NBA: I am a master dealer

Chapter 368: Things are going wrong!

Amidst cheers.

The Lakers' starter came on.

Russell, Clarkson, Kobe, Randle, Hibbert.

The first is the point guard. Russell was the No. 15 pick in and the No. pick last year.

This is his first season. So far, the game has basically been determined. After all, it is the end of the season.

It can only be said that Russell's rookie season performance was pretty good.

Say okay?

It's hard to say how good it is.

Can't you tell?

Averaged 13.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game, which is definitely not bad.

The weak point is efficiency. The overall shooting rate is only 41%, but the three-point shooting rate is not bad, at 35.1%.

There is also Russell's extremely unstable state, and the defensive end also needs in-depth training.

But no matter what, it's good to be able to play like this in the first season. It's barely worthy of being ranked second, which shows a certain potential.

Then there's Faye Clarkson.

This is a rookie in the same class as Xue Liancheng, and he is also a second-round pick. This is his second year.

In fact, Clarkson performed well in his first year, averaging 11.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, and shooting 44.8% from the field. This performance is not far behind Russell's first year.

This year, Clarkson has taken a step further, averaging 15.5 points, 4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, with an overall shooting percentage of 43.3% and a three-point shooting percentage of 34.7%. His performance is quite good.

You know, this is the data obtained when he and Kobe are on the same court. If Clarkson is allowed to let go, he can really hit nearly 20+.

of course.

Clarkson's shortcomings are also obvious. His state is also unstable. When he is accurate, he is very accurate. Know how to lower your head and fuck hard.

When a game is disrupted or a player needs to be reckless, Clarkson is a suitable candidate. If a cornerstone is needed to build a team, Clarkson obviously does not have such potential.

but.

At present, Clarkson is still the focus of the Lakers' training, trying to scratch the lottery...

But having said that, the Lakers' first and second training targets are still Russell and Randle.

reason?

Both are high draft picks. Their physical tests, static talents, and dynamic talents are all top-notch, but Clarkson is obviously worse.

In addition, Clarkson is 24 years old, four years older than Russell and two years older than Randall. According to traditional thinking, Clarkson is a mature immediate player who can play. It's normal to be like this, and there is no potential to be tapped.

Especially in terms of moldability, it is really difficult to change.

and so……

Obviously, in the Lakers' puzzle, Clarkson is only the third choice even if he performs well.

Kobe stopped talking, and then came Randall.

He only played 14 minutes last season, and then he was reimbursed for the season. He didn't play a single game. Everyone is still a little unclear about Randall's potential.

This season, Randall is finally healthy, averaging a double-double of 11.3 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.

This performance has been recognized by many Lakers fans.

But the problem is that the shooting percentage is only 43%.

For an inside player, such efficiency is really ugly, and can even be said to be failing.

But the Lakers are now in the training stage, and they still have the patience to continue giving Randall more time.

Finally, center Hibbert.

It's the so-called round Hibbert. He is a victim of the league's new rules. His solid defensive skills are completely scrapped, and his ability to protect the frame has dropped sharply.

In addition, Hibbert is too slow and often becomes a target for others.

This is the Lakers' current starting lineup.

Considering that Kobe's immediate combat ability is really stretched, this Lakers team is almost a typical example of being unable to attack and defend, and their overall strength is basically at the bottom.

On the bench, they were equally average.

The more combat-effective person is Lou Williams, also known as Lou Williams, the future sixth man.

Brandon Bass played very well with the Celtics last season, averaging 10+ per game. His role this season is much smaller, but his strength is still obvious to all.

Then there is Nick Young, a man with a very distinctive personality, and this year's rookie Larry Nance.

That's right.

This is all the players the Lakers can currently afford.

It’s not without reason that we have 14 wins and 52 losses so far.

The starting lineup couldn't do anything, and the substitute lineup also had no advantage, which destined them to be unable to achieve very good results.

In addition, Kobe announced his retirement halfway through the season, and the Lakers directly positioned themselves as Kobe's retirement tour, so there were no record requirements.

