously, and "Shaq did it too" was brought up again.
At the same time, some feminists also began to participate in the discussion, believing that Shaquille O'Neal insulted women.
In Phoenix, a sheriff, after watching the video, also condemned Shaquille O'Neal in an interview with the media:
"I can't believe Shaquille O'Neal would perform like this in public. If the video is real, I would really like to revoke the badge I awarded him. Federal public servants should not do this."
"…"
During the Sports Center program at noon, Stephen A. Smith connected with Shaquille O'Neal, who seemed to have sobered up from his hangover and made a solemn promise on the program:
"I was performing at the time, and everything was for the atmosphere. I just wanted to bring joy to everyone!"
"It's no big deal. If these lyrics hurt some people, I'm willing to sincerely apologize. I swear, I was just improvising."
"Don't forget I released an album after getting MVP and FMVP, that was a platinum record, that's my rap style."
Shaquille O'Neal on the phone seemed to be getting happier as he talked, and his slightly slurred voice after the hangover quickly became deep and cheerful:
"You know, Kobe is always my little brother, we get along very well, and I'm just as sad to see him lose the Finals. If he needs anything, he can call me anytime!"
"…"
On the show, Stephen A. Smith could barely hold back.
He didn't expect Shaquille O'Neal to be so petty, constantly dwelling on old grudges, and clearly had not forgiven Kobe in his heart:
"OK, if I have the chance, I'd rather contact Kobe. Maybe I can get you two to sit down face-to-face and completely resolve this grievance."
The ESPN program was also undergoing reforms.
Stephen A. Smith didn't have many opportunities to guest host on weekends.
Seeing his partner Grant Hill showing a helpless expression, he immediately fired again after ending the call:
"It's hard to imagine that Kobe's performance in the Finals would be so bad! Note, I'm not intentionally belittling him, this is a fact, he ruined Tim Duncan's championship dream!"
"In comparison, Tony Parker and Clay Lee didn't turn in such bad stats when they faced each other. What's even more incredible to me is that Kobe still insists he's the best player."
"Is he joking? Kobe should bow to God-Lee and be more humble, instead of playing a shitty series and still insisting on the so-called 'I'm the best player'."
"Points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, every single stat was comprehensively behind. Kobe only surpassed Lee in turnovers!"
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is the biggest skill gap matchup I have ever witnessed in the Finals!"
"Lee blew out Kobe, although he never said so, the truth is that 'the best' once collapsed in the game."
Kobe's stats had been shown in the morning program, but the director was not afraid of repeating content and once again educated the viewers in front of the TV about Kobe's performance in the four Finals games:
Averaged 38.0 minutes per game, averaging 24.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.8 turnovers per game.
Field goal percentage was 35.5%, three-point percentage 15.0%, and free throw percentage 78.6%.
With an average of 23.5 shots per game, Kobe's true shooting percentage was 44.9%.
If you covered the name, it would be hard to associate these stats with "the best player."
In contrast, Lee's stats were far ahead, with an 87% true shooting percentage being particularly striking.
With 40+10 in the Finals, Kobe was completely blown out.
Grant Hill also participated in the Finals broadcast.
In the back studio, the guests were more subtle, and no one was as direct as Stephen A. Smith.
Considering the formidable combat power of Kobe's die-hard fans, Hill, holding the teleprompter, had to be the good guy again:
"I watched all four games during the broadcast. Kobe Bryant looked a bit nervous, he seemed not ready yet."
"I don't know his specific physical condition, but I agree with Coach Van Gundy's view that Kobe lost his most important explosiveness, which is why he was completely at a disadvantage."
"Considering his finger injury, I think there's a high possibility that Kobe was also troubled by a knee injury."
With a torn right finger, Kobe had not undergone surgery and insisted on conservative treatment for the Finals.
This was the only injury the Lakers announced to the public.
After delivering such poor stats in the Finals, fans quickly felt sorry for "Brother Dove," and news about Kobe being troubled by a "knee injury" began to circulate, reportedly from within the Lakers.
Not all commentators bought into this excuse, and Stephen A. Smith was clearly also actively surfing the internet.
While die-hard fans firmly believed that Kobe could lead the team to a championship once healthy, Lee's fans and the vast majority of bandwagon fans mocked:
"He can't do anything!"
Hill's words saved Kobe some face, and Stephen A. Smith didn't continue his tirade, only revealing schadenfreude in his tone when gossiping about Lakers internal news:
"Tim Duncan boarded a plane to San Antonio this morning. It seems this former San Antonio Spurs MVP is also very disappointed with the Finals."
"…"
In the afternoon, at the Toyota Center, the Lakers management gathered there.
Jerry Buss had not shown up since the game ended.
He was almost fuming over the team's performance.
From the second floor, one could see the specific situation on the training court.
Kobe Bryant was continuously shooting from beyond the three-point line, a situation that had lasted from this morning until now.
After taking over the Lakers, Jerry Buss developed a habit of being "autocratic."
He would also listen to advice and gave certain preferential treatment to the team's meritorious members.
