NBA: I am the card dealer

A group of fans are still arguing heatedly about Xue Liancheng's historical status, and Xue Liancheng himself has been invited to Jim Buss's private estate, accompanied by Kupchak and Kobe.

Without even looking at the scene, Xue Liancheng knew what would happen next.

really.

After eating and drinking, Buss said with a smile: "Xue! To be honest, it is the greatest luck for the Lakers and for me to have you. We still have a long way to go. Cheers to our future."

talking.

Raise your glass.

Xue Liancheng smiled. He certainly didn't understand what Little Bass meant, but he still raised his glass and said, "Cheers to the champion."

He did not talk about the "future". After all, no one knows what will happen in the future.

This made Buss a little embarrassed, and he turned his head slightly to look at Kobe.

After all, Xue Liancheng was recruited by Kobe, and the relationship between the two is pretty good. Now is the best time for Kobe to take action.

Kobe understood what he meant, and he got straight to the point without hiding anything. "Xue! The main reason they came here today is that they want to discuss early contract renewal with you, and I'm just here to keep you company. But I sincerely hope that you can stay and become a member of the Lakers family, and create new glory for the Lakers."

He was very sincere, without any fancy words, and said frankly that he hoped Xue Liancheng could renew his contract in advance.

Kupchak immediately responded: "We have achieved success this season, which proves your value and shows that there is no problem with our team building ideas. Next season, I will still do my best to build a lineup for you. As long as you want a player, we will do our best to cooperate to get him. As for the contract, it is naturally a maximum salary. We respect you 100%."

The promise is still loud and clear, and it can be seen that Kupchak is also very sincere.

Buss then took over the conversation: "A metropolis like Los Angeles is very gorgeous, Xue! You must enjoy the offseason and feel the happiness that the City of Angels brings you."

What he meant was that Los Angeles is a metropolis full of decadence and extravagance. It has a large market and a good celebrity effect, and one can maximize one's influence.

Xue Liancheng just said calmly: "I haven't thought about it yet."

This time.

It was like a basin of cold water poured on the heads of Buss and Kupchak, making them feel chilled to the bone in an instant.

And Kobe was also slightly disappointed.

In fact, the Lakers management was not sure about signing Xue Liancheng in advance, so they invited Kobe to act as a lobbyist.

result.

Even though they expressed such great sincerity, Xue Liancheng still did not respond, which was naturally frustrating.

at the same time.

But they were very confused in their hearts, what did Xue Liancheng want?

Little Bass had no patience and asked directly: "Xue, if you think we did something wrong or if you want something, just tell us. As long as we can do it, everything will be fine."

Xue Liancheng shook his head: "No! It's not your fault, you did a great job."

Little Bass said bluntly: "Why is that?"

Kupchak opened his mouth, rubbed it twice and then closed it.

Xue Liancheng did not hide it and said, "Some personal reasons. What I said is not just about renewing the contract in advance, but I am not sure whether I will stay next season."

The voice just fell.

The three people present sat up suddenly as if struck by lightning.

Especially Little Bass, his reaction was very intense: "Wang Defa! Xue, what happened?"

I originally thought that Xue Liancheng refused to renew the contract early, or that he had some concerns about renewing the contract early, such as worrying that they would not do their best to strengthen the team during the offseason and would not provide the right players.

They even thought at one point that Xue Liancheng was using this as an excuse to demand the right to speak.

But no one expected that Xue Liancheng would want to leave.

This was a bolt from the blue.

Last summer, Xue Liancheng signed a two-year contract with the Lakers, with the second year being a player option. That means after the Lakers win the championship this season, Xue Liancheng can opt out of the contract and become a completely free agent.

This is understandable.

After all, the Lakers' team-building idea last year was still at the stage of sniping the Warriors. The formation of the double-star combination was just the beginning. Xue Liancheng still needed to see the Lakers' determination to compete for the championship.

Their ultimate goal is actually the Big Three.

But the result was beyond everyone's expectations.