However, they do have some potential players.

But at present, no one can succeed Kobe. The Lakers' road to reconstruction will be long and difficult...

so.

If he joins the Lakers during the offseason, with the current strength of the Lakers, even with him, he may not be able to make a name for himself in the Western Conference.

of course.

If Kupchak listens to his advice, he still has a chance to compete for playoff tickets.

If you don't listen, it will probably be a problem in the playoffs.

This is why Xue Liancheng's heart skipped a beat when he heard Kobe's conditions.

Anyway, Kobe's bet is really not friendly to him, so he has to win...

And the game starts soon.

As for jump balls, Hibbert is okay.

The Lakers' first attack.

Half time passed.

Kobe directly waved to Russell for the ball.

Xue Liancheng also followed the rules and pressed forward to defend Kobe.

Because not only was it agreed to be a score, but it was also agreed to be a matchup.

Therefore, it is necessary to lead each other's defense.

Kobe faced Xue Liancheng and smiled, "Here he comes..."

Xue Liancheng raised his hand to interfere and replied in a deep voice, "Come on."

Kobe took the first step and then suddenly started.

But this trick is of no use to Xue Liancheng, because he has the ability to predict for 0.6 seconds.

He knew clearly whether Kobe was really making a sudden move or whether he was taking a tentative step.

But Kobe's strength is still very heavy.

When Kobe was young, he was relatively thin, but his jumping, speed, and explosive power were all outstanding.

But at the end of his career, Kobe began to gain weight. His current body shape is still perfect, but the increase in tonnage will definitely bring about an increase in strength.

Xue Liancheng is a pure strength player and is relatively capable.

Kobe pushed his way in, which obviously didn't go well, but Kobe's skills were really good. Seeing that Xue Liancheng was pressing too hard, he immediately leaned on Xue Liancheng and turned around.

Then he blocked Xue Liancheng behind him.

Then there was a step back, as if he was going to take a mid-range shot.

Xue Liancheng's advantage in predicting the situation within 0.6 seconds came to light. Just when he was about to jump, he suddenly realized that Kobe was simply bluffing.

Therefore, he suppressed the urge to take off and pressed Kobe step by step.

As a result, Kobe stepped up and down, directly stuck him, stretched forward, like a carp leaping, and threw the ball directly sideways to his body.

This action is quite extreme.

If it were Kobe Bryant a few years ago, he might still have a chance to make a shot.

But now, the aging Kobe is no longer as explosive as before, and with his Achilles tendon ruptured, he is even less able to jump.

and so……

This ball is undoubtedly a hit.

Xue Liancheng ignored Kobe and stepped off quickly while paying attention to the walking routes of his teammates.

When he caught the ball, he pushed faster.

of course.

Kobe was not to be outdone and kept chasing after him.

When traveling to the three-point line, he finally encountered Russell's interception.

There was an interception in front and a pursuer behind. If it was normal, he would have passed the ball long ago in this situation.

But this time, he had no intention of passing the ball.

He forced Russell to move forward, and then pressed Russell to take off at the free throw line.

Kobe, who was chasing behind him, was already jumping high into the air.

result.

Xue Liancheng just bent down and waved his hands, not really taking off at all.

After Kobe flies over.

Xue Liancheng slowly bumped Russell's shoulder with his shoulder again and took a tough shot.

Russell's defensive ability is indeed not good, and his stature is obviously smaller than Xue Liancheng's, so he doesn't get hit at all.

this ball.

Wipe the board and score.

Xue Liancheng then looked back at Kobe and stuck out his tongue.

There are three points of pride, and eight points of determination to win.

Kobe was noncommittal, "Hey! The progress is indeed not small, especially on the defensive end, you can still know that I am fake..."

Xue Liancheng replied with a smile: "You taught me well..."

This is recognition of Kobe and also confidence in myself.

