Chapter 380 Failure of the Western Conference Finals + Kobe's trial training with the Suns
On the night of the 21st, the Bulls won their second consecutive victory at home.
The 22nd, the game day of Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.
By the time the team trained in the afternoon, after nearly four days of rest, the swelling in Lao Wang's finger had been completely eliminated two days ago. The pain was now less obvious and no tape was needed to fix it.
During the team's training, it didn't hinder his training with the ball, and his shooting felt okay, but of course it was still not as good as normal.
The team doctor's advice was of course to rest for two more days, but he couldn't rest any longer. If he continued to rest, he would really be swept away by those three old guys.
This time last year, he swept Mosaic. This time Dameng and Barkley have the opportunity, and they will definitely not let it go.
In fact, the Big Three who were training at the training base were discussing this issue at this time.
"Three brothers unite as one to defeat Lao K."
Dameng strongly suggested to work harder and achieve a sweep. He wanted to take revenge for being swept last year.
"No, it's good if we can make it to the finals. Besides, Old K is not easy to deal with. If you really want to mess with him, he will fight with all his strength and hurt you, Hakeem. Wouldn't that be an advantage to Jordan again?"
But Drexler disagrees, and the reason is simple, because last year when he was in the Suns, he was swept by Dameng and Barkley. Who do you want to take revenge on? Besides, he can't win the championship without Old K.
, so I don’t want to mess with Lao K.
"Let's forget it. If you really defeat Lao K, how can you take advantage of him in the future?"
Barkley doesn't have such a strong will to sweep Old K. After all, he has the championship in his hands, and he is unwilling to cooperate with Big Dream to completely anger Old K. He is already old and full of injuries. He is not as good as when he was young.
That one was angry.
"Two traitors!"
The three bullshit brothers were of the same mind. Dameng was so angry that he was so angry that if he hadn't won the championship, Lao Quan would have gone up long ago.
"Ouch, there's something wrong with my waist today. I'm afraid I won't be able to play." At this time, Barkley suddenly shouted.
"you?"
Drexler was anxious and shouted to the head coach: "Rudy, there is something wrong with my knee. I'm afraid I have to take a break."
Dameng was stunned, damn it, if something goes wrong this time in the Western Conference, I will kill both of you.
Tomjanovich and the other coaches were stunned. What a lie. Wasn't it fine just now? How could the three of you get hurt just sitting there chatting?
In the end, these two people still did not call a truce. The coaching staff's ideas were not as complicated as theirs. Ensuring victory was the first priority. They were not allowed to fake injuries. This trend could not be improved. They were also fined a thousand dollars each. If it hadn't been for the playoffs,
game, he will definitely be suspended from the team.
That night, Wang Tiejun and Lightning teamed up to fight against the Big Three.
Although there is still a problem with his finger, it is no longer a serious problem and he has adapted to it, so his performance this night was basically back to 80%.
However, dunking was strictly prohibited by the coaching staff to prevent the injury from aggravating.
When he came out, Lao Wang had his fingers wrapped with ice packs again.
When the three giants saw it, they were relieved. Victory was not lost now.
In the next game, I don’t know whether it was due to a mentality problem or some other reason. The Big Three collectively performed abnormally. Although they scored 72 points together, the three of them combined to make only 24 of 60 shots, with a shooting percentage of only 40%.
So much so that we lost this home court.
Lao Wang played for 44 minutes and scored 53 points with a shooting percentage of 54%. After all, his fingers had not fully recovered yet, so his efficiency was not very high, but it was much better than the Big Three.
The Big Three returned to the locker room, all a little frustrated.
They didn't give in on purpose, especially Dameng, who really wanted to win this game and lead 3-0, then there wouldn't be any problems in this series.
"You think you are sure to win against the Suns, but you have a serious mental problem. This is the most important reason why we lost. If you don't change this idea, then we are likely to have big problems in this series."
When head coach Tomjanovich was summing up after the game, he criticized the Big Three with great dissatisfaction.
Buckley smiled bitterly and said: "I was really tricked by Old K this time, and his fingers have recovered."
