NBA backer king

Chapter 512 Chamberlain: The Lakers should train Kobe to replace the old K
With the end of the regular season, the East and West regular season rankings will also be announced.

In the East, No. 8 to No. [-] are the Knicks, Celtics, Pacers, Heat, Hornets, Eagles, Cavaliers, and Nets.

In the West, No. 8 to No. [-] are the Lakers, Trail Blazers, Jazz, Supersonics, Timberwolves, Mosaics, Suns, and Kings.

In the East, among the top three, the Knicks and Celtics belong to the Atlantic region, so the Celtics, who are second in the Eastern Conference in the regular season, automatically rank fourth in the playoffs, the Pacers advance to the second in the Eastern Conference playoffs, and the Heat advance to the third in the playoffs.

So the Eastern Conference playoffs are against the first Knicks against the eighth Nets, the second Pacers against the seventh Cavaliers, the third Heat against the Eagles, and the fourth Celtics against the Hornets.

In the West, the Trail Blazers and Jazz in the top three are both in the Northwest Division, so the third Jazz automatically ranks fourth in the playoffs, and the third is advanced by the Sonics.

So the Western Conference playoffs are against the first Lakers against the eighth Kings, the second Trail Blazers against the seventh Suns, the third Supersonics against the sixth Mosaic, and the fourth Jazz against the fifth Timberwolves.

The first round of the playoffs starts on the 23rd and 24th, and there are three or four days of rest. In the past few days, the media has conducted a lot of analysis on the situation of the Eastern and Western playoffs.

On the second day after the end of the regular season, at 20:[-] a.m. on NO.[-], ESPN updated the prediction of the probability of winning.

This time, the Lakers occupy No.1, but the predicted probability of winning is only 25%.

The second is 24% of the Knicks, the third is 20% of the Blazers, the fourth is 18% of the Jazz, the fifth is 7% of the Celtics, the sixth is 5% of the Pacers, and the other playoff teams add up to 1%.

Reggie Miller is very dissatisfied with ESPN's forecast, because Ewing has returned and is in good condition. Why does the Pacers only have a 5% chance of winning?
He immediately bombarded ESPN's unprofessionalism through the media.

The Celtics were also quite dissatisfied, but David Robinson didn't say anything, he didn't bother arguing with the media, but Danny Ainge expressed his personal views on ESPM's championship predictions in an interview with the media, and refuted the fact that ESPN's championship probability predictions and finals predictions in previous seasons were all wrong, making ESPN very embarrassed.

TNT TV's NBA channel hosted a program about the playoffs, hosted by Bill Walton, and invited several guests, namely Magic Johnson, Big Dipper Star Chamberlain, Iceman George Gervin, and Pippen who has not yet returned after surgery.

At 20:08 on the evening of the 30th, the program began.

Lao Wang was also sitting in front of the TV, watching this program.

After Bill Walton's opening remarks, he got to the point and asked: "Irwin, Wilt, you are all famous Lakers. What's your opinion on Old K's performance in the Lakers?"

Magic Johnson didn't back down. He knew that Chamberlain and Old K were not compatible because they were both one of the greatest centers in the league. He didn't want Chamberlain to say anything unpleasant first, so he said first:
"74 wins, this is the best Lakers and the most powerful team in history, K's performance in the Lakers is perfect.

In terms of team record, the Lakers are the first in the league and the first in history in the regular season.

Personal data, averaged 38 points per game, 8 times 50+ in the season, 25 times 40+, and won the honors of scoring champion, rebounding champion, and block champion at the same time. At the same time, he is also the league's first in offensive efficiency, defensive efficiency, and personal efficiency.

In short, his performance was so perfect that even the pickiest person couldn't find any shortcomings in him. "

Having said that, he said to Chamberlain: "Wilt, do you think I'm right?"

Chamberlain felt a little depressed, but he could only nod his head and said, "As a Lakers senior, Old K, I also think he has done a perfect job."

Magic Johnson nodded with satisfaction and smiled.

"So what do you think this Lakers team will do in the playoffs, and will they still be strong in the regular season?" Bill Walton asked again.

