Chapter 40: The choice of fate
The autumn rain drifted in Dallas and the wind became colder, but the stadium was baked as hot as spring. Nowitzki wore a thin jersey, and the muscles under the jersey were thick, which was the source of his strength.
Nowitzki washed up in the locker room, put on dry clothes, greeted his teammates one by one, but did not go to the garage, but walked to the movie room.
Thanks to a good boss, the Dallas Mavericks are not only complete but also exquisite. The movie room can not only be used as a place to watch game videos, but also as a good place for players to relax. It is quite enjoyable to watch some movies here.
Nowitzki came to the movie room, but there was already someone inside. Nowitzki was a little surprised. At this time, most players should think about going home. Going home and having some coffee and having a sleep is a good choice.
Nowitzki's footsteps caught the attention. When the man looked back, Nowitzki smiled knowingly: "Jason, why haven't you come home yet?"
Kidd smiled slightly: "Didn't you reply?"
Nowitzki glanced at the big screen and said, "The Lakers and Hornets are playing!"
Kidd nodded: "I want to see the fight between Zhou Mubai and Paul."
Nowitzki smiled sternly on his face: "Why don't you agree?"
Kid heard the teasing in Nowitzki's words and snorted without saying a word.
Nowitzki shook his head and sat down next to Kidd.
He understood Kidd's thoughts. Two days ago, Kidd was suppressed by the fledgling Zhou Mubai. He probably felt depressed. At the beginning of January, when Chris Paul almost cut a four-pair on him, Nowitzki couldn't help but feel sad and a little scared.
Since ancient times, heroes have been afraid of white hair.
In addition to playing young Payton, Kidd was not afraid of the world when he was young, and he was so cool and happy that he was galloping on the NBA arena. But when he was old, he was constantly surpassed by newcomers. How sad it was.
Nowitzki remembered that his athletic ability had begun to decline, which was obviously no longer as good as in previous years. The championship seemed to be far away. He just hoped to win a championship before retirement, otherwise he would not be willing to die.
"Hey, what are you two doing?" A warm voice interrupted Nowitzki's thoughts. He knew it was that guy without looking at it.
Kidd smiled and said, "Boss, you haven't left yet. We plan to see the Lakers and Hornets game, it's almost about to start."
"Is that so? Then I'll take a look with you too." Kuban said in great interest.
Kidd and Nowitzki smiled at each other. The boss is nice and always passionate about basketball. This is why they came to Dallas.
Cuban did it, but his mouth didn't stop: "Did you hear any rumors if you are so interested?"
Kid was stunned and said, "What rumor?"
Cuban smiled disdainfully and said, "There are rumors that New Orleans intends to trade Chris Paul with that rookie of the Lakers. Is it funny?"
After saying that, Cuban laughed, but stopped for a short while, both of his players looked serious.
"What's the matter?"
Nowitzki's voice became dry: "It's very likely that it's not fake..."
Cuban's expression gradually became vivid, and his face was filled with surprise: "That's Chris Paul, use Chris Paul to trade a rookie?"
Kidd half-shook his eyes: "Mark, Chris' contract period is here. Do you think he will stay in New Orleans?"
Cuban's face became serious: "If you can't keep it, then change to a rookie with potential?"
Kidd nodded.
Cuban's face became gloomy and things were going on. If the rumors were true and if the deal was really reached, the Lakers would become the oligarch of the Western Conference. Dallas and other teams in the entire Western Conference would not be able to win the championship ring within two or three years!
"But...that's Chris Paul, use Chris Paul to trade a rookie?" Mark Cuban still looked disbelieving.
Kidd smiled very hard: "Mark...he's really strong, even, I have a feeling...he's even stronger than Paul!"
Nowitzki and Cuban looked at each other. It’s not that they don’t believe Kidd. Kidd has always been saying everything. They admire Kidd’s football skills and minds. He is the real brain in Dallas. Kidd, Zhou Mubai and Paul have both fought head-on. Knowing that the strength of the two of them is normal, but... Zhou Mubai is better than Paul?
"The competition has begun. Let's take a look at it when we see it." Nowitzki said.
The lens returns to Staples Center.
Under the leadership of Paul, the Hornets are already one of the Western Conference powerhouses. The Queen Bee Paul leads the Hornets to visit, which naturally attracts a lot of attention. There have been trading rumors recently. It is said that Chris Paul may be traded to the Lakers, which has attracted a lot of interest to Lakers fans.
