Lin Tian trained for a full hour and a half before he and Kobe sat on a bench by the court to rest.

Kobe took a sip of his energy drink and twisted his neck: "I used to be able to stay in the arena all day without feeling tired, but not anymore, man, you know, I'm old and injured.

It also made me miserable.”

Lin Tian firmly believed in Kobe's words. Kobe should be one of the hardest-working players in NBA history.

Rumor has it that he also has very high demands on his teammates, causing young people in the team to be afraid of him when they see him.

"You are one of the best in history." Lin Tian said with a smile.

"But you have to accept your old age." Kobe smiled bitterly, "This season is my last season in the league."

Having said this, Kobe lowered his head.

As early as March this year, he had already released the news that he was retiring.

In other words, he can still play for the last four months.

"In the last game, I saw from you the temperament of never admitting defeat. I believe you will grow into a superstar in the future."

"Unfortunately, I won't have the chance to play in another playoff game. After I retire, I hope you can lead everyone to the playoffs again."

Lin Tian was confused: "Why do we have to wait until you retire before entering the playoffs? We still have a chance to enter the playoffs this season!"

Kobe stared at Lin Tian with a strange look: "Man, are you crazy! Playoffs? Although we all have dreams, it is better to be down-to-earth. We have played 31 games this season and we have only won one

Among them, 6 games were lost, but 25 games were lost! Did you know? In history, a team with such a record at the beginning has never made it to the playoffs that season!"

"Bass has talked to me a long time ago. We need to train new players this season. Our goal is the No. 1 pick. Although this is hard to accept, many times you have to face reality." Kobe spread his hands, "

You think I want to throw the ball to those rookies who are playing like shit? No! I just want to kick their ass! And tell them, young men, that's not how the ball is played!"

After Kobe finished speaking, both of them laughed involuntarily.

Sure enough, this is the Kobe Lin Tian knows.

He was able to say such words to himself sincerely, which shows that he trusts himself very much.

Kobe continued to ask: "Did Kupchak call you yesterday?"

Lin Tian shook his head: "No, but he sent me a text message late at night. I was already asleep at that time. I was too tired yesterday."

Kobe's agent, Pelinka, suddenly interjected: "If I guess correctly, Kupchak is already negotiating a new contract with you, right?"

Pelinka is a professional agent and has a very close relationship with Kobe.

Lin Tian remembers clearly that in his previous life, after Kobe, the Lakers management was reshuffled. Pelinka became the general manager of the Lakers, and later became the Lakers' vice president of basketball operations. His promotion path was closely related to that of Kobe.

Huge relationship.

Lin Tian nodded.

In his second NBA game, he scored 42 points and defeated the Clippers.

Even if Kupchak, the general manager of the Lakers, is a fool, he will offer him a new long-term contract.

Kobe asked: "What do you think? How big is the contract he gave you? Do you agree to it?"

"I texted him back and told him that I wanted to play the next game well first and that the contract issues could be put aside for the time being."

After Kobe was surprised, he showed an expression of appreciation: "Such a good long-term contract opportunity is in front of you, and you still want to consider it?"

"I think I might be able to play better in the next game." Lin Tian grinned.

Now he is the 2.05-meter Iverson! Even stronger than Iverson at his peak!

If he rushes to sign a long-term contract with the Lakers after just playing one game, the price of this contract will definitely not be too high.

"Okay! Great." Kobe couldn't help but pat Lin Tian on the shoulder, "I hope you can become the cornerstone of the Lakers."

Lin Tian said seriously: "Kobe, I think we can still fight for the playoffs this season."

"It's impossible. Our defense is too bad! Our offense is also unstable. Any team can score on us at will."

"Now that I'm here, the situation is different! As long as we maintain a winning streak and let the team gain some immediate strength before the trade deadline, we may not be unable to enter the playoffs!"

"There are 82 games in a season. If you want to enter the playoffs, you must win at least 42 of them. We have lost 25 games. Do you know what this means? There are 51 games left in this season, and

In these 51 games, we can only lose more than ten games, which is almost impossible."

"nothing is impossible!"

"Okay, but before that, you should settle the contract first. I will give you good words during media interviews, but the most important thing is your own performance in the next game. This is a gamble."

Kobe's meaning is already obvious, that is, he will try his best to support Lin Tian.

After the conversation between the two ended, Lin Tian was about to get up and leave when he suddenly turned around and asked, "Hey! Bryant! Do you want to challenge me again today?"

Kobe was stunned for a moment, then laughed and cursed: "Forget it, if my Achilles tendon hadn't been ruptured! I would beat a rookie like you to tears!"

…

At six o'clock in the evening, Lin Tian carried a bag and arrived at the airport.

Tomorrow night they will face the Charlotte Hornets away from home.

Los Angeles is very far from Charlotte, almost across the entire United States, so you have to go one day in advance.

After arriving at the stadium's exclusive plane, Russell, Nick Young, Clarkson and others were already on the plane and were playing cards and talking and laughing.

When they saw Lin Tian, ​​they just smiled and said hello to Lin Tian, ​​and invited Lin Tian to play cards together, but Lin Tian refused.

He found a corner seat and sat down. This was his first time on the Lakers' exclusive passenger plane. I have to say that the seats were soft and comfortable.

About ten minutes later, Kobe also boarded the plane. The noise from the players immediately became much quieter, and even the playing cards were stopped.

The plane flew for several hours before they landed in Charlotte.

Tonight they will spend the night at a five-star hotel near Time Warner Arena.

There was no talking all night. The next day, Lin Tian got up early in the morning. After the two had dinner together, they went directly to the Hornets' Time Warner Arena for training.

When playing away games, they usually use the home team's venue for training.

The two trained for half an hour before Scott and other players appeared in the arena and they started the morning training.
Chapter completed!