The Lakers won the championship!

He won all the way and ascended to the championship throne.

In other words, they completed the task ahead of schedule.

Xue Liancheng simply skipped the part about observing the Lakers' determination to win the championship.

So the question is, now that they have won the championship, it has proved that the lineup is feasible and the team-building ideas are correct. They only need to make minor adjustments and they can launch another attack on the championship.

But why did Xue Liancheng want to leave?

They couldn't figure it out, no matter how hard they tried.

So I was eager to know what Xue Liancheng was thinking and what he wanted.

Kupchak also became anxious: "You can speak out about any difficulties or problems you encounter."

Xue Liancheng: "Nothing happened, it was just my personal problem."

Kupchak shook his head: "Xue! This is not the answer."

Little Buzz: "Yes! No matter what, you have to give us a reason! Let us know what we did wrong? Or more precisely, let us know what you need?"

Done.

Both of them stared at Xue Liancheng hopefully.

Kobe couldn't hold it in any longer and advised, "Xue! You just need to focus on playing in the Lakers. If you change teams, it will be like starting from scratch, which is very difficult. If you can get along well with the management, it will be OK. If the concepts are different, you will be very painful. I think you need to think it over carefully."

Xue Liancheng, who was originally thinking about how to answer, brightened up after hearing Kobe's words, and then said calmly: "The Lakers may be the team with the most chaotic management in the league, right?"

This statement came out.

Buss Jr. and Kupchak's faces turned ugly in an instant.

Because this is true, Buss + Kupchak and Jeanie Buss + Magic Johnson are two camps, and they are fighting each other to the death, with various means of seizing power emerging one after another.

There are even rumors that Magic Johnson and his fund team are discussing the acquisition of Lakers shares. As long as there is enough support from directors, Buss can be kicked out.

only.

Due to Xue Liancheng's joining this season and eventually leading the team to win the championship, this plan to seize power failed.

So when it comes to chaos, the Lakers may be one of the most chaotic teams.

Kobe smacked his lips, not knowing what to say for a moment.

Kupchak's mind was still turning quickly: "Before you came, I didn't deny this, but now that you are here and have won the most valuable championship in history, the Lakers are now calm and there are no problems."

After a pause, he continued, "Xue, I know your concerns. George has been seriously injured twice. This is indeed a very difficult problem. To be honest with you, so far, we are not sure whether he can return to the court next season, and what his condition will be like after returning to the court. So we are very aware of your concerns."

He paused and continued, "There are also Randle and Clarkson. Their performance in the finals and even the entire playoffs was very disappointing. If you think there needs to be a change, you can bring it up. There is no problem."

These words showed enough sincerity.

Are you worried that George's injury will affect next season? Or that his performance will not be as expected after his return from injury?

It doesn't matter, we can get rid of George and replace him with another All-Star to assist you.

Clarkson and Randle are not performing well in the playoffs, with all kinds of problems. Are they stumbling blocks on their road to winning and defending the championship?

It doesn't matter. Just start the trade and trade the players you want to make up the entire lineup, or even rearrange the lineup. This can all be discussed.

Little Bass looked at Xue Liancheng eagerly: "Xue! We have the genes for champions, please believe in our abilities."

Xue Liancheng exhaled heavily and shook his head slowly: "I have made it very clear. This is not your problem. I need to carefully consider my career and where my future lies. It is not impossible for me to announce my retirement."

This time.

It really shocked the two of them.

They looked at Xue Liancheng with complicated expressions, and they might have been wondering in their hearts: Is there something wrong with Xue Liancheng's mind?

Or like Jordan back then, after winning three consecutive championships, he suddenly felt that playing basketball was boring, so he retired.

Ah!

Geniuses basically have some problems of one kind or another, so at this moment, they have understood Xue Liancheng and are no longer aggressive.

Next.

The four of them chatted for a while, and Little Bass kept urging Xue Liancheng to relax and recommended several places. It was obvious that he hoped that Xue Liancheng would think things through after relaxing.

the end.

