socalfunplaces Chapter 55 Shaq, team, don't worry, don't come back!
Chapter 55 Shaq, team, don't worry, don't come back!
With Kobe's explosive performance, the Lakers naturally defeated the Raptors.
Besides dominating on offense, Kobe's contributions on defense were equally impressive. Under his defense, Carter was virtually invisible for the entire game except for those two consecutive three-pointers.
In the end, not only did his shooting percentage not exceed 35%, but he also failed to score more than 20 points.
"He's the All-Star vote leader, so we made ample preparations before the game. We were ready and gave it our all." After the victory, Kobe, who had the best performance, spoke in the press conference in a very conventional manner without any particularly outrageous or arrogant remarks.
"It worked well. We worked together and won this hard-won victory."
"Because Shaq was out, everyone had to do more, and thankfully we all did it, which allowed Shaq to rest in peace. We all hope that Shaq will return to the court after he has fully recovered and will not play with an injury."
"So we unleashed additional fighting power."
Kobe's answer sounded impeccable, expressing his respect for his opponents, his recognition of his teammates, and his high hopes for the future.
But people like Lin Ze and Jackson immediately understood the hidden meaning in Kobe's words.
"If I just give it my all, I can easily crush any so-called All-Star vote leader."
"Shaq doesn't need to come back. We're fine without him."
"Shaq, team, don't worry, don't go back."
Lin Ze and Jackson sat on either side of Kobe. After Kobe's remarks, the two of them gave him a look of utter disdain.
After defeating the Raptors, the Lakers won their next two games thanks to outstanding performances from Kobe and Lin Ze, achieving a three-game winning streak!
In these three games, Kobe scored 40 points in the first game and over 30 points in the other two games.
After this three-game winning streak, the Lakers' record has become more stable. In addition, O'Neal's foot injury recovery is progressing well and he can return to the game at any time. The Lakers' hopes of making history, which had been extinguished, have suddenly been rekindled!
At this point, with only one week left until the All-Star Game, the league finally began to officially announce the rosters for the various participants during All-Star Weekend!
The first to be announced were the participants in the 3-point competition.
Ray Allen, Mike Bibby, Jeff Hornacek, Allen Iverson, Dirk Nowitzki, Terry Porter, Bob Sura, and Lin Ze!
As the player with the highest three-point shooting percentage (over 20 attempts), the most three-pointers made per game, and the most total three-pointers made so far this year, Lin Ze has become one of the favorites to win this year's Three-Point Contest.
The reason it's only one of the popular contestants is because this year's Three-Point Contest has an incredibly impressive roster of participants!
Allen has always been considered the best shooter since Miller, Bibby, nicknamed "White Devil," has always been known for his clutch performances and cold-blooded shooting, defending champion Hornacek, and Iverson is a superstar rookie who is second in scoring and an All-Star starter.
In addition, second-year player Norvis has emerged as a dark horse this season and has had a breakout season. If it weren't for Lin Ze, he would be the number one favorite for Most Improved Player.
Although Sura and Porter were both role players, they were also among the league's top shooters.
With top shooters, star players, young rookies, and reigning champions, this year's Three-Point Contest is sure to satisfy the viewing needs of all kinds of people, and it's packed with excitement.
Meanwhile, this year's Three-Point Contest marks the first time since its inception that two players over 205 cm tall have participated. Lin Ze and Dirk, former teammates and tall shooters, have brought a different level of anticipation to this year's contest.
Even though this year's Three-Point Contest was a gathering of top talents and full of gimmicks, it still fell short compared to the Slam Dunk Contest next door.
Because Carter participated!
This guy, who became famous throughout the United States for his dunking skills since high school and was regarded by countless people as a super dunker, announced his participation in the competition. This also made the dunk contest, which had been suspended for a year in 1997 due to ratings, entertainment value, and reputation, become the most anticipated individual competition for countless people again.
Besides Carter, his teammate and cousin McGrady, in terms of physique, jumping ability, and the dunks he has demonstrated in games, are enough to prove that he is Carter's biggest rival.
With the addition of this year's second overall pick, Steve Francis, known as "Spring Man," the showdown between these three top dunkers is destined to ignite boundless enthusiasm for the audience.
"Kobe, aren't you participating? I think this year's dunk contest will be even more exciting if the defending champions participate!" After the dunk contest list was announced, Lin Ze couldn't help but tease Kobe in the locker room.
"I'm not going!" Kobe snorted irritably.
Kobe's displeasure was not without reason.
His title of "Slam Dunk Champion" is widely recognized as a "triple low" dunk champion, characterized by low difficulty, low level, and low competitiveness—a complete flop.
Then, the year after Kobe won the championship, the league announced the suspension of the Slam Dunk Contest.
Therefore, many people not only call Kobe the "Dunk King," but also directly say, "Kobe has canceled the dunk contest."
This is, of course, a slander against someone's innocence.
There are many reasons why the Slam Dunk Contest was canceled, but who told Kobe to be so unlucky?
Who made you the last one before it was discontinued?
Lin Ze knew even better: after this round of dunks, Kobe would be even more unlucky.
Kobe Bryant canceled the Slam Dunk Contest, but Vince Carter launched what he called the "greatest Slam Dunk Contest of all time."
However, to be fair, Kobe was self-aware. Although he was stubborn and had a terrible personality, he understood one thing—
I can't dunk without Carter!
Stern personally called Kobe several times, hoping to organize a "Slam Dunk Contest of Kings" so that the defending champion Kobe and the soon-to-be-crowned Vince Carter could have a head-to-head showdown.
Not only Stern, but Lin Ze also persuaded Kobe several times after learning about this, hoping that Kobe could participate.
He even brought up Jordan.
"The dunk duel between Jordan and Wilkins is the most classic in NBA history! Your goal is to surpass Jordan, how can you not do it?"
"The essence of the Air Force and human cinema," Lin Ze said. "And then there's Peter Pan and the UFO! This will become an eternal classic in NBA history!"
"Beat Carter, and you'll be one step closer to Jordan!"
"Are you scared?"
"You don't actually think you can't dunk on Carter, do you?"
"You don't even have this much confidence? Are you afraid of coming in last?"
Lin Ze's repeated encouragement finally prompted Kobe to respond.
After Lin Ze once again said to Kobe, "No way, are you even good enough? You're not even as good as Carter?" Kobe exploded.