Chapter 1162: Chapter 369: LeBron James Is the Least Qualified of Them All
“Alright, gentlemen,” the Russian raised a glass, “I’m actually quite curious, how do we know that the ‘he’ each of us is referring to is the same person even without mentioning names?”
The three laughed heartily, it couldn’t be helped, his characteristics were just too obvious.
Roger’s ribbon-cutting ceremony and statue unveiling became the biggest off-season news.
Some Nike media accused Roger’s premature statue unveiling as too arrogant, but those voices were insignificant.
Nowadays, Roger has the right to decide who can enter the locker room to interview him, and who doesn’t have the privilege. This is the normal dynamic in the court, the rightful privilege of the current top player. Sister Lu’s criteria for whether a media outlet is qualified is actually very simple: if you often criticize me, why should I be friendly to you?
Therefore, most mainstream media dare not confront Roger.
Jim Gray’s situation in 1997 still intimidates media personnel to this day. (Previously: Because he induced Shaq to talk nonsense on the show, maliciously expressed he’d like to see the smug Roger fail, and afterwards, because Roger achieved a three-peat, ESPN didn’t want to antagonize Roger and fired him.)
The greater Roger’s influence, the smaller Nike’s sway in public opinion.
After all, no one wants to lose the qualification to interview the number one in basketball.
So, except for a few small media outlets, most mainstream media reported positively on the statue unveiling ceremony.
But just because media don’t dare provoke Roger doesn’t mean his rivals don’t.
At the new season’s media day, Kobe Bryant showcased his new jersey at the press conference. Next season he will switch from number 8 to 15.
With the Eagle County incident completely behind him, Kobe Bryant seems to want to create a sense of rebirth through changing his number.
As for why he chose number 15? Kobe Bryant explained: “15 represents wisdom and freedom, symbolizing Jesus Christ’s passion and the gospel.”
This narrative sounds good, but no one believes this nonsense reason.
Why number 15? Because Roger is number 14!
Kobe Bryant’s ambition is like a photographer flaunting at a car show; his thoughts and intentions are unmistakable.
He also bluntly stated at the press conference: “Roger hasn’t even played a single game in Oracle Arena, so I don’t understand the significance of that statue. Perhaps, he might not win a single championship in San Francisco?”
The Eagle County incident felt like a nightmare, a yearlong nightmare.
He became infamous because of it, caused his wife’s miscarriage, and nearly led to a broken marriage.
But now, it’s all over.
He wants to wholeheartedly immerse himself in basketball and save his messy life.
Shaquille O’Neal also mocked on media day: “I don’t know what this means, it’s like writing your own epitaph. The jerk is unbelievably arrogant, as if he forgot championship rings aren’t handed out annually.”
Tim Duncan’s response wasn’t as intense, but he jokingly showed his dissatisfaction: “I must ask why the team didn’t erect a statue after winning the first championship in ’99? If winning one title qualifies for a statue, I should have two outside! Yes, you can report that, Tim Duncan officially broke with the Spurs because of the statue!”
Even LeBron James joined the fray: “You know, Roger is an extremely outstanding player. He deserves a statue of his own. But if just one championship qualifies for a statue, it diminishes the prestige of the gesture. I think Mikhail Prokhorov went a little overboard. Roger is great, but the Russian shouldn’t abuse such means to highlight Roger’s greatness.”
That Roger only won one championship for the Warriors yet gets a statue seems to displease many players, and this displeasure mostly stems from envy.
A grand statue stands at the entrance of the currently most luxurious arena in the NBA.
Who wouldn’t be envious upon seeing it?
On the other side, Boris Diaw, Trevor Ariza, and Matt Barnes made their official media appearances.
This year’s Warriors press conference was held within the training ground, and Oracle Arena’s new training ground was big, yet still packed full by media.
Reporters asked Roger numerous questions, many about the statue.
“Does unveiling a statue before retirement give you pressure?”
“Not at all, instead it will become my driving force. You know, I don’t want to play a bad game and find the statue’s head smashed.”
“Many star players seem to have criticisms about the statue, what’s your view on this?”
Roger leaned forward, looking at all the reporters below: “Their comments mean nothing to me, this is my statue, and I think it’s great.”
Great, the familiar feeling is back.
The ESPN show wasn’t wrong; this isn’t the Golden State Warriors, this is the Golden State Gangsters.
Because the leader of this team is a bandit-like figure.
Next to him, newcomer Boris Diaw teasingly asked: “I’m curious, who all thinks Roger isn’t worthy of a statue?”
“Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O’Neal, and LeBron James…”
“Hold on, LeBron?” Diaw interrupted the reporter.
“Yes, LeBron, he believes abusing statues will lower the legendary nature of erecting one for players.”
“Hahahahaha,” the Frenchman laughed, “LeBron? What qualification does LeBron have to comment on this?”
Roger turned to look at Diaw, the Frenchman who just slighted the Chosen One simply picked up a delicate little cup, sipped some coffee, seemingly not thinking there was anything wrong with what he said.
He successfully earned Roger’s favor.
Honestly, Roger was quite curious too.
From Michael Jordan to Boris Diaw, why is everyone in history always targeting the naive LeBron? Has the disappearance of Nike’s media influence faded his halo?
As a devoted LeBron fan, Roger was heartbroken by such situations.
He must speak out for LeBron James.
“In fact, I think no one else has the qualification to comment.”
After pausing, Roger continued: “But undoubtedly, LeBron James is the least qualified among them.”
After the conference ended, Roger felt good. He decided to treat Boris Diaw better in the future.
Some made Roger happy, but some made him annoyed.
Back in the locker room, Roger found someone missing. At first, he thought the new locker room was too spacious, making it look empty, but after counting, there indeed was someone missing.
Erik Spoelstra approached and told Roger, “Allan Houston took leave, he’ll return to training camp in three days.”
“Reason?”
“He has business activities to attend.”
“That’s no reason, the timing of business activities can be arranged in advance, even I haven’t missed training camp.”
“What are you planning to do?”
“I’ll deal with it when he returns.”
Roger knows not all players are keen on establishing a dynasty.
Some people relax after winning one championship.
But Roger will not allow anyone to relax on his team.
If there are, he will exercise his authority slightly.
As the supreme leader of this team.