Chapter 175 Monthly Best

The uproar over the finger-wagging incident had barely subsided when Tang Tian once again became the focus of heated discussions among fans.

This time, however, it wasn't controversy, but recognition.

Averaging 22.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.6 steals per game in November, Tang Tian was named the Western Conference Player of the Month for November!

Last year, due to the lockout, there weren't many games in November and December, so Tang Tian took home the Rookie of the Month award for January.

This November was also the first month of the season, but he skipped right to Player of the Month!

Rookie of the Month, Player of the Week, Player of the Month, Tang Tian had collected all the "Best" awards at once!

And Popovich was once again named Coach of the Month.

The Spurs' start this year was even better than last year's, a resounding slap in the face to those so-called experts.

Time flew by, and it was soon late December.

Tang Tian's performance continued to improve steadily, and the Spurs' record continued to climb.

Christmas was just around the corner, and Tang Tian had made plans to spend it with Olsen.

However, he also received a call from Vanessa.

"I'd like to invite you to have Christmas lunch with us. Kobe and Gianna will be there."

Vanessa's call made her intentions clear; it seemed she was planning to have him help persuade Kobe about the earlier issue.

Tang Tian was having dinner with Olsen, and although lunch would be a bit rushed due to the travel, he would still do what he had promised.

The next morning, he arrived in Los Angeles. Vanessa had arranged for a car to pick them up and take them directly to their mansion.

It was truly luxurious. A huge plot of land in the suburbs, over 2300 square meters, all belonged to Kobe, including four houses, not to mention the visible outdoor basketball court, outdoor swimming pool, and mini golf course.

The car stopped in front of the house in the center, and a security guard opened the door.

When he got out, he saw Kobe and Vanessa standing at the door, along with their two daughters, Natalia and Gianna.

"Tang!"

Gianna ran over to Tang Tian, looking very happy.

It seemed that even after a long time, Gianna still liked Tang Tian a lot.

Tang Tian suddenly thought of Olsen's grandmother's incident. Was he popular with all ages?

"Thank you, Tang, for coming all this way."

Kobe smiled and hugged Tang Tian.

Tang Tian was right; Kobe really considered him a friend.

"I should be the one thanking you for preparing Christmas lunch for me."

Tang Tian said with a smile.

"Haha~"

Kobe laughed and pulled Tang Tian into the living room.

Lunch was being prepared upstairs, and since it was still early, they chatted about this and that in the living room.

After a while, Vanessa took both daughters upstairs.

Only Kobe and Tang Tian were left downstairs.

Tang Tian knew this must be the alone time Vanessa had mentioned.

"Tang, congratulations on winning the Player of the Month award for November. You have the chance to become a player like me."

Kobe said with a smile.

"Like you? Shouldn't it be a better player?"

Tang Tian also said with a smile.

Kobe was taken aback for a moment, then laughed heartily and gave Tang Tian a thumbs up.

He really liked Tang Tian's way of speaking.

"Oh right, Christmas present."

Kobe said, taking a box from under the table and opening it.

Tang Tian glanced at it.

He thought it would be headphones or a watch, but inside was a car key for a Ferrari 458.

"Is this a toy key?"

Tang Tian knew the key was real, but he felt the gift was a bit too extravagant.

Although he didn't really care about luxury cars of this level and could afford one himself, it was still too much to receive one as a gift.

"Come on, let's go take a look."

Kobe didn't say much, gesturing for Tang Tian to stand up, and then the two of them left the living room together.

Behind the house, a red Ferrari 458 sat there.

The characteristic of this sports car was that the front space was relatively large, enough for even someone around 2 meters tall.

And as a sports car, the starting price of less than $300,000 made it a great value.

"Want to try it out?"

Kobe asked Tang Tian with a smile.

Tang Tian hesitated for a moment and nodded.

He knew Kobe's personality; once he decided to give something, he wouldn't take it back.

The two got in the car, and after Tang Tian started it, he drove a lap around Kobe's estate.

With over 2000 square meters of space, it felt pretty good to practice driving in it.

"I underestimated you. This definitely isn't the first time you've driven a sports car."

After parking the car, Kobe said with a smile.

Tang Tian smiled and nodded.

He had driven many sports cars in his previous life.

"You really are different."

Seeing Tang Tian's calm expression, Kobe said sincerely.

He had played ball for so many years and knew so many people, but Tang Tian was truly the most special one.

"Actually, you don't need to give me such an expensive gift."

After driving around, Tang Tian thought for a while and finally spoke.

"No, it's not expensive. Compared to me winning back Vanessa, this is nothing."

Kobe said bluntly.

"Don't refuse me, you know my personality."

Seeing that Tang Tian still wanted to say something, Kobe immediately spoke up.

Tang Tian smiled wryly and nodded, then put away the car key.

The two got out of the car.

They had driven a lap, and the car was now not near the living room but on the west side of the estate.

This was a seaside estate, and all you could see from here was a sea view.

Los Angeles was a coastal city, and this was a seaside estate. God knows how much this place cost.

But Kobe was one of the highest-paid players in the league. Among NBA players, probably only Jordan had a better place to live right now.

"I heard you're injured."

After the two looked at the scenery for a while, Tang Tian said, leaning against the sports car.

Kobe glanced at Tang Tian and shook his head.

"Those media always like to fabricate things."

Tang Tian smiled. It seemed that Kobe hadn't told anyone about his injury except Vanessa.

Tang Tian had expected this reaction. He said this to subtly state that he was invited by Vanessa.

That way, even if he didn't succeed in persuading him, Kobe would know that Vanessa was doing it for his own good and wouldn't say or think too much.

"Have you ever thought about how old you want to play until?"

Tang Tian asked another question.

"How old?" Kobe looked at Tang Tian, puzzled.

"Yes, how old. Michael Jordan, he played until he was 40 before retiring."

Tang Tian continued.

"Then I'll play until I'm 40 too."

Kobe replied.

"You should know your own body best. If you really play through injuries like you are now, it will be difficult for you to play until you're 40."

Tang Tian knew that Kobe's lifelong goal was to catch up to Jordan, so he mentioned Jordan.

This was a good entry point, and he had said what he wanted to say.