Capítulo 1426: Chapter 448: LeBron Is a Leader, But Only for Three Minutes
The headline of the latest issue of “Sports Illustrated” has enraged both LeBron’s team and Nike’s team.
He might be the most shaful “Sports Illustrated” cover figure in history.
When LeBron accepted the invitation to be the cover figure of the new issue, he didn’t know the headline would be so disrespectful to him.
The day after the new issue was released, LBJ announced in a locker room interview: “Until they make a public apology, I will no longer accept interviews from ‘Sports Illustrated.’
This is a familiar scene because Michael Jordan once announced he would no longer accept interviews from “Sports Illustrated.” That was after Jordan and Roger’s “All-Star Freeze Out” incident, when “Sports Illustrated” published a critical and mocking article about Jordan, ultimately leading to his fallout with the magazine.
But facts proved that “Sports Illustrated” didn’t choose the wrong side. Due to his close relationship with Roger, it was easy for “Sports Illustrated” to secure exclusive interviews with him, and Roger always happily agreed to be on the cover. With Roger’s support, “Sports Illustrated” continued to expand its influence.
This ti, they made another choice. The headline “LeBron’s Last Words” caused this issue’s sales to skyrocket.
It also pushed the atmosphere of the Western Conference Finals to its peak.
Brandon Roy hadn’t had a smile on his face for days. His emotions were totally caught up in this intense atmosphere.
After today’s training, as usual, he approached Matt Barnes: “Buddy, one-on-one with .”
Matt Barnes was already drenched in sweat, but stood up decisively: “Tell , how do you want to lose today?”
“Ha, have you ever beaten even once? Old Dog.”
These one-on-ones are nothing new to the Warriors. Ever since the series with the Spurs ended, Roy has been asking Matt Barnes for one-on-one duels every day. Of course, unlike normal duels, Roy was only on offense and Barnes only on defense. This type of duel usually appears in male-female fights, but Barnes and Roy thoroughly enjoyed it.
Roy knew that besides Roger, the person with the most oppressive periter defense on the Warriors was Barnes. Roger needed to save his energy for real gas, so the high-intensity sparring fell to Barnes. Roy ca looking for him every day to defend against him, simulating scenarios when facing Kobe.
Of course, it was effective; that’s why both Bateer and Sun Yue deserved their Championship Rings.
Bateer simulated Shaq and Duncan in training, which was far more impactful than people imagined.
Sun Yue was responsible for defending Kobe in the training field. Before the playoffs began, Kobe took Sun Yue, who had no chance of playing, to a al just to tell him: “Your diligent defense against in training is helping the team, making it better. Don’t think ‘even if we win the championship, it has nothing to do with .’ You are an indispensable part of this team.”
Matt Barnes was now playing that role. He knew Roy wanted to beat Kobe and understood how much impact Roy had on the series. So, even though he was exhausted after training, he was willing to duel Roy.
He would use relentless confrontation to pressure Roy, sparing no effort. Because Matt Barnes knew that Roy would face even tougher defense in actual gas.
Tonight, Roy perford exceptionally well in the one-on-one, hitting eight consecutive shots over Matt Barnes.
During it, he shouted at Barnes multiple tis: “Step up your ga, Matt. Kobe’s defense won’t be this weak!”
Barnes laughed angrily. Roy was probably the first to call his defense weak.
The duel lasted about fifteen minutes before Barnes voluntarily called a stop.
Of course, this Mad Dog wouldn’t back down. Even if soone made twenty consecutive shots on him, his enthusiasm for defense wouldn’t wane at all.
The reason he called a stop was to control Roy’s training ti.
The kid’s knee was like a ticking ti bomb that needed careful handling.
They both lay directly on the training ground floor, their chests heaving violently.
Fifteen minutes may sound short, but those who frequently engage in intense one-on-ones know that maintaining output for fifteen minutes is already a severe challenge.
Matt Barnes stared at the ceiling lights, pondering: “What will this team beco after Roger retires?”
“I don’t know,” Roy replied, “but I will strive to keep this team within championship contention. I can’t live under Roger’s shadow forever.”
Barnes glanced at Roy, surprised by his response.
Most of the Warriors players hadn’t thought about the future; they just wanted to create a brilliant ending with Roger. But Roy was thinking about taking the baton from Roger.
In NBA teams, power transitions often co with bloody battles.
Like Roger and Pippen, like Kobe and Shaq.
One side grows strong enough to push the other down, completing a bloody power transition.
But there is another form of power transition, which is succession.
The Admiral and Duncan, Dirk and Luka Doncic were like that.
Brandon Roy didn’t just want to be Roger’s best sidekick; he also hoped to beco the next leader of the Golden State Warriors.
Matt Barnes finally understood why this kid worked so hard.
For most of the Warriors, they enjoyed living under Roger’s wings, including Amar’e Stoudemire as well.
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