Drexler nodded. Damn old K. He was still lying to them before he came on the field. There is no one more cunning than Old K!
Dameng said angrily: "From now on, I can only believe one out of ten words I say."
Tomjanovich shook his head helplessly. The three giants were a hundred years old in total, but they couldn't play with an old K. This time they were really fooled.
The next day, the 23rd, the Eastern Conference Finals continued.
The Bulls won two consecutive games at home. After going to Orlando, they suffered a defeat and lost their first away game. They still led the Magic by a big score of 2-1.
On the 24th, the Western Conference Finals will continue.
Although they pulled one back, the Suns were still unable to make a comeback. The fact that their lineup was not as good as their opponents was a flaw. In addition, the three giants were so angry that they broke out one after another in the next G4 game. They ended up losing the away game by one game.
Three behind, Mosaic got the match point.
Dameng showed his power, scoring 32 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists, 3 steals and 6 blocks on Lao Wang. Lao Wang's single defense is also very good, coupled with Ben Wallace's weak side defense,
They were also beaten together.
On the 25th, the Suns returned to Phoenix, and almost at the same time, the Mosaic team also arrived at the airport.
That night, in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Bulls won another game, leading the Magic three to one and gaining match point.
On the 26th, Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals begins.
Lao Wang tried his best to avoid being eliminated at home, but not long after the start, Kevin Johnson collided with Barkley on defense during a breakthrough with the ball, and accidentally injured his shoulder. The Suns' situation was irreversible. In the end,
He was eliminated at home, ending his playoff run.
After being eliminated by the Mosaic team in the Western Conference Finals in 1994, and this time being eliminated by the opponent in the Western Conference Finals, Lao Wang felt that the Mosaic team was his enemy and was very unhappy. He vowed to go there if he met the Mosaic team again in the playoffs.
Do it to death.
"You can't beat Jordan this time, Dameng. Don't even think about winning the championship as a core player in the future. Prepare to hug him." At the end of the game, a very regretful Lao Wang said to Dameng.
"I will definitely kill him!" Dameng said with wide eyes.
"That's my job, I'm the shooting guard."
Drexler was blowing his beard and staring, and had no motivation to do anything else. Beating Jordan was the most exciting thing for him, so he had better sweep it again.
"Then I'll help you kill Rodman and steal all his rebounds." Barkley smiled.
With his season over, Wang Tiejun also relaxed mentally and planned to rest for two days, then go to Japan, make some money, and return to China to build the deep pit of Fengshen Street.
By the way, I have to hold a make-up wedding. This needs to be a big deal. I need to go back to my hometown and hire a few hundred tables.
On the 27th, at 11 o'clock in the morning, Kobe and his agent came to Phoenix to prepare for a workout with the Suns in the afternoon.
This time when he came to Phoenix, he didn't call Lao K. Lao K didn't like him. Several months had passed and he was still angry.
"Why are you here?"
However, the management informed Lao Wang, so Lao Wang went to the airport to pick him up. When he saw him, Kobe was obviously taken aback.
"Traitor, don't you recognize the master?" Lao Wang scolded with a smile.
The angry Kobe couldn't help but laugh, but he didn't want to laugh, so his face twitched, half-smiling, and Lao Wang couldn't help laughing.
"Old K, you liar!" Kobe shouted angrily again.
"How did I lie to you again?" Lao Wang asked doubtfully.
"You didn't teach me how to use your steps. You must have your own unique steps to use in back shots. You can't fool me." Kobe said with certainty.
Lao Wang was startled, this guy really worked hard to study his skills!
However, the old rule is to pass the boxing without passing the steps. If you pass the steps to hit the master, it is not easy to imitate his bear steps.
"Let's go to the hotel first."
After getting to know Tellem, he took Kobe and the two out of the airport.
"Old K, the Lakers really want to draft Kobe. I wonder if the Suns plan to draft Kobe?" Tellem asked tentatively in the car.
Kobe, who was sitting in the passenger seat, snorted coldly, but his eyes moved and turned towards Lao Wang.
Lao Wang smiled and said: "The Lakers? Their lottery pick is probably lower than the Cavaliers lottery in our hands. They will definitely not be able to select Kobe."
