Champion Creed
Chapter 392 - 392 156 Your embarrassing moment asking for monthly ticket!

392: 156: Your embarrassing moment (asking for monthly ticket!) 392: 156: Your embarrassing moment (asking for monthly ticket!) Kobe certainly didn’t really think Roger was trying to avoid him.

He said that just to provoke Roger.

He was eager to see what it felt like to play against Roger at 38 degrees.

Would this matchup be unfair?

Not at all.

In Kobe’s view, a fever was a trifling matter that didn’t necessitate rest and certainly didn’t affect playing basketball.

He was pleased that he had just successfully angered Roger.

Roger would definitely come onto the court next.

And what he needed to do was fulfill his long-cherished dream—to beat him one-on-one!

Del Harris looked at the triumphant kid in front of him.

He was absolutely certain that Kobe Bryant was no ordinary player.

This was almost a consensus among all Lakers players.

He had scored decent statistics, averaging 13.8 points per game.

Not as good as Roger at the same time, but great for a high-schooler.

Roger, a man destined for Mount Rushmore, was not the right benchmark.

(I know the original history had Kobe only scoring 7 points in his rookie season, but considering there was no Shaq, Kobe got more time and shots, which I think is reasonable).

But statistics weren’t the most crucial part.

The critical reason Del Harris, the “Silver Fox,” valued this kid was his heart.

At his age, most kids would be talking about sports cars, parties, and cougars.

But what were Kobe and Fisher talking about?

“I’m going to be the NBA’s Will Smith.”

“I aim for five to six championships, I am not joking.”

“I’m going to be the greatest player in Lakers history!”

Lakers practice started at 10 AM daily, but Kobe was there practicing at 7 AM, no matter what.

He wanted to win every practice match.

Sometimes even without a trainer and teammates, you could see him practicing alone on an empty half-court, shouting and cutting as if he were insane.

But, that was his passion for basketball and winning.

Del Harris understood, the Logo understood, and the fans also knew that Eddie Jones’s days with the Lakers were numbered.

Given Kobe’s talent and rate of growth, Eddie Jones wouldn’t last more than three seasons.

That was Kobe, known by the whole team, no, all of Los Angeles, to be the next face of the franchise.

But Eddie Jones himself seemed oblivious to this, still naively patting Kobe on the back, “Good first half, little brother.”

Ha, only he thought Kobe wanted to be his little brother.

Kobe muttered, “In the second half, if Roger really plays, help me clear out.”

He was completely carried away by his excellent performance in the first half.

Del Harris admitted the kid had potential, knowing he would eventually become a star for the Lakers.

But his current thought was: young man, don’t be too impatient.

“No, Kobe,” Del Harris clapped his hands, “we’re going to play the right way in the second half.”

Kobe nodded, but how much did he really take in?

Only God knows.

During the halftime break, NBC’s commentators were also discussing Kobe.

“His draft comparison was Roger, which may be the most accurate comparison in history.

These two are not only similar in their style of play but even in personality!

Did you see Kobe provoking Roger just now?

Damn, a rookie provoking the current superstar is something only Roger would do!”

“I just wonder if Roger will play in the second half.

I really want to see their matchup.”

Steve Jones and Bill Walton were both intrigued.

In the locker room, Dominique Wilkins was almost exploding with anger.

With Roger already in this world, why did there have to be a Kobe?

Why did God send these two bastard hybrids to tarnish the sport of basketball?

Fortunately, he wouldn’t have to deal with that annoyance in the second half.

Brian Hill was still undecided about letting Roger play: “Are you really okay?”

“Just a low fever.”

Shaq interjected, “No need, pal, we can win.”

“Dear Shaq, I have no doubts about that.

I want to play in the second half not because I’m worried about winning, but because I have to take down Kobe.

The scar on my back is a swordsman’s disgrace.

I can’t let a small rookie challenge me like this and not confront him.”

Dom, you don’t have to worry in the second half.

I will take good care of my little brother.”

With that, no one else had any objections.

In the second half, seeing Roger warming up, all the fans at the venue became incredibly excited.

They had a feeling that tonight would be Kobe’s big night!

The formidable number 8, facing off against Roger, who normally wouldn’t have played because he was sick, was likely to deliver his first career-defining performance!

Roger’s warmup wasn’t too good; he even missed several shots in a row.

This excited the Lakers fans even more.

A weakened lion was still hunt-able!

As the second half began, Kobe got his wish and saw Roger on the court.

He was excited and immediately demanded the ball from Van Exel during the first offense.

Van Exel wasn’t genuinely a point guard; he only wanted to be a star player and typically wouldn’t pass the ball voluntarily.

But he too was eager to see what excitement Kobe could bring against Roger.