Originally, he thought that Kobe would do whatever it took to prevent him from scoring even if the entire Lakers team defended him.

result……

Kobe did not do this, and may not have even told them what the bet was, let alone asked them to only guard Xue Liancheng.

This shows that Kobe is indeed a very sincere person. When he wins, he wins with integrity. He speaks with his own ability on the court instead of using those dirty tricks.

Next.

Kobe was still determined to get the ball.

But Kobe is old after all, and his movement reactions and body agility are obviously unable to keep up.

During the singles, the ball was directly intercepted by Oladipo.

The Knicks counterattacked again with a fast break.

Xue Liancheng still didn't pass the ball and directly hit the man again. The person who is quarreling is still the background of Russell.

At this time, Byron Scott on the sidelines suddenly made a gesture to indicate a timeout.

Xue Liancheng was stunned. It was only two rounds. Is this called a timeout?

He didn't think much and walked down to rest.

It wasn't until he saw Scott spitting heavily at Russell out of the corner of his eye that he roughly guessed the reason for Scott's urgent call for a timeout.

really.

Once on the field.

The Lakers all defended Xue Liancheng much more fiercely.

As long as he gets to the basket and takes a chance, the Lakers players won't let him score easily even if he fouls.

and……

Their foul play got rough.

At the same time, they have activated the early flanking strategy. When he rushed forward with the ball, they rushed over in a swarm to surround and suppress him.

This makes it difficult for Xue Liancheng to move forward...

If I even take out my phone, I won’t be able to give it to him...

Obviously.

Scott is also a discerning coach. After learning about his bet with Kobe, he has already ordered him to be on strict guard.

How strict is the order?

Even if you lose, you won’t hesitate...

One can imagine how exaggerated the Lakers' defense against him was.

But Kobe's situation isn't much better.

It wasn't very good to begin with, but it was even worse under the Knicks' strict defense.

That's right.

All members of the Knicks seemed to have reached a tacit understanding to pursue and intercept Kobe.

same……

Xue Liancheng did not ask his teammates to do this, nor did he mention any information about the gambling to his teammates.

They consciously guarded Kobe to the death. This may be their way of expressing their love for the team leader...

of course.

He didn't know whether Tyronn Lue asked for it, but he didn't ask for it anyway.

The game quickly came to halftime.

The Knicks led the Lakers by a full 63 points, 41:22.

薛连城14中5，只拿到了13分，外加9助攻5篮板。

He really worked hard to find shooting opportunities, as evidenced by the 14 shots he took in the half.

But the Lakers' defense against him was really tough, and he couldn't finish the shot comfortably.

If it weren't for his active movement, his efficiency would only be worse.

And Kobe was not much better, making 16 of 3 shots and only scoring 8 points.

I really worked hard to win.

Even Kobe began to run without the ball, and he was very active, picking and rolling, covering, rolling and so on. Anyway, Kobe did everything that could help score.

You know, Kobe is a singles player with the ball. He rarely does things like running positions and pick-and-rolls.

But in this game, Kobe did it.

It can be seen that Kobe doesn't care about much in order to win.

And there are four minutes left in the third quarter.

Xue Liancheng has taken 22 shots and hit 7 of them. With free throws, he scored 21 points.

Kobe also took 21 shots, only hit 4 goals, and only scored 11 points.

thus.

The score difference between the two sides came to 10 points.

Xue Liancheng finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Because he still has three 100% hit skills that he has not used, which means that it is almost certain that he will win this bet.

But no one expected it.

Sometimes, even if there is a nail on the wall, there will also be a saw-off.

Look back.

Kobe drove to the basket and was surrounded by a crowd. In desperation, he could only pass to Randall.

And Randall is also very explosive. Once he dribbles the ball, he will immediately run to the frame and take off.

Xue Liancheng was on his left. With quick eyes and quick hands, he reached out and aimed at the ball in Randall's hand and knocked it down.

result.

Randall seemed to be aware of it and dodged the ball to the right.

At this moment.

Xue Liancheng's palm just hung on Randall's arm.

