Chapter 511 Chamberlain: The Lakers should train Kobe to replace old K
With the end of the regular season, the rankings of the Eastern and Western regular seasons are also announced.
In the Eastern Conference, the first to eighth places are the Knicks, Celtics, Pacers, Heat, Hornets, Hawks, Cavaliers, and Nets respectively.
In the West, the first to eighth places are the Lakers, Trail Blazers, Jazz, SuperSonics, Timberwolves, Mosaic, Suns, and Kings.
In the Eastern Conference, the top three teams, the Knicks and Celtics, both belong to the Atlantic Division, so the Celtics, who are second in the Eastern Conference during the regular season, are automatically ranked fourth in the playoffs, and the Pacers advance to second place in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
The Heat advanced to third place in the playoffs.
So the Eastern Conference playoff games are the first-place Knicks versus the eighth-place Nets, the second-place Pacers versus the seventh-place Cavaliers, the third-place Heat versus the Hawks, and the fourth-place Celtics versus the Hornets.
In the West, the top three teams, the Trail Blazers and Jazz, are both in the Northwest Division, so the third-place Jazz will automatically be ranked fourth in the playoffs, and the third place will be advanced by the SuperSonics.
Therefore, the Western Conference playoff games are the first-place Lakers versus the eighth-place Kings, the second-place Trail Blazers versus the seventh-place Suns, the third-place SuperSonics versus the sixth-place Mosaic, and the fourth-place Jazz versus the fifth-place Timberwolves.
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The first round of the playoffs starts on the 23rd and 24th, with three or four days of rest. In the past few days, the media has done a lot of analysis on the Eastern and Western Conference playoff situations.
ESPN updated its championship probability predictions at 9 a.m. on the 20th, the day after the regular season ended.
This time, the Lakers occupy the first place, but the predicted chance of winning is only 25%.
The second is the Knicks' 24%, the third is the Trail Blazers' 20%, the fourth is the Jazz's 18%, the fifth is the Celtics' 7%, the sixth is the Pacers' 5%, and other playoffs
Teams add up to 1%.
Reggie Miller is very dissatisfied with ESPN's prediction. Because Ewing has returned and is in good shape, why does the Pacers only have a 5% chance of winning the championship?
He immediately criticized ESPN's unprofessionalism through the media.
The Celtics were also quite dissatisfied, but David Robinson didn't say anything. He didn't bother to argue with the media. However, Danny Ainge expressed some of his personal views on ESPM's championship predictions in an interview with the media, and quoted ESPN in
The fact that the championship probability predictions and finals predictions in previous seasons were all wrong was refuted, which made ESPN very embarrassed.
TNT TV station NBA channel held a program about the playoffs, hosted by Bill Walton, and invited several guests, including Magic Johnson, Big Dipper Chamberlain, Iceman George Gervin, and those who have not returned from surgery.
Pippen.
The show starts at 8:30 pm on the 20th.
Lao Wang also sat in front of the TV and watched this program.
After Bill Walton's opening remarks, he got down to business and asked: "Ervin, Wilt, you are all Lakers legends, what do you think of Old K's performance in the Lakers?"
Magic Johnson was not humble. He knew that Chamberlain and Old K were somewhat incompatible because they were both one of the greatest centers in the league. He did not want Chamberlain to say anything unpleasant first, so he took the lead and said:
"With 74 wins, this is the best Lakers and the strongest team in history. Old K's performance in the Lakers is quite perfect.
In terms of team record, the Lakers are first in the league and first in history in regular season record.
Personal data, averaged 38 points per game, 8 times of 50+ and 25 times of 40+ in the season. He also won the honors of scoring, rebounding and blocks. At the same time, he also ranked first in offensive efficiency, defensive efficiency and personal efficiency in the league.
First.
In short, his performance was so perfect that even the most picky person would not be able to find any shortcomings in him."
Having said this, he said to Chamberlain: "Wilt, do you think I am right?"
Chamberlain felt a little depressed, but he could only nod his head and said: "As a Lakers senior of Old K, I also think he did a perfect job."
Magic Johnson nodded with satisfaction and smiled.
"So what do you think this Lakers will do in the playoffs, and can they still maintain their strength in the regular season?" Bill Walton asked again.
Magic Johnson said: "This is for sure. Based on Old K's performance in the first five seasons, his performance in the playoffs will be even stronger. He is one of the few in history who is stronger in the playoffs than in the regular season.
A superstar, I think he will bring the Lakers their 12th championship."
When Chamberlain heard these words, his head hurt. Damn it, are you saying that I am a regular season superstar?
"George, which team do you think has the best chance of winning 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 stupidest trade. Even if they trade Old K, in fact, as long as they keep Da Meng and Duncan, with the current lineup of the Suns, they will have a chance to defend the title.
For the championship.”
Magic Johnson shrugged and did not react to the Iceman's words.
