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***
Wednesday, August 1, 2007. The free agency market heated up again after Kobe Bryant's team publicly apologized to General Manager Kupchak.
After offering Luke Walton a multi-year contract, the Lakers made another big move.
The Los Angeles Times reported the news immediately, with Gerald Wallace becoming a team target.
To achieve their goal, the Lakers pulled in the Nets, attempting to complete a three-team trade.
Talks went from late July to August, and just as a result seemed imminent, Michael Jordan personally halted it.
Although affected by injuries last season, Gerald Wallace still averaged 18.1 points per game.
The Lakers tried to send Lamar Odom to New Jersey, while the Nets would send Richard Jefferson to the Bobcats.
What seemed like a win-win-win trade ultimately fell through.
Rob Pelinka, who is also Gerald Wallace's agent, personally pushed for this trade but failed, once again becoming a joke within the league.
Clearly, not every team gives agents face.
Such trades, where the player himself doesn't have much desire, require more leverage to be completed.
This wasn't the first time Lamar Odom had been put on the trade block.
It wasn't that his ability was an issue, but rather that the team had too few quality assets, and no one wanted to take on Kwame Brown.
Matt Battelstein also kept quiet.
He had always encouraged his client, Kwame Brown, to stay in Los Angeles.
Regardless of the team's performance, the attention was much higher than that of smaller teams.
Kwame Brown, who suffered an injury late in the season, didn't say anything and is currently recovering.
Matt Battelstein spoke on his behalf, reassuring the Lakers:
"Kwame is very loyal. He wants to end his career in Los Angeles."
"Perhaps his performance hasn't met expectations, but he likes the fans there, and he wants to fulfill his talent in this city."
Waiting patiently for his contract, no matter how Kobe humiliated him, Kwame Brown didn't react much.
Under his agent's arrangement, he remained steadfast in Los Angeles!
The players involved in the trade were quite candid.
Lamar Odom, who was used as a bargaining chip, even proactively accepted an interview, expressing his attitude through a Los Angeles sports reporter:
"I already knew this would be the outcome. Business is business. I don't have a no trade clause, so I can't control where I play."
"Being tradable also means I have value. I'm ready. Perhaps leaving here isn't a bad thing."
"."
Such an attitude was enough to indicate huge problems in the Lakers' locker room.
When news broke on the afternoon of the 1st that the Heat had signed free agent Smush Parker, the fun also arrived.
Immediately upon joining the Heat, Parker, guided by a Miami Herald reporter, unleashed on Kobe:
"No one in the NBA wants to play with Kobe Bryant. He has a strange personality, and no one in the locker room knows how to get along with him."
"Maybe Kobe Bryant sees himself as Michael Jordan, but it's 2007 now, and that old-fashioned motivation is long outdated! Look at how Clay Lee leads his team."
"There's no doubt Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal are easier to get along with. In the Heat, at least I know how to express myself. Coming to Miami is the best decision of my career!"
Dwyane Wade missed the United States Mens National Basketball Team training camp due to knee and shoulder surgeries.
He was very concerned about the team's recruitment efforts but couldn't get involved.
Pat Riley still hadn't decided whether he would continue coaching the team next season, but the slick-haired boss was the undisputed authority in the free agency market.
On Thursday, the 2nd, the TNT Evening show trio connected with Dwyane Wade.
The United States Mens National Basketball Team was still preparing for the Americas Championship on the 22nd, and the injured Flash expressed his regret on the show.
The conversation quickly returned to the scandals and trades.
After more than a week of development, both the Lakers and Allen Iverson faced "reckoning."
The former stole the Knicks' championship, while the latter, with his poor stats, snatched Lee's "scoring title."
Many fans still disagreed about the championship, as Shaquille O'Neal's stats were indeed incredible, but everyone unanimously believed Allen Iverson received preferential treatment for the scoring title.
Winning with less than 40% shooting efficiency, Allen Iverson's efficiency was certainly "among the best" in the long history of the NBA.
"Dwyane, what's your take on the referee situation? Many people criticized your free throws in last year's Eastern Conference Finals. We'd like to understand the situation in detail."
In the studio, Kenny Smith spoke seriously about the matter.
On the other end of the phone call, Dwyane Wade, still at home caring for his children, was frustrated:
"I know many people are questioning the referees' credibility, but superstars have had officiating privileges for a long time."