Think about it, if the Lakers can take Paul into their pocket, then the Lakers' point guard will not only be a flaw, but will become a strong point.
Zhou Mubai has brought surprises to fans during this period, but he is just a newcomer. It is normal for newcomers to go ups and downs, and in the playoffs, newcomers are not very trustworthy.
If the Lakers can get Paul, then the second dynasty in the new millennium may be born!
There is no airtight wall in the world. Zhou Mubai also heard some trading rumors, and some even pointed at him, saying that there was a trading choice to trade him with Chris Paul.
Zhou Mubai found it funny at first. Although he believed in his strength, Chris Paul was one of the top point guards in the league after all, so how could he trade him as a newcomer?
But he was a smart man after all. After all, he thought about it more deeply and became a little shocked. Including New Orleans' current bad situation and Paul's previous dissatisfaction remarks, he thought about the rumors that Paul traded himself, and 80% of them might happen!
Zhou Mubai frowned slightly - he could not go to New Orleans.
The scenery is nice, but he came to Los Angeles with his purpose. He must be famous, and he is the kind that is famous all over the world.
Are there any better options to be famous than Los Angeles?
Not to mention that the Lakers have a high chance of winning the championship this year, is there any better way to become famous than the champions?
Zhou Mubai looked up at Chris Paul, and this glance made him stunned because he saw the desire and ambition in Paul's eyes. Zhou Mubai was shocked and remembered a possibility.
As a senior, Chris Paul could not have the idea of fighting against a newcomer. Even if he wanted to educate the newcomer, it was just teasing with teasing and joking ideas, instead of this kind of fighting look, there was only one possibility...
"He wants to defeat me through this game and let the Lakers' senior management see his strength and agree to the deal!" Zhou Mubai understood.
"Hey, Zhou, have you heard of the recent rumors?" Kobe walked over and patted Zhou Mubai on the shoulder. Zhou Mubai nodded when he heard this.
"That's not a rumor, it's just that it's not confirmed yet. This game is very important. If you want to stay, then you can beat him." Kobe pointed Paul with his chin.
It's true.
After confirming that his idea was correct, Zhou Mubai calmed down instead.
He was never afraid of competition, but he was afraid that he didn't even have the opportunity to compete, so he let others arrange his destiny.
Is Chris Paul strong?
powerful!
Zhou Mubai has watched the video of Paul. This little man in his early 180s is shockingly strong. He controls the ball, organizes, steals, and even defends are the top choices. What is even more surprising is his fighting spirit. Watching his game, Zhou Mubai immediately stood out in his mind - he is competitive like crazy!
This is a real fighter!
Kobe revealed the news to Paul, but also gave Zhou Mubai a chance to compete fairly. He did not favor anyone. Although he believed that Zhou Mubai should not be able to defeat Paul, he should give Zhou Mubai a chance.
As long as Zhou Mubai is not completely suppressed by Paul, he will have the opportunity to stay. After all, compared to Paul, Zhou Mubai's quality of quality and low price may make Lakers' senior management think more.
The Lakers played against the Hornets at home, which attracted the attention of American sports media. Espn sent the golden partners Jeff Van Gundy and Mike Bryn to explain the game.
"Jeff, have you heard rumors of deals between New Orleans and Los Angeles?" Mike Bryn smiled.
Little Van Gundy smiled and nodded, "I heard that, do you think this is a high possibility?"
Mike Bryn smiled and said, "The Lakers have always had the tradition of robbing and the habit of collecting superstars. They have rumors with many superstars every year, but there are relatively few people who have made a move. However, this rumor will not be true or false, but the feasibility is very high."
Van Gundy said: "Can you tell me in detail?"
Mike Bryn smiled and said, "Of course we have to make it clear to the audience. In fact, to put it simply, if New Orleans can't keep Paul, it's better to exchange Paul for a valuable player to come back, so as not to be empty-handed."
Van Gundy Jr. continued to push forward the topic: "Who do you think you can change to? If the trading target is the Lakers?"
Mike Blin said: "It's hard to say, but if I were the general manager of New Orleans, I would have targeted young potential stocks. Gasol is good, but he is old and not suitable for New Orleans. Kobe is not a seller, so don't even think about it. Bynum is a good choice, but if it were me, I would have exchanged Zhou Mubai for it, because this is the real potential new star. It would be better if he could add one or two draft picks."
Although Van Gundy didn't think the trade would be successful, she agreed with Mike Bryn's choice: "You're right. If I choose, I will try my best to trade Zhou Mubai. This young man is really good."
Chapter completed!