Magic Johnson said: "This is for sure. According to the performance of the old K in the first five seasons, his performance in the playoffs will be stronger. He is one of the few superstars in history whose playoffs are stronger than the regular season. I think he will bring the Lakers their 12th championship."

Hearing this sentence, Chamberlain felt a pain in his head. Damn guy, are you saying that I am a superstar in the regular season?

"George, which team do you think will be the most likely to win the playoffs?" Bill Walton asked the Iceman.

George Gervin said: "In the west, I am actually more optimistic about the Trail Blazers. The Suns made the most stupid deal. Even if they traded the old K, in fact, as long as they keep Dameng and Duncan, with the current lineup of the Suns, they have a chance to defend the championship."

Magic Johnson shrugged and didn't respond to the Iceman's words.

But Chamberlain nodded and said: "Yes, I also think this way. The Suns' first trade is actually good. The younger Duncan has the strength of the peak when he debuted. With him, the Suns will not need to change cores for at least ten years, but it is a pity that they traded him stupidly."

Magic Johnson disagreed with this, and immediately retorted: "NONONO, the first trade of the Suns... well, I will speak with facts."

Then he immediately listed Duncan and Old K's four regular season data, saying: "In the four regular season games, the Lakers tied with the Trail Blazers, but in terms of personal performance, in three games, Old K had an overwhelming advantage against Duncan, and one game was considered a tie. This already explains the problem.

If Duncan is at his peak since his debut, then he doesn't have much room for improvement, and with his current peak performance, even if he makes a little progress, it will be difficult to compete against Old K in the future. "

"It seems so."

Bill Walton said in a daze.

The other three were unable to refute for a while.

Magic Johnson continued: "And you are relatively old, Wilt, you seem to have overlooked a problem. The old K is only 35 months older than Duncan. Duncan is now 22 years old, but the old K is more than a month away from turning 25. He is still very young and has no major injuries. You said that Duncan can be the core of ten years, but why not the old K?"

Chamberlain said unconvinced: "Old K is almost 25 years old. Do you think his peak period can last until 35 years old? Erwin, you think it is too beautiful. With his style of play, even if this season has reduced confrontation and changed his style of play, I think he can last for three to five years at most.

I think the Lakers should train Kobe, and after the old K finishes this contract, Kobe can take over the Lakers in three to five years. "

"Are you crazy?" Magic Johnson asked in surprise.

The two Lakers legends fought against each other, and the others regarded it as a show, and Bill Wharton also smiled and did not stop it.

"this is a good idea."

At Kobe's home in Los Angeles, his mother Pam immediately nodded to Kobe and said, "Kobe, I think Chamberlain is right. The Lakers have promoted you as the All-Star starter this year. Sooner or later, you will become the king of the Lakers."

Kobe also looked eager to try, even in front of Lao Wang, he never concealed his inner ambition, let alone in front of his family?

Pam said again: "How many years is left on Old K's contract?"

"6+1, I have played for three years, and there are four more years left, and the last year is a team option." Kobe said.

Pam said: "According to Chamberlain's estimation, I think the Lakers should trade him in the last year and exchange some chips. At that time, you will have a strong lineup by your side..."

"Mom, are you crazy?" Kobe looked at his mother in shock.

"Why am I crazy? Kobe, why are you talking so rudely?" Pat said unhappily.

"Kobe, don't talk to your mother like that." Kobe's father, Joe Bryant, immediately said seriously.

Kobe stood up and said with some dissatisfaction: "Old K is my master, I have learned a lot from him, he taught me skills, taught me how to play more efficiently, taught me how to be the leader of a team, and led me to win the championship.

I also invested in his trading company. He is my guide in the NBA. Even if his condition declines in the future, I will not allow the team to trade him unless he wants to leave the team.In short, now he leads me to win the championship, and I hope that when he gets old, I can lead him to win the championship. "

Pam smiled bitterly: "Kobe, you are too idealistic. If you are always on the same team as him, how can you be the leader of the team?"