"Michael Jordan and Clay Lee both have what's called 'star calls.' I believe I can rank among the top three backcourt players in the league, so some calls in certain possessions are what I deserve."
"Looking back at those tapes, I was constantly attacking the basket. The intensity of that series was greater than the Finals. That's what I want to say."
The trial was set to begin in a few days, and it was basically confirmed that Tim Donaghy had profited from games.
The NBA was downplaying the issue, and Charles Barkley didn't harp on it this time either:
"Let's talk about Parker joining. Williams still seems to be struggling with injuries. How is Shaquille O'Neal's current condition?"
"Did the Heat start their training camp early? I know you guys often do that."
When the topic of training came up, Dwyane Wade felt a bit annoyed.
The team had indeed started training camp.
Fortunately, Mourning and a few other veterans weren't there this time, otherwise, it would have been as internally competitive as in previous years.
"I haven't talked much with Parker yet, but he's a good guy!"
"He can organize offense and has good shooting ability. I welcome his arrival. The team needs that kind of energy this new season."
Hearing these polite remarks, Ernie Johnson immediately laughed.
This wasn't the answer he wanted to hear, so he immediately started fanning the flames:
"Parker compared you to Kobe. We're all very curious about this. Among active players, how do you view Kobe? Strange personality? Hard to get along with?"
Dwyane Wade naturally wouldn't mention that when Shaquille O'Neal shared his championship experience within the team, he would occasionally belittle his former partner, portraying himself as a lone hero.
"Uh, 81 points, unparalleled scoring ability. We all respect him. Don't forget Kobe Bryant is also a championship guard."
"Basketball is a five-person game, and he's clearly facing difficulties now. I'm very regretful about that. I've always yearned to play against him on a bigger stage."
"I saw the national team news. Players who train hard shouldn't be harshly criticized."
"."
Although Dwyane Wade said many good things during the phone call, Charles Barkley didn't buy it.
He solemnly commented on Kobe's predicament in front of the camera:
"He publicly stated he wanted to seek a trade, and for that, he even went to Chicago a few times. But Kobe overestimated himself. He's important, but he hasn't reached that exaggerated level of influence."
"I don't want to comment too much on his actions, maybe it's all his agent's idea, but Kobe Bryant should remember that the trade veto is not capital for his willfulness."
"What Parker said must have happened with the Lakers. Maybe he doesn't like the guidance from old guys like us. I suggest Kobe buy Lee's new book."
"He should learn how to properly lead the team. After Shaq left, he hasn't made it past the first round of the playoffs."
"."
On Friday, the remarks from the TNT program were widely reported by major sports media outlets.
The Lakers successfully re-signed Chris Mihm, and Kobe welcomed another strong helper.
After seeing these trades, many commentators mocked Kobe's situation.
Those who enjoyed the spectacle even wanted to give General Manager Kupchak a thumbs up, clearly seeing this as a way to deal with the champion guard.
The "video incident" had a significant impact on Kupchak.
Kobe's light apology couldn't earn his forgiveness.
The United States Mens National Basketball Team also had a short break today.
In the afternoon, sports reporters came to the University of Nevada to gossip.
After training, everyone rushed to interview the recent hot topic.
"Kobe, Mr. West said he's not interested in returning to Chicago. Given the current situation with the Lakers, are you still insisting on seeking a trade?"
Kobe, wearing a blue training uniform, glanced at the ESPN reporter and responded expressionlessly:
"I'm not interested in explaining anything. I'm just focused on the upcoming games!"
"."
Kobe didn't answer any questions.
He spoke a few words with a grim face and then left early.
The onlookers, seeing the farce end, many chuckled quietly.
The Kobe public trade incident once again proved one thing: when influence is insufficient, the general manager has immense power.
As long as a player is under contract, he has to play honestly.
Relying solely on scoring titles and All-NBA selections isn't enough to gain more say.
Carmelo Anthony could only sigh to his friend in a low voice:
"If I were Kobe Bryant, I'd give up this contract and leave the team. They're humiliating him!"
"The Chicago Bulls wanted to send half their team, but Kobe Bryant rejected the trade. That's why I suggested signing a short-term contract back then. We have to decide our own future."
LeBron James, sitting courtside and nursing his knee, simply responded to his friend.
Carmelo Anthony shrugged.
At that time, only he signed a long-term contract, and now it seemed there were indeed some issues.
