Kings of the Game: Getting Back to the Game, Beginning with the NBA

Chapter 7 Post-match interview, unexpected

"Wow—"

The Staples Center suddenly burst into appalling cheers.

The continuous "no" in the narrator's mouth also turned into "yes" in an instant!
"number 11?"

"Number 11!!!"

"Loud!"

"The Lakers beat the Warriors!"

The audience at the scene did not know Liu Ming's name, so they shouted Liu Ming's jersey number.

"NO.11!"

"NO.11!"

"NO.11!"

The Lakers players, whether they were the main players on the field or the bench, all frantically rushed to Liu Ming's position.

"Thanks bro! What a great show!"

Team leader James rushed over immediately and hugged Liu Ming vigorously.

"Beautiful job bro!"

Nongmei also came over, and after hugging Liu Ming, they clapped their hands in celebration.

The Warriors' general Curry first hugged James and Brother Nongmei and said a few words to each other.

Afterwards, they also walked towards Liu Ming.

There was a flash of fighting intent in his eyes, "You are very strong! I am looking forward to confronting you again."

In Liu Ming's eyes, there was also a fighting spirit, "Me too."

Who doesn't want to challenge the strongest in their field if possible.

After saying goodbye to the Warriors, Liu Ming walked into the player tunnel.

But at this moment, James patted Liu Ming on the shoulder, "Liu, come with me to the press conference. I believe the reporters must be very curious about you."

"Ah I?"

Liu Ming, who was studying the system, was quite surprised at the moment.

The final press conference usually interviews the most outstanding players of the winning team on the spot.

James laughed and showed his white teeth, "Don't be surprised, this MVP belongs to you."

Liu Ming shook his head, "Boss, I still have something to do, so I won't go to the press conference."

James was taken aback, then pointed to the beautiful reporter who was walking towards this side, "Alright then, I'll leave this ESPN reporter to you to deal with."

There are many people who say that James is hypocritical.

Said that he likes to put on a show no matter what.

But in any case, as a team leader, he is still very good.

Seeing Liu Ming's refusal at this moment, at first he thought it was only a reservedness unique to oriental people.

It soon occurred to me that over-exposure might be detrimental to Liu Ming's future career development, so I thoughtfully asked ESPN reporters to conduct a single interview with Liu Ming.

Liu Ming finally nodded this time, "Okay, leave it to me."

While speaking, ESPN's blonde reporter came to Liu Ming.

The cameraman also followed, and the camera was aimed at Liu Ming.

The beautiful reporter said hello first, with a bright smile on her face, "Hi, Liu. I hope I called your name correctly."

Liu Ming replied generously: "That's right, but I prefer you to call me by my full name—Liu Ming."

The beauty reporter was slightly surprised.

She has interviewed several Eastern players.

For example Yao, another example is Yi.

What they have in common is that they are reserved.

And this Liu Ming was very generous.

Such a person is easy to shine in interviews.

She went on to ask, "11 of 11 shots, 5 points in 34 minutes is a miracle. I believe Pelinka must be considering your guarantee contract. Liu Ming, can you tell me that you made the crucial game-winning shot under heavy pressure, what did you rely on?"

Liu Ming pondered for a while, "Persist in training and race with all your strength. In short, it is definitely not doping."

The beautiful reporter smiled, and then asked: "As we all know, the Tokyo Olympics will start soon, and your suspension period in track and field will be lifted in two days. Will you return to the track and field or stay in the NBA to play professionally? Can you disclose the specific plan?"

Liu Ming smiled mysteriously, "You know, my ten-day short contract is about to expire. And, even if I stay in the NBA to play professionally, will the two really conflict?"

The beautiful reporter heard what Liu Ming said.

Immediately, his eyes lit up and his expression shook.

For reporters who are afraid of chaos in the world.

This can be regarded as a news interview worthy of a special book.

"Thank you Liu Ming, I look forward to your excellent performance on the track and field."

At the same time, in the domestic direct room.

The two commentators were still summarizing Liu Ming's performance just now.

"Liu Ming kills the warriors and becomes a god in one battle!"

"Eleven and three-pointers in 5 minutes, led the Lakers to comeback with his own strength, amazing!"

"With such an amazing performance, the Lakers must not be stingy with a guarantee contract."

"If Liu Ming stays in the NBA and plays professionally, I'm afraid he won't return to track and field."

"Although Liu Ming's [-]-meter strength is not weak, his basketball talent seems to be stronger."

"How will he choose? I believe that as long as his head is not flooded, he will definitely stay in the NBA."

At the same time, in addition to the full screen of 666 on the barrage, someone said, "Where is Heizi just now? Didn't you say that the live broadcast is upside down?"

"My Ming'er is going to make Xianyu stand up now."

"Unfortunately, the Asian [-] meters can only rely on me, God Su!"

When Liu Ming returned to the locker room, a staff member was already waiting there.

"Liu, General Manager Pelinka is looking for you."

Liu Ming couldn't help but feel a slight movement in his heart.

At this point, only if the Lakers plan to renew their contract with him, can the general manager find him.

When James heard this, he was also happy for Liu Ming, "Liu, congratulations in advance."

Liu Ming nodded, "Thank you boss, I'll go first."

Later, Liu Ming came to the office of General Manager Pelinka.

Pelinka is a very quiet middle-aged man.

He would often stand at the far end of the audience, watching the team play without saying a word.

No one knew what was on his mind.

At this moment, he was sitting behind the desk, watching Liu Ming come in, but he didn't say a word.

Until Liu Ming said, "General Manager, are you looking for me?"

Then Pelinka said, "Liu, your performance tonight surprised everyone. You also know that Schroeder has not returned from injury, and our back line still lacks a player who can score. Are you willing to sign a guaranteed contract of 500 million with us?"

Pelinka speaks very well.

He didn't say "We would like to sign a contract with you", but said "Would you like to sign a contract with us".

Although the meanings of the two are similar, the former puts the team in a higher position.

The latter appears to be more respectful of the players.

Although Liu Ming already expected that through his performance just now, he would definitely impress the Lakers management, so he signed a guarantee contract with him.

But what he thought at first was that the Lakers gave him a guarantee of 200 million yuan, which is already a lot.

Unexpectedly, Pelinka directly increased the quota to as much as 500 million.

However, Liu Ming did not change his original intention at all.

"Thank you, General Manager."

"You know, although I love basketball fanatically, I am still a track and field athlete, and I carry the hope of the country and the nation."

"So... if there are no accidents, I will return to track and field in the near future."

"However, if the Lakers need me in the future, as long as it does not conflict with my track and field competition, but there is a call, I will not hesitate."

Seeing that Liu Ming decisively rejected the guarantee contract, Pelinka looked very surprised.

But let's talk.

Pelinka is far from feeling annoyed.

On the contrary, the image of Liu Ming in his heart grew taller and taller!

Furthermore, in a week or so at most, the Lakers' starting point guard Schroeder will return.

At that time, the Lakers' backcourt will look bloated, so it is not necessary for Liu Ming at this time.

So, Pelinka continued: "Liu, I am deeply moved by your patriotism. If you change your mind in the future, please give priority to the Lakers."

Hearing this, Liu Ming nodded and said, "Thank you, I will."

(End of this chapter)