Kobe said: "Then I can be the core on the court, he can be the leader of the locker room, and we are all the bosses of the team."

"What if his strength is still there?" Joe Bryant asked.

Kobe was stunned, thought for a while and said, "If his strength doesn't decline, who can compete with him? Don't mention me, even Jordan at his peak can't do it?"

Joe Bryant and his wife froze for a moment, as if, this was really the case.

Pam asked: "Kobe, if that's the case, you don't want to be the leader of a team?"

Kobe said: "Old K has proved in the first five seasons that no matter how strong the outside line is, even if he is as great as Jordan, he can't beat him. Why should I go to another team when his strength is still there, and won't it be good to win the championship with him?

And don't you guys want to stay in Los Angeles?Mom, what, do you want to go back to Phoenix, or want to go to other small cities? "

"Oh, of course not, I'm just talking, I hope you will stay here forever to play." Pam shook her head quickly.

In the live broadcast room of the show, Bill Walton intervened when the two Lakers legends were about to fight, stopped their argument, changed the subject, asked Pippen, and said, "Scottie, who do you think is most likely to make it to the Finals?"

Pippen said without hesitation: "Of course it's Old K's Lakers and O'Neal's Knicks."

"Oh……"

Bill Wharton drew out his voice meaningfully.

From Pippen's words, he knew that Pippen and Jordan had conflicts.

Jordan in New York said he was also helpless. Pippen asked him to borrow several million, and his money did not come from strong winds. Now Pippen complained to him.

Bill Walton immediately swung his pickaxe and began to tap the potential of Pippen's words just now, asking: "Scottie, do you think the Knicks are not Michael's team, but O'Neal's team? Don't you support Michael?"

Pippen said blankly: "Of course I support Michael, but O'Neal has a preconceived idea that he should be the leader of the Knicks. Michael shouldn't rob O'Neal of the leadership position, shouldn't he?"

Bill Walton laughed, and now he can imagine how the media will laugh at Jordan tomorrow.

"Shet!"

And Jordan burst into foul language, very annoyed by Pippen's words.

At this time, Pippen continued: "From the analysis of the playoffs, the Western Lakers will face the winner of the Jazz and Timberwolves in the second round. There is no doubt that the Jazz will enter the second round.

The Lakers and the Jazz have four regular season games, the same as the Blazers, with two wins and two losses. The two teams are tied. The two teams meet in the second round. I am more optimistic about the Lakers. "

"Why?" Bill Wharton picked up the topic.

Pippen said: "Because the Jazz has been so strong since the beginning of the season, and the Lakers defeated the Jazz in the first regular season. At that time, the Lakers' strength has not been run-in, and they are not as strong as they are now. Although they lost two games later, there are objective reasons. The lineup is not complete due to injuries, so I think the Lakers will come out of the second round and eliminate the Jazz again."

"And what about the other pair?" Bill Wharton asked.

Pippen added: "If nothing else happens, the Trail Blazers and Sonics will undoubtedly eliminate the Suns and Mosaics, and they will advance to the second round.

Of these two teams, of course the Blazers are stronger, and the Blazers will be easier than the Lakers to reach the Western Conference Finals. "

"What about the East?" Bill Walton asked.

Pippen said: "In the second round of the Eastern Conference, the Knicks will face the Greens. There should be no suspense. The Pacers will face the winner of the Cavaliers and Eagles. There is some suspense. I can't say who will make it to the second round between the Cavaliers and the Eagles.

But no matter who makes it to the second round, I believe the Pacers will eliminate them. The Pacers are the most likely team in the East to reach the Eastern Conference Finals.

Between the Knicks and the Green Team, I am more optimistic about the Green Team. "

"What?" Bill Walton and the other three were very surprised, Pippen, isn't your attitude towards Jordan too obvious?

Pippen shrugged and said: "It's not that I underestimate the Knicks, but the Green team's lineup is more balanced. The Knicks' offense is too biased towards the fifth and second positions. It can be done in the regular season, but in the series, problems are very likely. Once one of them performs abnormally in a certain game, failure is very likely."

What Pippen said seemed reasonable, and even Jordan in front of the TV became cautious.

