Chapter 636: Chapter 196: Big Fatty’s Advance, Part 1-3
"Elvin, your physique has improved a lot since last year! That’s impressive. When I reach your age, I definitely can’t do it. I’m too lazy."
"You don’t need to maintain a physique like mine. I’m still chasing honors. By the time you reach my age, you’ll definitely have more rings than I do."
"No, no, no, how could I compare to you..."
These two social butterflies, both top draft picks 13 years apart, began their commercial mutual flattery.
While flattering each other, the teammates arrived one by one.
Watching each teammate arrive, O’Neal could immediately chat a few words with them; he seemed to have a good relationship with everyone.
When Barkley came, O’Neal and Barkley were all smiles, playfully insulting each other.
Even with new recruit Kenny Anderson, close to Zhang Hao, O’Neal managed to make conversation. Although not close, there was no animosity.
The more teammates arrived, the more lively O’Neal became, often amusing the others with laughter...
The Magician confirmed one thing — Orlando Media is toxic; the Magic’s management team intelligence deserves research.
The Magician waited and waited, and waited for a long time, damn it, everyone else, including the players signed on 3 training camp contracts, arrived. Adding himself, the Magician, and O’Neal, there were already 16 players at the Time Warner Arena training field before 9, but one person was still missing!
This person was none other than Zhang Hao, who the Magician thought would arrive the earliest, even earlier than him!
With the agreed 9 o’clock arrival time fast approaching, Zhang Hao still hadn’t come.
At this moment, the Lakers’ giant happy-go-lucky player became even happier.
Everyone was here, except that guy. Was he putting on airs? That’s great! It’s his chance to snatch that guy’s team status on the first day of team gathering!
The unassuming life in Los Angeles, O’Neal enjoyed and reveled in every day.
Yet he still felt somewhat unfulfilled, as he’d come to Los Angeles prepared for a rivalry with Zhang Hao.
He came here to compete for leadership and steal the spotlight.
However, a month into his stay in Los Angeles, he hadn’t even seen a shadow of Zhang Hao.
Not only did he not see Zhang Hao, but Zhang Hao didn’t appear in the news either! Only in entertainment news did he see some revelations about Zhang Hao filming a special effects piece, and all from Tsuburaya Productions’ proactive leaks.
This left O’Neal feeling like punching cotton, unable to exert his force!
However, the feeling was indeed comfortable. During his time in the Magic, since the 94-95 season when Anfernee Hardaway in his sophomore year along with Grant Hill became the league’s most dazzling stars, O’Neal was no longer the most popular player on the Magic, as Hardaway stole all the limelight.
Now, this kind of being in the center of attention feeling wasn’t just confined to Orlando or Florida; it was a feeling as if he were at the world’s focal point, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
But people, living too comfortably, always want a little trouble. Otherwise, they feel even more uncomfortable and restless.
O’Neal now wanted to have a showdown with Zhang Hao, to see who was more popular! Who was more convincing!
So, in late August and early September, when teammates gradually returned to Los Angeles, O’Neal began networking with everyone and making good preparations, especially since he arrived a year later than Zhang Hao.
And this was something he loved to do, as he enjoyed building relationships with teammates and creating a comfortable atmosphere.
Now, O’Neal was just waiting for Zhang Hao to arrive, to see what the diva-like Zhang Hao would say, then to seize the opportunity to strike!
Right before 9, a tall, skinny guy looking like an idol drama lead rushed into the training field.
All 13 signed Lakers players, 3 training camp contract players, and the trainers arranged by the Magician focused their attention on the last arriving team member.
Zhang Hao rushed inside, panting as he glanced at the time. Fortunately, 8:59:58, just two seconds left, although he didn’t arrive early like before, at least he wasn’t late.
Originally, he woke at 6:15, but since today happened to be Sunday, and after two weeks of classes opting for a weekend sleep-in, he really did sleep back...
Suddenly, Zhang Hao felt several gazes on him — puzzled, curious, surprised... All his teammates had gathered!
He could guess the older teammates were surprised, new ones were curious or puzzled.
The atmosphere was a bit awkward! So many people were waiting for him.
Need an excuse, got one! Zhang Hao took a deep breath, calming himself from the sprint from the parking lot to the training field, and said to his teammates, "I lost my way on life’s road, luckily I found my direction in time and wasn’t late."
"..."
"..."
"..."
The place went silent, Zhang Hao seemed to hear crow caws, obviously the teammates missed that reference, Naruto wouldn’t be out for another three years.
The atmosphere grew even more awkward.
Preparing to launch an attack, throwing some sarcastic lines, O’Neal was at a loss for words, it didn’t go as he’d expected!
What was up with this sophomore?
"I’m just going to keep quiet and see how you handle this awkwardness!" O’Neal felt quite clever.
But after a few seconds of silence, an abrupt laugh broke out.
"Haha, Aix, your joke was interesting!" The Magician broke the awkward silence.
It really was a cold joke! After the Magician laughed, the old teammates realized Zhang Hao was joking, also joined in laughing. They couldn’t dampen his enthusiasm, especially compared to the previous image Zhang Hao gave, which certainly amused them, the Magician thought the same.
New players, led by the others, followed suit with chuckles.
But truthfully, thinking about Zhang Hao’s consistent image, telling a joke, even those new teammates who specifically learned about the team’s stars felt it was quite amusing when laughing, perceiving Zhang Hao as at least not difficult to get along with, while Zhang Hao’s former cold face made many NBA players unfamiliar with him think he wasn’t approachable.
Barkley, understanding Zhang Hao’s joke failed to break the ice, laughed non-stop, he straightforwardly said: "Aix, to be honest, I think you really aren’t suited for jokes, just stick to looking handsome!"
The Magician and Barkley joining forces to thaw the frozen atmosphere.
"???," O’Neal was a bit stunned, were the teammates really giving this sophomore such face?
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