"Mr. West said he would find a way to trade me." Kobe said proudly.
"That's not bad. It shows that the Lakers value your potential."
Lao Wang nodded and said: "I don't know the situation here with the Suns. The playoffs have just ended. I have too many things to do and I didn't ask the management about this. What, Kobe, do you really want to come to the Suns?"
"No."
Kobe immediately denied it and his arrogant temper broke out.
Tellem, who was behind, knew Kobe's thoughts and character very well. He knew that this kid was just talking hard and didn't want to bow to anyone. He quickly said: "Old K, Kobe actually hopes to continue to learn the skills of playing with you, and he has been there these days.
Use the steps mentioned."
Kobe looked back at Tellem dissatisfied, but didn't say anything. This was indeed his idea.
Lao Wang laughed and said: "Actually, Kobe's coming to the Suns is not good for his growth."
"Why?" Kobe couldn't help it and asked in confusion.
Lao Wang explained: "If we can improve the lineup this offseason and strengthen it, we will really challenge for the championship next season. There will not be many opportunities for rookies. The team that the rookie is most suitable for will definitely not be at the championship level.
Team, do you understand this?"
Kobe nodded helplessly.
Although he paranoidly believes in his own strength, after all, he is too young and still needs time to grow.
Lao Wang added: "And by my side, your development will definitely be restricted. First of all, the core is me. I am 23 years old, so you will not be trained as a core. So do you want to be trained as a core?"
"think."
Kobe nodded without hesitation. The player who doesn't want to be the boss is his grandson, but he immediately said: "But I can wait. With the way you play, the peak will not be too long. If you get injured one day and you can't do it anymore, I will
He has also grown up and is just in time to take over your position."
"It's like you're taking my place before you come in. Do you have a bone in the back of your head? You're a natural Wei Yan!"
Lao Wang glanced at Kobe in surprise, then slapped Kobe on his head with a snap, which made Kobe ouch.
Later, Terem tugged at his lips and did not dare to say a word.
"Why are you hitting me?" Kobe said angrily.
"It's perfectly natural for a master to beat his apprentice. There is no need for a reason." Lao Wang said angrily.
"..."
Kobe was so angry that he said, "I will accept your son as my apprentice from now on and have fun with him every day."
Lao Wang added: "No matter how long my peak period is, if you are not treated as a core training now, you will not get the best training resources. Playing time, ball rights, shots, tactical status, etc. will all be restricted. This is clear.
?”
Kobe nodded frustratedly and did not answer the question. He was obviously shocked by Lao Wang's words.
Later, Tellem pushed against Kobe and reminded him in a low voice: "Kobe, the Lakers have not agreed to your core position. You are a rookie, less than 18 years old, and you are too young. No team will agree to you now."
You are trained as a core.
And it’s usually the core inside and outside, you can strive to become the core outside, you can do it with your talent.”
"yes!"
Kobe reacted, glared at Lao Wang and said, "Old K, are you fooling me again?"
Lao Wang chuckled and said: "Okay, regardless of this, if you join the Suns, you can indeed compete for the outside core. The Lightning is old and Horry doesn't have that talent. You have the best chance.
But when you play next to me, you have to be suppressed on the outside. Let me give you an example, Wilkins, do you know why he was adjusted to the substitute lineup?"
"Why?" Kobe asked.
"Because his pull-up jump shooting ability is not enough, and his mid-range shooting ability is not enough. He always rushes into the penalty area, compressing my movement space, and also bringing defenders in, increasing the possibility of me being double-teamed," Lao Wang said.
.
Kobe was startled and said quickly: "I am not in the same style as him. I learned from Jordan. In addition to breakthroughs, I am also very strong in pull-up jump shots and outside shooting."
"Really or not? If you lie to me, you will get beaten." Lao Wang warned.
Kobe couldn't help but shrink his neck, but he still nodded and said, "I'm not lying to you, I have the potential to be a great pitcher."
"Then what are you good at?" Lao Wang really didn't know this.
"Post-up, break through and score. I like to dunk, and I can also shoot." Kobe said quickly.
