Jim Bass Ambition

Chapter 20 What Is Reliable
After winning Game [-] of the Finals, the Lakers officially announced that Jim Buss has officially served as the vice president of the team that has been vacant since Jerry West left.

Compared with the finals in full swing, the attention of this news is negligible.

The Lakers traveled to Philadelphia for the next away game.

The 76ers, who were full of injuries, could not stop the Lakers from winning the championship. Although they made a tenacious resistance, they still could not change the final outcome of being swept by the Lakers. The image of Iverson's tragic hero took root in the hearts of fans.

After winning the championship, the Lakers players were elated. Except for the depressed Kobe, as a Philadelphian, he was mercilessly booed by the people in his hometown during the game. What made him even more sad was that he and his parents were in love because of his willful love. Problems and the relationship deteriorated, and he didn't even come to the scene to watch his game.

When Jim walked into the locker room to celebrate with the players, the laughing Lakers were in stark contrast to Bryant, who was sitting in the corner holding his trophy and wiping his tears.

Jim intends to play the role of a confidant big brother, to enlighten this somewhat withdrawn young man.

"Is it a surprise! Is it a surprise!" Accompanied by a strange cry, several shots of champagne had already started to spray Jim's head and face.

After finally escaping from the "chasing and killing" of these wolves and tigers, Jim has changed beyond recognition. Fortunately, he changed his suit in advance and only wore a T-shirt.

After congratulating each other with the players, Jim walked over to Bryant.

"Aren't you happy to be booed by your hometown fans? Do you want me to trade you back to Philadelphia?"

Kobe stared at Jim warily.

"Just kidding, even if they exchanged the entire team including Iverson, I would not agree."

Jim approached Kobe, lowered his voice and continued: "I noticed that your family did not come to the championship ceremony. I guess this may be the reason for your frustration. As someone who has experienced it, I would like to give you some advice."

"What advice?"

"Before deciding to do something, think about whether you will regret it in the future."

"I don't regret marrying Vanessa!" Kobe said in a bad tone.

"No, no, I'm not talking about this matter. You will understand some things later."

Jim didn't know whether this spiritual arsenic comforted Kobe or made him feel worse.

The off-season begins, and the players each enjoy their vacation life.Veterans Rodman and Harper retired with new championship rings, O'Neal went to Hawaii for vacation, and Kobe was busy living his two-person world...

Our Jim is still in the office, eating the pizza that Stevens packed.

"Ghost knows that guy Dennis owes so much gambling debt! No wonder he agreed so happily when he heard my terms." Jim complained bitterly while stuffing pizza into his mouth.

At this moment, the doorbell rang, and it was Kupchak who entered.

"Jim, I have received the latest news that the Suns intend to trade Kidd and rebuild."

"Huh? Then let them rebuild." Jim was still devouring the pizza, obviously not taking Kupchak's words seriously.

"Coach Jackson suggested that he propose a trade to the Suns, use Kobe Bryant as a bargaining chip, and trade Kidd and Sean Marion."

Jim choked, followed by a violent cough.

"what the hell?"

Kupchak repeated it in a flat, deadpan voice.

"Well, he gave me this problem just after I took office? Is this trying to force the palace?" Jim was very upset. "Mitch, Brad, you two also talk about it, should we consider this suggestion?"

"Kidd and Marion can complement our weakest point guard and small forward, and at the shooting guard position, we can support Reid. They can be a good helper for Shaq. As long as we have Shaq, we will always be The favorite for the championship." Kupchak replied immediately, obviously he had already made a decision outside the door.

"I think our main offensive tactics don't require a lot of core point guards. It's enough to be able to shoot three-pointers and defend. Kidd doesn't seem to be good at three-pointers, and his personal offensive ability cannot be forcibly destroyed like Kobe. Opponent's defensive system. As for Marion, he is a good player, but his autonomous offense seems to be mediocre. Sir, what did you say before that sentence? 'A 5-carat diamond is worth more than five 1-carat diamonds Much', that's my point."

"If Kobe is 5 carats, then Kidd and Marion are also 3-4 carats, young man, you still need to study for a while."

Stevens was about to retort when Jim stopped him.

"Mitch, I understand what you mean. I also hope to bring more helpers to Shaq. You see, no one in our lineup can continue to support Shaq this season except Kobe. Of course Phil also understands this. But his trade plan is terrible. If any team really makes him the general manager, then they will never even think about playing in the playoffs... Well, since there is a deal to be made, I can simply plan it , let you see what is reliable."

Kupchak was at a loss, what was the second grandpa's idea?
"We know that if the Suns want to choose to rebuild, they need to free up cap space, seek expiring contracts, young players and draft picks. It just so happens that we don't lack these things."

Jim pulls out the Suns roster.

"Thank you Brad for making such a detailed and convenient statistical table for us, it's called reliable. To be honest, I'm still not used to computers." Jim added in his mind, "The speed is too slow."

Kupchak and Stevens looked at a name Jim pointed to.

Clifford Robinson.

The Trail Blazers star, the famous evergreen tree, although he is 34 years old this season, can still contribute 16.4 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists per game, and he has not missed any games.

"His contract for next season is $766 million, next season is $842 million, which is unacceptable for the Suns. And our current salary situation... Dennis, oh both Dennis are going to retire, Ron Also retired, Tyrone, Horace and Bryan expired, Michael, DeShawn and Stanislav are rookie contracts, we still have a certain amount of space. Well, we can do this... Renew Tyrone with a one-year contract And Horace, then traded them to the Suns for Clifford Robinson... If the Suns ask for an overweight, we can pay Derek or DeShawn. I think the Suns will agree, Tyrone in the finals Everyone has seen the performance, if the Suns want to beat the 76ers in the finals in the future, this deal must be done..."

"Sir, but Clifford Robinson doesn't fit..." Stevens hesitated.

"If this deal is successful, then we'll go to the Detroiters. Mitch, we don't have much time. Brad, go back and get ready. Let's go to the East Coast." Jim showed unprecedented seriousness.

(End of this chapter)