Dwight Howard greeted everyone with a cheerful laugh.
The happy "big boy" had just signed a long-term contract with the Cavaliers, and Adidas also offered a generous deal.
Becoming a true "hundred-million-dollar man" this summer, Dwight Howard was naturally in a great mood.
Hearing everyone gossiping in low voices, he simply laughed and shouted:
"Kobe doesn't have an MVP, nor an FMVP. It will be difficult for him to win these awards in the future."
"I bet next season all those media outlets will cast their votes for Clay Lee. Maybe we'll see a second unanimous MVP!"
"Fortunately, he's 30. In a few more years, it'll be his retirement tour. The '96 draft class is really unlucky."
Many agreed with Dwight Howard's gloating remarks.
Jason Kidd remained silent, and while no one was paying attention, he quietly asked Tayshaun Prince:
"Does Lee have any plans for the future? I mean, when does he plan to end his career?"
"I'm not sure. In team practice, Lee just participates on time. His physical condition is actually exceptionally good."
Tayshaun Prince was visibly surprised when he heard this question.
After saying this, he saw that Jason Kidd seemed a bit melancholic, so he added:
"You know, Jason! The point guard position has very little physical wear and tear. Think about Stockton, Lee can still dominate the NBA even when he's 34."
Jason Kidd was speechless.
He just patted Tayshaun Prince and said nothing more.
The free agency market had left him feeling despair.
Although the Nets signed Vince Carter, they wanted to break up the trio.
The team entered a rebuilding phase early.
Vince Carter was likely for ticket sales.
Without excellent role players, he saw no hope of winning.
Thinking of the recent news, Jason Kidd could only sigh helplessly:
"Damn it, everyone is mocking Kobe, but how are we any different?"
"."
Kobe's response to the outside mockery was to get up earlier and train harder.
4 AM became routine.
Now, he only wants to answer all doubts with his performance in the Americas Championship!
Such dedication greatly impressed Coach Krzyzewski.
Alvin Gentry, as an assistant coach, was also stunned.
Kobe didn't act like a superstar at all.
His training attitude was more like that of an undrafted player.
On Sunday, August 5th, many commentators dubbed Kobe's public trade request "the price of arrogance."
Coach Krzyzewski couldn't help but stand up for his disciple:
"Maybe Kobe Bryant isn't the most talented, but he's the hardest working player I've ever seen!"
"We shouldn't criticize him. He has given everything for basketball."
"."
Clay Lee flew to Manchester at the end of July.
In addition to watching the friendly match between Manchester United and Inter Milan, the more important reason was the Community Shield match.
At 4 PM, Manchester United and Chelsea would compete for the first championship of the new season at Wembley Stadium.
The stadium, known as a symbol of British sports, was packed with 80,000 fans that day, and the noise began before the match even started.
Although the start was a bit dull, in the 35th minute, Patrice Evra assisted Ryan Giggs, who scored the opening goal with a left-footed poke in front of the net, and the Manchester United fans in the stadium began to celebrate wildly.
The broadcast quickly focused the camera on Lee, who was outside the box with his shirt sleeves rolled up, cheering with his arms raised and high-fiving David Gill beside him.
Just a few days ago, Chelsea had completed a coaching change, and "The Special One" Jose Mourinho officially stepped down.
However, most British sports reporters were actually more concerned about the other person next to him.
Natalie Dormer, who had just starred in The Tudors, had been appearing with Clay Lee these past few days.
(Pic)
Unfortunately, everyone couldn't see the scene inside the box and could only imagine it.
The match ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw in regular time, with Manchester United eventually winning the first championship of the new season through a penalty shootout.
At the end of the match, Natalie Dormer, dressed casually in slim-fit jeans and a blue shirt, gracefully accepted an interview.
When talking about the match, she even giggled and expressed her disappointment:
"No, I don't want to see Manchester United win. I was born a Chelsea fan, it's a tradition in southwest London!"
"."
She didn't directly respond to the gossip, but many reporters, seeing Natalie Dormer intimately link arms with Lee and get into the car to leave, couldn't help but curse under their breath, finally deciding to "fabricate" stories.
Lee, in the car preparing to return to the hotel, didn't care about those boring reports.
The two were just "card players," and it was normal for them to practice their card skills:
"The first championship, I think tonight will be a sleepless night!"
"."
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