"Hit from behind? Hehe, haha!" Lao Wang laughed.
"Why are you laughing so weirdly?" Kobe's face turned red. He became good at back hitting in front of Old K, which really made him a little embarrassed.
After settling down in the hotel, Lao Wang invited the two of them to lunch.
The three of them continued to chat about some matters related to the draft. He said that he would not interfere with the management's work, while Kobe also said that he disdained relationships and wanted to draft based on his strength. Their attitudes were quite right, and they were a perfect match.
However, Kobe insisted on learning the pace of post-up play, and Lao Wang only promised to teach Kobe if he could join the Suns.
"Okay, it's settled."
Kobe was also unconvinced. What was wrong with him? He wanted to conquer the Suns management with his strength in the trial training.
"Kobe, you want to join the Suns just to learn my skills? But your shooting guard is not a center." Lao Wang didn't understand.
"Because I found that your fighting skills are of great help to me and have a additive effect on my overall strength. And I have almost mastered Jordan's skills. They are not too difficult. Your skills are more difficult."
Practice. Let me put it bluntly, I actually don’t care how long I can play with the Suns, as long as I can learn your skills,” Kobe said.
Lao Wang nodded, indicating that he understood.
He won't worry about Kobe taking his position in the future. Even if Kobe grows up in the future, it will take at least several years. By then, his and Kobe's rookie contracts are almost over. Either he leaves or Kobe leaves, it's no big deal.
In the afternoon, Lao Wang took the two of them to the headquarters. After taking them outside the training hall, he turned back to find Colangelo.
"Old K, several rookies who are predicted to be at the top of the draft have refused to come to the Suns for a tryout." After the meeting, Colangelo Jr. said a little helplessly.
"If you don't come, don't come. We can't choose them anyway."
Lao Wang said indifferently, and then said: "Kobe is here, are there any other rookies who are trying out today?"
"There are a dozen today."
Colangelo Jr. paused and asked: "Old K, what do you think of Kobe?"
"No, let's see the trial results." Lao Wang shook his head.
"Okay, let's go." Colangelo smiled and nodded.
He was very satisfied with Lao K's attitude. Last year, he was willing to sell Lao K to save face and prepare to sign Ma Jian, but Lao K refused. This shows that Lao K is really unwilling to interfere with the management's operations.
Recently, he tried to trade a good shooting guard, one who is both young and capable, but he did not succeed. Like the previous situation, most teams are not willing to see the Suns strengthen.
The Kidd deal was negotiated with the Mavericks because the Mavericks were in ruins and rebuilding. The Bullets couldn't use Rasheed Wallace. The team was in the Eastern Conference and had no competition with the Suns.
.
In fact, regarding the shooting guard, the transaction is only of a transitional nature. His real plan is, of course, to train himself better, so even if he gets an immediate combat ability in the trade, he will choose a shooting guard with the 13th pick left in his hand.
Cultivate it yourself and replace it later.
Corey Kidders, Kobe Bryant, in this position, there are not many people to choose from, just these two. Although there are many people here today, the others are just foils. He mainly inspects these two young people.
Kidders' predicted position is now ahead of Kobe. He is four years older than Kobe. He is now 22 years old, only one year younger than Old K. In terms of age, he is more suitable for Old K. It depends on his strength.
To select Kidders, the first requirement is immediate combat ability, ready to fight, and he will be able to assume the main shooting guard position next season.
Choosing Kobe will definitely require training for several seasons and will not be useful for the time being. This does not meet the team's requirements for next season, but it meets the team's reconstruction requirements.
However, Kidders has a weakness, that is, the tonnage is too small. It is only 80 kilograms now. What kind of resistance does this tonnage have?
Although the illegal hand rule has been implemented now, physical confrontation still exists, and the same is true on the outside. With this body, there is no confrontation, and it should be easy to get injured. Maybe you don't dare to enter the paint area at all, right?
On the way, he explained his transaction situation with the Mavericks and Bullets to Lao Wang. Lao Wang was somewhat impressed with Kidd but not much with Rasheed Wallace.