The only exception was Jerry West.
When the latter was the team's Head Coach, he played a trick on him.
The two had different views on Magic Johnson, and the conflict accumulated from that time.
Most of the management were actually family members, and Phil Jackson was also Jeanie Buss's boyfriend.
Watching Jerry Buss pacing back and forth, looking somewhat agitated, everyone avoided provoking him.
"Who can tell me! Why didn't we win a single game? Why did Tim Duncan leave? How much more money do I have to spend to win a championship?!"
"Damn it, is the Los Angeles Times crazy? I'm going to sue them, these bitch-like reporters are all licking Shaquille O'Neal's dick, fuck."
Digging up old dirt was the media's favorite thing.
The Los Angeles Times had a column this morning that dug up the story of Jerry Buss deciding to trade Shaquille O'Neal without notifying him back then.
The content was the same as before, complaining about the management's lack of vision and unwillingness to spend money.
Finally, the view that "the current lineup alone cannot win a championship" particularly stimulated Jerry Buss.
The old man was not in good health.
After complaining for a while, he returned to his desk, gasping for breath.
He wanted to light a cigarette as soon as he sat down, but was ultimately stopped by Jeanie Buss, who quickly winked at her boyfriend.
Kupchak frowned secretly.
The Kentucky Fried Chicken Old Man had always wanted more power.
With this loss, there was a high possibility that he would be in charge during the offseason.
"We are outdated. Although I don't want to admit it, the fact is that if you want to win a championship, you have to play like the New York Knicks."
"The era of big men and low-post offense is over."
Phil Jackson's voice was low, and he spoke slowly.
He seemed to have regained his confidence, completely free of his previous despondency.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar used to have a somewhat eccentric temper when he played for the Lakers, but after retirement, his personality improved a lot, and as a championship member, he also earned the respect of the Buss Family.
As soon as the Kentucky Fried Chicken Old Man finished speaking, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar added in a deep voice, helping Jerry Buss understand where the problem truly lay:
"Faster pace, more three-pointers, and more off-ball offense."
"Phil is right. We have to play that way, either by shooting the ball from beyond the arc or by making layups closer to the basket."
As he got older, Jerry Buss grew more and more irritated.
All he knew was that he had spent 75 million dollars and hadn't won a championship.
When the two stopped talking, he sighed helplessly and asked,
"Tell me, how much more money will we have to spend next season to win a championship?"
As the General Manager, Kupchak naturally had to answer the owner's question.
Jim Buss hesitated, but ultimately chose to wait:
"After signing Tim Duncan, we won't be able to sign big-name players in the free agency market. At the same time, we still have restricted free agents on the team, and we need to consider offering them contracts."
"To break up the current roster, the team must make trades. Lamar Odom is the best trade target, and we haven't discussed this yet."
The lack of cap space was a big problem.
The Knicks built their team through the draft, and only recently did they start having overpaid contracts.
Although the Lakers also drafted excellent talent, they gave it all to the San Antonio Spurs.
"Why not consider making offers for New York players? I know it will cost more money, but it's the best option!"
"We can disrupt their roster. Maybe we can also make a few calls to other teams. Some people will be interested."
"Phil, what do you think?"
Jim Buss, dressed in a black shirt and jeans, suddenly interrupted, turning to look at Phil Jackson.
The Kentucky Fried Chicken Old Man knew that he didn't like him interfering with the free market, so he didn't give a definite answer:
"This might be a good plan. We need to communicate with the core players. Now the team must complete the contract extension with Tim Duncan."
"..."
The few of them had some disagreements about the team's roster.
Jerry Buss found it frustrating to listen.
Perhaps still dissatisfied with Kobe's betrayal, the old man suddenly interjected:
"If we trade Kobe, will it be easier to win a championship?"
This bold suggestion silenced the group again.
Phil Jackson noticed the old man looking at him and finally shook his head slowly, giving a "cruel" truth:
"If there were no Lee in the league, Kobe would be the best perimeter player right now."
"Those reporters only cater to the fans, but they can't deny that Kobe is currently the best shooting guard in the league. The team made the right choice back then."
The best shooting guard was defended so poorly in the Finals that his field goal percentage was less than 40%.
This fact was too cruel.
Jerry Buss let out a long breath, no longer participating in the discussion, and stood up to leave:
"Then go ahead and make offers for New York's players as Jim said. Contact some old friends. I don't want to see anything about trading Kobe appear in the newspapers."
"..."
Jim Buss got the answer he wanted.
He glanced at his sister, feeling a little happy, and with a slight smile, he quickly spoke again:
"Ron Artest, Raja Bell, JR Smith, and players from the New York Knicks' bench are also our targets."
"We also need help from other teams. If we can bring in a third All-Star, we can also trade Lamar Odom..."
Jeanie Buss glanced at her boyfriend.
Phil Jackson quickly offered a different opinion.
While they were still discussing, Jerry Buss went to the training hall on the first floor and silently watched Kobe shoot.