He himself knows very well that he and O'Neal's shots combined account for half of the Knicks' shots, and sometimes even more. If one of them can't play efficiently, there will definitely be big trouble.

Just like the last home game against the Lakers, O'Neal played well, but his performance was not very good, and he lost the game.

But now O'Neal's strength really satisfies him. He feels that if he meets the Lakers in the finals, as long as O'Neal and Old K can form a mutual explosion, even if it is worse, the Knicks will have a chance to kill the Lakers.

At this time, his mobile phone and landline both rang one after another. He didn't recognize the number of the phone call, so he cut it off and connected to the landline.

"Hello, Michael, I'm Wick, a reporter from the New York Times. Do you agree with what Pippen said? Do you think you took away O'Neal's leadership position? You..." As soon as the call was connected, the reporter over there threw out a lot of questions.

"Mr. Reporter, I think Scottie is right. The Knicks are indeed Shaq's team. From the very beginning, there was no problem in the Knicks' locker room. Shaq and I trained together for several months during the offseason. Our relationship is very good until now, so are you satisfied with my answer?" Jordan said coldly.

He knew very well that without O'Neill, it would be impossible for him to win against Old K, so at the critical moment, he was calm and made the best response.

"what?"

The reporter over there was stunned, but he was very disappointed that he didn't get the reaction he wanted.

After hanging up on the reporter, Jordan decisively unplugged the phone line and turned off the phone.

……

The first round of the Lakers started on the 24th. On the 21st, Lao Wang held a party at home. On the 22nd, the team did not arrange training and continued to have a holiday. He and Yu Feihong left Dabao to attend Tom Cruise’s party. They spent another very relaxing day. On the 23rd, the Lakers resumed in-team training, and the playoffs officially started on this day.

There are four games on this day, the East, the Knicks vs. the Nets, the Celtics vs. the Hornets, the West, the Trail Blazers vs. the Suns, and the SuperSonics vs. the Mosaics.

At noon, the king arrived in Los Angeles.

When Lao Wang was having dinner with the team, he called Dazhi, who had already arrived in Los Angeles with the Kings.

As big as there were not many opportunities at the beginning of the Kings, but later opportunities began to appear, and his performance was still reluctant. After all, the Kings are a bad team.

Played 61 games, started 7 games, averaged 17.5 minutes per game, made 7.3 of 3.36 shots, 46% of the field goals, 2.5 of 0.9 three-pointers, 38% of the field goals, 2.5 of 2 free throws, 80% of the field goals, and averaged 9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. As a center or power forward, the overall shooting efficiency is a bit low. If it can reach more than [-]%, it will be more competitive.

Lao Wang is a little worried. With such efficiency, he lacks competitiveness and the offensive area is too far away. Fortunately, he is not yet 21 years old, and there are still opportunities for growth.

Chatted with Da Zhi for a while, gave some words of encouragement, and called Lao Hu again.

Hu's side is much better. He won the trust of Larry Bird in the Pacers and served as Reggie Miller's first substitute. He can also substitute the first and third positions, and he can play multiple positions on the outside.

本赛季出战65场，伤停17场，首发14场，场均28.5分钟，12投5.6中，命中率46.7，其中三分球3.5投1.4中，命中率40%，4.6罚3.9中，命中率84.8%，场均16.5分3.5篮板3.2助攻1.5抢断0.5盖帽1.2失误1.8犯规。

Lao Hu listened to what Lao Wang said, and shot whenever he had the opportunity. In less than 10 minutes of playing time, he averaged 12 shots per game, which is quite a lot.

"Old Hu, do the Pacers want to keep you?" Old Wang asked.

"David Frank said that the Pacers really want me to implement the contract for next season, but he doesn't recommend that I stay. He said that the Pacers are a championship team and won't renew my contract in advance. I don't pursue the championship, so he suggested that I go to a weaker team to play the main force and get a better contract." Lao Hu said.

"Yes, if you want a ring, you can also come to the Lakers in the future. Now the priority is to make money." Lao Wang laughed.

(End of this chapter)