However, Chamberlain nodded and said: "Yes, I think so too. The Suns' first trade was actually a good one. The younger Duncan has peak strength since his debut. With him, the Suns will not have to play again for at least ten years."
Change the core, but it's a pity that they stupidly traded him."
Magic Johnson disagreed with this and immediately retorted: "NONONO, the Suns' first trade... okay, I will speak with facts."
Then he immediately listed the four regular season data of Duncan and Old K and said: "In the four regular season games, the Lakers and Trail Blazers were tied, but in terms of personal performance, in three games, Old K had an overwhelming advantage against Duncan.
, the game was considered a draw, which already explains the problem.
If Duncan was at his peak when he debuted, then he wouldn'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 with 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: "Also, Wilt, you seem to have overlooked an issue. Old K is only 35 months older than Duncan. Duncan is now 22 years old, but old K is still more than a month away from turning 25.
, he is still very young and has no major injuries. You said Duncan can be qualified as the core for ten years, but so is old K?"
Chamberlain said unconvinced: "Old K is almost 25 years old. Do you think he can maintain his peak period until he is 35? Ervin, you think so. With his style of play, even if this season has reduced confrontation and changed the style of play,
It's not legal, but I think he can last three to five years at most.
I think the Lakers should train Kobe, and when 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 famous Lakers players were playing against each other, and everyone else was just watching the show. Bill Walton was smiling and didn't stop him.
"That's a good idea."
At Kobe's home in Los Angeles, his mother Pam immediately nodded and said to Kobe: "Kobe, I think Chamberlain is right. The Lakers will make you an 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 added: "How many years does Lao K's contract last?"
"6+1, I have been playing for three years, and there are four more years. 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 for some chips. By then you will have a strong lineup around you..."
"Mom, are you crazy?" Kobe looked at his mother in shock.
"Why am I crazy? Kobe, you are so rude, how can you talk?" 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 learned a lot from him. He taught me techniques, taught me how to be more efficient, and taught me how to be the leader of a team and lead the team."
Let me win the championship.
I also invested in his trading company. He is my guide in the NBA. Even if his performance 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.
I hope that when he gets older, I can lead him to win the championship."
Pam smiled bitterly and said: "Kobe, you are too idealistic. If you are always on the same team with 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 in the locker room, and we are both the bosses of the team."
"What if his strength is still there?" Job Bryant asked.
Kobe was startled, thought for a while and said: "If his strength does not decline, who can compete with him? Don't talk about me, not even Jordan at his peak, right?"
The Joblaints were stunned for a moment, as if this was really the case.
Pam asked: "Kobe, if that's the case, don't you want to be the leader of a team?"
Kobe said: "Old K has used the first five seasons to prove that no matter how powerful the perimeter is, even if it is as great as Jordan, it can't beat him. Why should I go to other teams to compete with him when his strength is still there?
Wouldn't it be nice to win a championship together?
And don’t you want to stay in Los Angeles? Mom, what, do you want to go back to Phoenix or other small cities?”
"Oh, of course not, I'm just saying, I hope you stay here and play football forever." Pam shook her head quickly.
In the live broadcast room, when the two Lakers stars were about to fight, Bill Walton intervened and stopped their argument. Then he changed the topic, asked Pippen, and said: "Scotty, what do you think?
Who is most likely to reach the finals?"
Pippen said without hesitation: "Of course it's K's Lakers and O'Neal's Knicks."
"oh……"
Bill Walton drawled out meaningfully.
From Pippen's words, he knew that Pippen and Jordan had a conflict.
Jordan in New York said he was also helpless. Pippen asked him to borrow millions. His money was not brought by strong winds. Now Pippen is full of complaints against him.
Bill Walton immediately waved his little hoe and began to tap Pippen's potential from what he just said, and asked: "Scotty, do you think the Knicks are not Michael's team, but O'Neal's team? You don't support it.
Michael?"
Pippen said expressionlessly: "Of course I support Michael, but O'Neal made the decision first, and he should be the leader of the Knicks. Michael shouldn't usurp O'Neal's leadership position, right?"
Bill Walton laughed, now he can imagine how the media will laugh at Jordan tomorrow.
"Shet!"
Jordan, on the other hand, cursed and was very annoyed by Pippen's words.
At this time, Pippen continued: "From the perspective of the playoff matchup, the Western Lakers will face the winner of the Jazz and Timberwolves in the second round, and there is no doubt that the Jazz will enter the second round.
The Lakers and Jazz played four regular season games, which was the same as the Trail Blazers, with two wins and two losses, and the two teams were tied. The two teams met in the second round, and I am more optimistic about the Lakers."
"Why?" Bill Walton picked up the topic.
Pippen said: "Because the Jazz have been so strong since the beginning of the season, and the Lakers defeated the Jazz in the first regular season game. At that time, the Lakers' strength had not been tempered and was not as strong as it is now. Although they lost two games later,
But there are objective reasons, and the lineup is not complete due to injuries, so I think the Lakers will make it out of the second round and eliminate the Jazz again."