Randall's advancing body did not stop, waiting to take Xue Liancheng's hand and take off.

Imagine that the two people were leaning against each other. It was equivalent to Randall directly pressing his palm and dragging him forward.

Xue Liancheng only felt a pain in his palm.

There seemed to be a clicking sound.

There was only one thought in his mind: it was over.

Fortunately, his weight was there, dragging down Randall's speed, and he finally shook off his hand.

Without any doubts, he squatted down directly.

Xue Liancheng held his wrist, clenched his teeth and groaned, big sweat stains rising from his forehead.

It hurt so much.

The game is suspended.

Tyronn Lue and the Knicks team doctor rushed over.

Feng Lai was also shocked at this time, "Xue, are you okay? How do you feel?"

Kobe also asked nervously: "What happened to Ward...?"

Xue Liancheng gritted his teeth and held it together for a while, finally feeling relieved, "It should be fine."

Even now, he is still thinking about winning this bet and saving Tie Kei's life.

But that’s not what the team doctor thought, “Turn your wrist and see.”

Xue Liancheng did as he was told, but only halfway through, the pain hit him again, "Hiss!"

Team doctor: "You must come back to the locker room with me to check."

Xue Liancheng opened his mouth to refuse.

But after thinking about it, I can come back after the inspection!

There is still time anyway.

He nodded in agreement, "Okay..."

And Kobe patted Xue Liancheng on the shoulder, "Have a good rest..."

Xue Liancheng: "I will come back, you can't beat me."

But Kobe looked sincere: "Nothing is more important than your health, Xue, but don't show off."

Xue Liancheng was stunned for a moment and nodded.

After he turned around, he didn't see that the corners of Kobe's mouth had begun to rise slightly.

Back to the locker room.

The team doctor first asked him to apply ice. After all, he didn't know the extent of his injury. He needed to relieve his pain first and then allow his muscles and bones to relax.

Then he was asked to turn his wrist again.

Xue Liancheng did as he was told and felt much better this time.

Although it still hurts a little, the pain is not as severe.

Finally, he said to the team doctor, "I think there should be nothing wrong with me."

Team doctor: "Xue, the pain in the muscles and bones is not a small problem. If it is not treated properly in time, it may even leave sequelae."

Xue Liancheng was stunned for a moment.

It seems... that's the truth. As the saying goes, it takes a hundred days to break your muscles and bones, which is no joke.

But the problem is, he has to go back and cast all three 100% hit skills to ensure nothing goes wrong.

otherwise……

All his hard work on this bet would be in vain.

Even digging a hole for yourself!

After thinking for a moment and feeling his wrist again, he still felt that there was nothing wrong with him. "I think it looks like this. You can check it again. If it is a minor strain, I think I need to return to the court."

The words were very firm.

But the team doctor was equally determined, "Xue, I have to be responsible for your health. If there is no problem, I will naturally let you play again."

Done.

Gently press Xue Liancheng's palm tendons.

Xue Liancheng almost jumped up and said in Mandarin, "Fuck..."

It really hurts...

It was numb and painful, and it felt like the tendons in my palms were about to tear.

Team doctor: "Your situation is not optimistic!"

Xue Liancheng: "It's not that exaggerated, right?"

at this time.

His determination to return to the court is still very firm.

but……

Five minutes later, he was stunned.

Because the point where the palm connects to the wrist begins to swell.

And it's quite obvious.

Even applying ice and swabbing with lotion couldn't suppress it.

At this time, Xue Liancheng was a little anxious: "Sir, find a way to help me reduce the swelling. I need to play."

The team doctor couldn't laugh or cry: "Xue, in your situation, even if God comes, Tyronn Lue and I won't dare to let you play!"

Xue Liancheng opened his mouth, but found that thousands of words were stuck in his throat, and he felt so full that he didn't know how to express it.

Playing with swollen hands?

The team doctor and Coach Lu are definitely not that brave.

How to do?

(End of this chapter)