"Dr. Buss, I'm sorry, I couldn't win a championship for the team."
Kobe, drenched in sweat, found Jerry Buss and walked up to him, whispering apologetically with a sad expression on his face.
"You really performed terribly! I watched on TV, your three-point percentage wasn't even 20%? Damn it! Why can Lee always make his shots?!"
Recalling Lee's performance at Staples Center, Jerry Buss cursed in a low voice, infuriated.
After the game, he still had to pretend the Lakers were successful, which had truly angered him these past two days.
"If you're not going to the Olympics, then get surgery as soon as possible! Of course, I don't want to interfere with your choice, this is just my suggestion."
"I will consider it. I promise my body will be in peak condition before the new season starts."
Jerry Buss patted Kobe and said no more.
The medical team hoped the Mamba would undergo surgery as soon as possible.
As for the Olympics, he naturally had to decline.
Playing with an injury was not what everyone expected.
Looking up at the second floor, Kobe could still vaguely see the golden trophy by the window.
He naturally understood the owner's meaning, but after so many years, he had too few honors on him, and he really wanted to win a gold medal.
At 4 PM, Phil Jackson and the others finished their discussion.
The Kentucky Fried Chicken Old Man saw Kobe gasping for breath on the sidelines, drenched in sweat from practice, and immediately went over to comfort him:
"It's not a bad thing to find problems after a failure!"
"Next season, we will adjust the way we run the Triangle Offense. To win a championship, we must embrace this era."
"I hope the team can start training camp early. If possible, I hope you can stay here."
Coach Krzyzewski hoped he could serve as "Captain America," and the Kentucky Fried Chicken Old Man hoped he could undergo surgery as soon as possible and train with the team early.
Kobe found it difficult to give a definite answer:
"Sorry, Coach, I think I need to reconsider."
On sunday, June 15th, Father's Day morning, the Los Angeles Times broke the news of Kobe's "alcohol abuse" after Finals Game 3.
The related news came from the Lakers, so it wouldn't be long before fans would see a "hunt for the mole" drama unfold.
At the same time, renowned basketball analyst Bill Simmons also criticized Kobe's lack of leadership on his blog, and also pointed out that Mike D'Antoni's tactics completely outmatched Phil Jackson's during the Finals:
"The Knicks' pick-and-roll system simplifies basketball, while the Lakers' Triangle Offense can no longer adapt to this era."
"In the future, three-pointers will become increasingly important in basketball. All teams will emphasize offensive spacing. Clay Lee makes basketball purer, and core guards will dominate the game."
On ESPN's morning show, a video of Kobe yelling at his teammates in Game 4 was also released.
Combined with Lee's post-game comment about Kobe being a "Good man," the Mamba was destined to be ridiculed again today.
Because it rained in New York on Saturday, the New York Knicks team only returned to Manhattan this afternoon.
Before they even got off the plane, the gleaming golden trophy made the fans at the airport erupt.
USA Basketball has already announced the invited roster.
Chandler and Tayshaun Prince have confirmed their acceptance of the invitation.
In mid-July, they will have to report to training camp.
After making the final roster, they will travel with the team to places like Macau and Guangzhou to begin warm-up exhibition games.
Although Tayshaun Prince doesn't talk much, as a "homegrown" player drafted by the Knicks, he has a large number of supporters in New York.
Fans are very concerned about his national team journey.
Surrounded by New York reporters, Tayshaun Prince took off his blue championship hat and smiled as he spoke about his choice:
"I am honored to receive the invitation. If I make the final roster, everyone doesn't have to worry. The Team USA has too many big-name stars, so my playing time won't be too much."
"If needed, I will share my championship experience. I don't want to lose the gold medal."
As a tough guy for the Knicks, Chandler was also very popular.
Being selected for the Team USA made the big man very happy.
It was a huge validation for him:
"I'm not sure who will lead the Team USA. You mentioned Kobe, I don't think highly of him! He didn't get along well with everyone during the Americas Championship."
"Like Tayshaun Prince, I want to bring my championship experience to the Team USA. I think this will help everyone."
Although this statement was a bit arrogant, the New York reporters didn't think anything was wrong.
If Kobe was the captain, they would be the first to stand up and refute it!
Stepping off the plane, Lee waved to the fans while continuing to chat with Mike D'Antoni about matters related to the draft.
The father of the Rookie Gallinari was Mike D'Antoni's teammate and roommate for many years in Italy.
Now that he was successful, old friends naturally came to him for help.
"I'll talk to Mark about this, don't worry, Coach! It shouldn't be difficult to play in a big city."
Lee, still wearing his championship T-shirt, put his arm around Mike D'Antoni's shoulder and gave his assurance.
Gallinari didn't want to go to Milwaukee or Memphis, which would require a little maneuvering.
Mike D'Antoni breathed a sigh of relief.
In fact, his influence as a championship Head Coach was limited, and in this matter, he was not as effective as Lee's agent:
"Thank Mark and the others for me. Times have really changed! Nowadays, young players all like big markets."
"..."
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)