"What about the other pair?" Bill Walton asked.
Pippen added: "If nothing else happens, the Trail Blazers and SuperSonics will undoubtedly eliminate the Suns and Mosaic respectively, and they will advance to the second round.
Of these two teams, of course the Trail Blazers are stronger, and it will be easier for the Trail Blazers to reach the Western Conference Finals than the Lakers."
"What about the East?" Bill Walton asked.
Pippen said: "In the second round of the Eastern Conference, the Knicks will play against the Green Team. There should be no suspense about this. The Pacers will play against the winner of the Cavaliers and Hawks. There is some suspense about this. I can't say who will beat the Cavaliers or Hawks.
Proceed to the second round.
But no matter who advances to the second round, I believe the Pacers will eliminate them. The Pacers are the most likely team in the East to advance to 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, your attitude towards Jordan is too obvious, right?
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's okay in the regular season, but in the series,
It's very possible that something could go wrong, and once one of them performs abnormally in a certain game, failure is very likely."
What Pippen said seems to make sense, and even Jordan in front of the TV became cautious.
He knows very well that he and O'Neal's shots combined account for half of the Knicks' shots, and sometimes more than that. If one of the two of them cannot 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 they meet the Lakers in the Finals, as long as O'Neal can compete with the old K, even if it is worse, the Knicks will have a chance to defeat the Lakers.
At this time, both his mobile phone and landline rang one after another. He didn't recognize the number of the caller on his mobile phone, so he pressed the button and connected the landline.
"Hello, Michael, this is New York Times reporter Wick. Do you agree with what Pippen said? Do you think you robbed O'Neal of his leadership position? You..." As soon as the call was connected, the reporter over there shook his head.
There were a lot of problems.
"Mr. Reporter, I think Scotty is right, the Knicks are indeed Shaq's team. From the beginning, there were no problems in the Knicks locker room. Shaq and I trained together for several months in the offseason.
Time, our relationship is very good until now, so are you satisfied with my answer?" Jordan said coldly.
He knew very well that without O'Neal, there was no way he could beat Old K, so at the critical moment, he was calm and made the best response.
"What?"
The reporter over there was stunned and didn't get the reaction he wanted, which made him very disappointed.
After hanging up the reporter's phone, 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 the holiday. He and Yu Feihong left Dabao to attend Tom Cruise's
Party, spent another quite relaxing day, the Lakers resumed team training on the 23rd, and the playoffs officially started on this day.
There are four games on this day, the Eastern Conference, the Knicks vs. the Nets, the Celtics vs. the Hornets, the Western Conference, the Trail Blazers vs. the Suns, and the SuperSonics vs. Mosaic.
At noon, the king arrived in Los Angeles.
While Lao Wang was having dinner with the team, he called Da Zhi, who had already arrived in Los Angeles with the Kings.
In fact, he didn't have many opportunities at the beginning with the Kings, but then opportunities began to appear, and his performance was still marginal. After all, the Kings were a bad team.
Played in 61 games, started 7 games, averaged 17.5 minutes per game, 3.36 of 7.3 field goals, 46% shooting, 0.9 of 2.5 three-pointers, 38% shooting, 2.5 free throws, 80% shooting, 9 points per game
3.6 rebounds. As a center or power forward, the overall shooting efficiency is a bit low. If it can reach more than 50%, it will be more competitive.
Lao Wang is a little worried that such efficiency lacks competitiveness and the offensive area is too outside. Fortunately, he is still 21 years old and still has opportunities to grow.
I chatted with Da Zhi for a while, gave a few words of encouragement, and then called Lao Hu.
Things are much better for Lao Hu. In the Pacers, he gained the trust of Larry Bird and served as Reggie Miller's first substitute. Moreover, he can also substitute for the one and three positions, and the entire outside line can play multiple positions.
Played 65 games this season, 17 games injured, started 14 games, averaged 28.5 minutes per game, 5.6 of 12 field goals, 46.7 field goal percentage, including 1.4 of 3.5 three-pointers, 40% field goal percentage, 4.6 free throws, 3.9 field goal percentage
84.8%, averaging 16.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.5 blocks, 1.2 turnovers and 1.8 fouls per game.
After listening to Lao Wang's words, Lao Hu took action whenever he had the chance. In less than thirty minutes of playing time, he averaged 12 shots per game, which is quite a lot. His efficiency was pretty good, his three-point shooting was good, and he had no loopholes defensively.
"Lao Hu, do the Pacers want to keep you?" Lao Wang asked.
"David Frank said that the Pacers really want me to execute my contract for next season, but he does not recommend that I stay. He said that the Pacers are a team that competes for the championship and will not renew my contract in advance. I am very satisfied with the president.
I didn’t pursue the championship, so he suggested that I go to a weaker team to play as the main player, so that I could get a better contract." Lao Hu said.
"Yes, if you want a ring, you can come to the Lakers in the future. Making money is the most important thing now." Lao Wang said with a smile.
