Chapter 630: Chapter 194: The Mysterious Chemistry of the Three Big Men (Part 3)
Apparently, O’Neal and Barkley are so busy they don’t have time to watch the news...
The interviews of the three were placed in the same news segment, Zhang Hao’s interview was even replayed once. Seeing the Lakers’ BIG-3 unanimously saying the same thing, Lakers fans were momentarily at a loss for words.
Initially worried that Barkley and O’Neal were continually arguing and attacking each other, Zhang Hao didn’t know how many things he’d done that annoyed O’Neal; the relationship among the three was a concern for Lakers fans.
This was also a topic discussed by the media after the Lakers put together a super lineup that could be considered one of the best in team history.
But looking at it now, the three seem to have good chemistry!
However, a new issue has arisen: Zhang Hao suddenly moves from being in a youthful team to one filled with stars with differing personalities. Can he withstand the pressure brought by these superstars?
...
...
"Aix, if there’s something you don’t understand, you can call me." After handing his card to Zhang Hao, Kareem got into the car; his luggage was packed on board, ready to leave the training facility.
Training started on July 28th and ended on August 10th, leaving decisively on the 11th.
Initially agreeing to teach for two weeks, he really taught just that, not a day more. Zhang Hao felt this person, possibly the best center in history and a 6-time regular-season MVP, was honestly hard to communicate with...
Seeing Zhang Hao’s thoughts, the Magician chuckled, "Aix, it’s already great that Kareem gave you his number. This is the first time he’s patiently stuck to his promise of teaching for two weeks. Previously, he taught Divac but couldn’t stand it after just three days and left."
"Oh? Because I’m a genius? So he patiently taught me?"
"No."
"?"
"It’s because you’re quiet, hardworking, and suit his preferences. Your hook shot talent is indeed average, but your post-up talent is quite decent. Kareem got a headache teaching hook shots later on, so he focused more on teaching you post-ups."
"..." Zhang Hao felt quite hurt.
Is there anyone whose hook shot talent compares to Kareem’s?
But his hook shot talent is indeed average, something you can learn but not a type to consider as the core offensive strategy.
In hiding, apart from Zhang Hao, was also the Magician.
Except Barkley joined in to watch, Kenny Anderson came for the press conference, didn’t even see O’Neal’s face because he’s too popular, with plenty of appearances in Los Angeles requiring his presence, like a star on a publicity tour.
The Magician watched Zhang Hao’s deflated look, feeling quite pleased. After chuckling for a while, he said, "Alright, now it’s your solo training time. I need to take a break too. See you next month."
"Okay, Mr. Johnson..."
The Magician also drove away.
Suddenly, the gym was empty, leaving only Jason Williams, the newly-arrived Kenny Anderson, and Zhang Hao.
After Doug Christie and George Lynch spent some time as sparring partners, Alan Houston came, thus they left. They were originally here to assist Zhang Hao with high post coordination and switching defense.
James Worthy went on vacation after inviting Kareem, having worked for over a month. The workload was still significant for a retired player.
After signing a contract with the New York Knicks on the 5th, Alan Houston left. Now, with Kareem and the Magician gone, only the "Brooklyn Nets Trio" remained.
Jason Williams watched Zhang Hao return to the court, continuing quietly practicing post-up spin and hook shots on the left side of the three-second area, Kenny Anderson still in a daze... Ten months ago, no matter what, he couldn’t imagine one day he’d change teams, ending up staying with these two teammates he disliked the most.
Kenny Anderson still in a daze, back then went to the Hornets, a team seemingly playoff-bound. Although he was reluctant to leave Zhang Hao, PJ Brown, and others, he was happy, having a chance in the playoffs.
But he really couldn’t fit in with the Hornets team; they all seemed like shooters but nearly each needed ball control, with a higher-than-expected isolation play ratio. Then, after playing half a year, he was traded away.
At the 76ers, he performed decently, averaging 17 points and 8 assists, but the team hit the jackpot, landing the first pick and choosing Iverson; he was utterly bewildered, uncertain of the future.
In the past two seasons, he was an All-Star starter!
Once the free agency began, the 76ers kept selling him; he was about to break down when suddenly, his agent informed him he could partner with Zhang Hao again.
The month working with Zhang Hao was the only joyful one within the year.
Suddenly, he recalled Zhang Hao was at the Lakers, Barkley joined the Lakers!
Going to the Lakers, wouldn’t he compete for a championship?
Then, he saw the news of O’Neal signing with the Lakers...
Kenny Anderson experienced the feeling of moving from hell to heaven.
Dazed upon arriving in Los Angeles, further disoriented by the media’s enthusiasm!
Then hiding at Zhang Hao’s place, later on, witnessing the Magician and Kareem training Zhang Hao, where Magician even advised him on control training.
Now a week has passed; whenever there’s downtime, Kenny Anderson remains dazed.
The ups and downs of life are truly thrilling!
Earlier today, what did the Magician say when Kenny arrived at the gym? Told him to get ready as the Lakers’ starter?
It’s like dreaming, with the Magician subbing him, teammates are Barkley and O’Neal!
Oh, there’s also rookie First Team member Zhang Hao.
Days passed, Kenny Anderson still hasn’t figured how to interact with Zhang Hao. Zhang Hao’s no longer that rookie 10 months ago; he’s now the NBA’s top vote-getter and First Team big shot.
Witnessing Zhang Hao returning to practice a series of hook shots, Kenny Anderson just stared in a daze...
After a series of hook shots, Zhang Hao said to Kenny Anderson, "Boss Kenny, Jason, come demonstrate pick-and-roll for me, I want to learn!"
Jason Williams isn’t foolish, just usually reckless, hearing Zhang Hao call "Boss," he felt something... Having been with the Lakers nearly a season, Zhang Hao never called any teammate Boss, neither Sibaros nor Van Exel, nor did the returning Magician.
Kenny Anderson heard this familiar call, paused, then smiled back saying, "My pick-and-roll isn’t great, but Jason’s is really good, he can demonstrate but don’t ask me to teach, let Jason teach you instead."
Just upon hearing such a simple call, Kenny Anderson felt his chaotic thoughts suddenly soothing.
He remains himself! No pretentious pleasantries from their reunion, still as usual...
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