The banquet is over.

Not long after Xue Liancheng came out, Kobe followed closely.

When they arrived at the parking lot, Kobe called Xue Liancheng: "Xue! I'll give you a ride."

Xue Liancheng thought about it and didn't refuse.

After the two got in the car, it was a bit dull for a while.

a long time.

Kobe couldn't help but speak: "Xue! From the look of you, you've basically decided to leave Los Angeles."

This time, it was Xue Liancheng's turn to be surprised. He quickly denied it: "Everything is uncertain now..."

Kobe: "Xue! What about me! You don't need to lie. Tell me, what's going on?"

Xue Liancheng burst out laughing. He didn't expect Kobe to see through him: "This..."

Kobe: "If it's inconvenient, forget it."

Xue Liancheng: "I still believe in you."

The stakes of the bet between him and Kobe have not been made public by Kobe until now. He is a man of few words and is absolutely trustworthy.

Otherwise, if it was revealed that he went to the Lakers because he lost the bet, New York fans would definitely be furious.

James was also cleared in an instant.

and so.

At this point, Kobe's character can still be seen.

After a pause, he simply stopped hiding it: "My agent has helped me form a consortium, and we are discussing the acquisition of an NBA team. Whichever team is successfully acquired, I will appear in that team next season. It's that simple."

This is a trade secret.

And it is a very important business secret.

After all, his acquisition of the team needed to be kept confidential. Otherwise, if the seller knew it was him who made the purchase, he would definitely ask for a huge amount of money. This exposure would cost billions, which would be very expensive.

In addition, there will be unexpected situations such as alliance obstruction, new laws, competitors competing for control, and bickering.

If the truth was exposed, it would cause complications, which was why he was reluctant to tell the truth at the banquet.

How could he possibly tell such a business secret?

But if it's Kobe, then there shouldn't be a problem.

Kobe was very surprised: "Boy, you are really amazing! Such a big thing is actually going on quietly?"

Xue Liancheng: "It wasn't me who did it. My agent did it for me. She went back to China and brought in a lot of financial groups for me. Plus, I made some money and borrowed some more. At this point, I should be able to buy a team."

to this end.

He even mortgaged his company shares and his image rights, and after he won his third championship, the bank recognized his value and lent him a large sum of money.

Kobe: "Okay! If that's the case, then let's stop here. You have fulfilled your promise, so if you want to leave, don't feel guilty."

Xue Liancheng was very relieved to hear this, because he was afraid that Kobe would bring up the bet.

At present, Kobe is obviously not such a person. He is relatively pure about everything.

Kobe: "By the way! You don't have to feel like you owe the Lakers anything."

Xue Liancheng: "I won't do that. My arrival didn't cost the Lakers a dime. What's more... I brought a championship to this city. I did everything I could."

Kobe smiled and said, "Then I wish you the best..."

Xue Liancheng: "Brother! I'm not going to Mars. You don't have to be so formal. Who knows, I might come back someday."

Kobe: "Then I'm most welcome!"

The two smiled at each other, expressing their silent appreciation for their friendship.

And all this.

Buss Jr. and Kupchak had no idea.

But Kupchak is a smart man after all. He had sensed Xue Liancheng's determination to leave, so after Xue Liancheng and Kobe left, he said to Buss: "Jim! I think... it's time for us to prepare to lose Xue."

Buss is still confused: "Wait a little longer, I believe he will change his mind. After all, apart from Los Angeles and New York, I really don't know where he can go."

Kupchak shook his head: "He is not dissatisfied with our attitude or sincerity, but I feel like he has something wrong."

Bass: "Shouldn't it be? Is there anything more important than your career?"

Kupchak: "I don't know, but I think we should be prepared, otherwise we will be caught off guard."

Little Buss had no choice but to respond, "Okay, okay, okay! I'll be prepared, but our top priority now is to hold a championship parade and show the style of the Purple and Gold Army."