Chapter 638: Chapter 197: This Is a Massacre! (Part 2)
The final question was about Zhang Hao!
This meant different things to different people.
Barkley, during his media interview, spoke the truth. He felt he was holding onto a big leg; it was obvious at a glance whose leg was thicker between Zhang Hao and O’Neal, and he didn’t care at all who the team planned to support.
When Kenny Anderson arrived in Los Angeles, he knew how much the Magician appreciated Zhang Hao, and now he had much to worry about... Zhang Hao’s competitor was O’Neal! Only players who have played in the East can truly understand how strong O’Neal is.
Others remained silent, including veterans like Byron Scott and Jerome Kersey, who stayed silent.
For most role players, they understood the Magician was expressing support for Zhang Hao. This wouldn’t affect them; their silence was because the battle mode was already initiated even before training camp had started, and they were at a loss for words, unsure of what to say or not daring to say anything.
This is the Lakers, where Byron Scott has played for ten years. He knows that this is no ordinary team, there would be many troubles, and at his age, he doesn’t lack honor, nor would he make more money. It’s purely because the Logo Man wanted him back to maintain order and suppress potential team conflicts... but since the Magician raised a potential point of conflict, it was none of his business, whatever happens, happens.
O’Neal, on the other hand, understood the Magician’s intention and felt those meals he had provided were wasted!
"Humph, having a sophomore deliver the concluding remarks? Who would listen? Even when Penny was a sophomore, no one listened to him; it was only with my support. Who knew that kid would turn against me once his wings were strong... But that’s not important, I do want to see what this sophomore has to say, and grab the chance to pick him apart!"
O’Neal initiated his mode of sarcastic preparation.
However, on Zhang Hao’s side, he was contemplating what training to do next, who to train with, recalling whose changes he should adapt more to in the team’s tactics change, and could start practicing now...
The brainstorming of others only took two to three seconds. When Zhang Hao heard what the Magician said, realizing it was directed at him, he thought for a moment and replied, "Lakers Championship."
Indeed, Zhang Hao took it as the Magician asking about his goal for the season.
This answer... was not what the Magician had in mind!
Yes, there’s nothing wrong with this statement, but what he wanted to hear was "Of course, train hard," "Build rapport, accumulate chemistry", even leaving a cold "training" would do, so long as he acknowledged.
Zhang Hao acknowledged, no doubt, but throwing out a "Lakers Championship"...
Not only the Magician, but even O’Neal, who was prepared to be sarcastic, was left speechless!
How could he critique that? Where to pick a bone?
It was simply an impeccable answer!
The unexpectedly transitioned from being a thigh to a leg-holder Barkley, and Jerome Kersey, who came to hold thighs, were quite excited hearing Zhang Hao’s answer; this was exactly why they came here.
Seeing the Magician momentarily speechless, and O’Neal looking like he had held in a three-day pee, Kenny Anderson mustered the courage to say, "Aix, what ideas do you have for the training we’re doing next?"
By the end of the Magician’s speech, Zhang Hao was already in focused training mode, on a different channel compared to others.
Upon hearing the leader’s question, it was not the first time Zhang Hao reversed roles to teach Kenny Anderson. Habitually, he replied, "Boss Kenny, for training, I suggest you learn from Mr. Johnson on how to pass the ball better to the one-on-one center. We have the world’s best center, Mr. O’Neal. His low-post offense is our strongest weapon, so learn more from Mr. Johnson. I notified the editor ten days ago to prepare game footage of Mr. O’Neal from the past four years, you can check if it’s ready yet."
Feeling complex, O’Neal could tell that Zhang Hao genuinely thought he was the best center in the world...
Besides, he was very polite. From beginning to end, he had always been very polite.
But O’Neal just thought that Zhang Hao’s face was asking for a punch!
The earlier chance to critique was missed, so when Kenny Anderson stepped in to back Zhang Hao, O’Neal felt a chance to finally have a go at Zhang Hao. However, hearing "the world’s best center, Mr. O’Neal," O’Neal knew that today, he had already completely lost.
Defeated utterly, O’Neal chose silence, waiting for another opportunity.
At that point, he didn’t even notice Zhang Hao calling Kenny Anderson "Boss Kenny."
O’Neal didn’t say anything, the Magician chose not to speak, Barkley didn’t act up or add to the chaos either, Doug Christie, Brian Shaw, George Lynch, Byron Scott... and so on, naturally said nothing either, just staying quiet and listening to arrangements was enough.
It’s just that, apart from O’Neal, everyone else immediately noticed the different way Zhang Hao addressed Kenny Anderson.
Zhang Hao is already so famous now; back when he was traded by the Brooklyn Nets, the topic was hyped when he made the All-NBA First Team, and the Brooklyn Nets were critiqued the entire previous season. Everyone knew how great the cooperation between Zhang Hao and Kenny Anderson was back then; from this, it seemed that Kenny Anderson should have been the big brother leading Zhang Hao back then.
But now, though their status and identity had changed so drastically, Zhang Hao still addressed Kenny Anderson in that way in front of the entire team...
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