Chapter 10 October

In October, before the preseason games began, the Lakers officially announced their 14-man roster for the new season.

Center: Marc Gasol, Chris Mihm, D.J. Mbenga.

Power Forward: Luke Walton, Ronny Turiaf, Brian Cook.

Small Forward: Su Feng, Vladimir Radmanovic, Ira Newble.

Shooting Guard: Sasha Vujacic, Marcus Evans, Coby Karl.

Point Guard: Maurice Williams, Jannero Pargo.

DNP: Kobe Bryant.

In the NBA, when a player is confirmed to be out for the season, the team can apply for a Disabled Player Exception. Therefore, before the new season started, Coach Luke only registered 14 playable players.

This way, when the season reached its midpoint, the Lakers could use the Disabled Player Exception to sign a veteran who had been cut by another team to supplement their strength.

Because the Disabled Player Exception ignores the salary cap and doesn't require paying luxury tax, this might be the Lakers' biggest advantage compared to other teams before the new season started, considering their "not-so-rich roster."

Anyway, it was pretty much what those experts had said before...

Even if you were a die-hard fan, you couldn't possibly recognize the Lakers' new season roster.

On the 14th, at Staples Center, the Lakers welcomed their first preseason game of the new season.

As a result, despite Su Feng, wearing the Lakers' No. 23 jersey for the first time at Staples Center, scoring 27 points for the Lakers in the first half, in the second half, the Lakers' substitutes proved to the world just how accurate those people who thought this Lakers team was just Su Feng plus a bunch of NBA D League players were, as they were thoroughly dominated by the Jazz's substitutes.

The next day, the *Los Angeles Times* simply quoted former Lakers legend "Magic" Johnson's assessment to describe the current Lakers:

"What level are the Lakers at now? Guys like Mihm and Mbenga can play center for the Lakers, can they even play? They can't, they don't have the ability, you know?

With Su leading the team to build a 15-point lead in the first half, they can still be overturned by the Jazz's substitutes in the second half, you tell me, how do you explain that?

The Lakers have 6 more preseason games, then what?

Lose to the Mavericks, lose to the Suns, lose to the Spurs, then lose to the Rockets, and finally lose all face!"

On China's Hupu forum, Chinese fans described the current Lakers as follows:

Su Zilong charged in and out seven times at Changban Slope. (Reference to a famous scene from the novel *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*).

The Lakers players in his arms were also very cooperative.

Because when Su Feng wielded his spear and rampaged through the enemy ranks, not only did they not cry, but they would even occasionally pop their heads out of Su Feng's arms and shout "fgnB"!

It must be said that Chinese fans are indeed more talented at making memes.

However, contrary to what these fans thought...

In the Lakers' first preseason game of the new season, Su Feng felt that his teammates had already overperformed.

After all, with the Jazz's substitute lineup...

If the Lakers' substitutes hadn't overperformed in this game, how could the Lakers have just been overturned in the second half?

Yi Jianlian, Jefferson, Brewer, Collins...

Just asking...

Was Sloan deliberately showing off how deep the Jazz's roster was to the Lakers?

On the 16th, the Lakers continued to host the Mavericks at home.

As a result, what was even worse than at least leading the Jazz in the first game was...

In this game, with Su Feng scoring 29 points for the Lakers on 9-of-11 shooting in the first half...

During the intermission, looking at the 73-46 score on the scoreboard at Staples Center...

Countless Lakers fans who hoped that Su Feng could lead the Lakers out of the quagmire fell silent.

"Su's scoring ability is indeed unmatched.

But he obviously overestimated his teammates."

After the game, watching the Lakers lose to the Mavericks by 30 points at home, the American media commented.

On the 18th, when the news that the Lakers even lost to the Suns by 25 points despite McGrady's absence reached Los Angeles...

For a time, even Old Buss, who was still flirting with nurses in the hospital, couldn't sit still!

"Has Su's mentality been affected by our recent losing streak?" Old Buss asked Kupchak, who had been summoned to inquire about the Lakers' recent situation, with great concern.

"To be honest, boss, if you ask me now, I don't know who to ask," Kupchak said helplessly, looking at Old Buss with a bitter smile.

"Mitch, are you sure that you have done your best to fulfill the requirements that Su made to you this summer?" Old Buss asked after thinking for a while.

Hearing this, Kupchak, who had been having his family members greeted by Lakers fans recently, said, "Boss, I'm not the kind of fool who would argue with the team's star player for power.

This summer, I can swear on my conscience that every signing we made was according to Su's wishes."

"Okay, as long as Su's mentality is not affected.

After all, I don't have any performance requirements for the Lakers this season.

Mitch, you have to pay more attention to Su for me next.

Because he is our most valuable asset this season," Old Buss said meaningfully, patting Kupchak's shoulder and turning back to continue flirting with the nurse.

At this moment, Kupchak also knew...

What Old Buss meant was...

He hoped that Kupchak could take the time to care more about Su Feng before the regular season arrived.

Because with the Lakers' substitutes having proven that they were really not good enough...

Whether Su Feng was happy on the court was the most important thing for the Lakers.

But on the 19th...

Just as Kupchak was still thinking about how to help Su Feng share the pressure, Su Feng, seeing Kupchak standing at the entrance of the training hall, looked at him with a smile and said, "You must be under a lot of pressure recently, right?"

Hearing this, Kupchak, who had been under immense pressure recently, couldn't hold back any longer after being stunned for a moment.

Looking at Su Feng affectionately, Kupchak immediately poured out all the bitterness in his stomach to Su Feng.

There was no other way.

In the NBA, as the first to take the blame, when a team has all sorts of problems, in addition to the team's head coach, the team's general manager is definitely the one who gets the most criticism.

Therefore, after patiently listening to Kupchak's grievances, Su Feng also patted him on the shoulder and said with emotion, "It's been hard on you lately, Mitch."

Seeing this, Kupchak, whose mood had slightly recovered, realized in a daze...

He, who should have been helping Su Feng to solve his problems...

Was now acting like a little wronged woman...

"Su, I was out of line just now.

Actually, I came to see you today because I wanted to see if your mentality had been affected by our recent losing streak..." Kupchak said, his face turning red instantly.

Before Kupchak could finish speaking, Su Feng waved his hand to interrupt him, "Mitch, in the NBA, even the Heat back then wouldn't dare to say that they could win every game.

In fact, through the recent games, I have become even more determined that we will definitely make it to the upper half of the Western Conference in the new season.

It's just that we still need time to grow.

So, you don't have to feel anxious about the upcoming new season.

Because I assure you...

At the end of this season, however much grievance you have suffered now, you will receive that much praise then."

Looking into Su Feng's eyes.

Looking at the smile on Su Feng's face that made him feel like he was bathed in spring breeze...

At this moment, Kupchak couldn't help but think of the legendary figure who had cultivated him by hand...

"Mitch, as a team's behind-the-scenes decision-maker, we can only see the direction in which the team is moving if we remain calm at all times.

Because anxiety and impatience cannot change reality."

In the end, in the Lakers' seven preseason games of the new season, the Lakers disappointingly only won the one against the Rockets.

Moreover, facing the Rockets, who had announced in September that their rookie No. 1 pick Oden would be out for the season...

In the final quarter, if it hadn't been for Williams hitting three consecutive three-pointers...

The Lakers might have started the new season with a seven-game losing streak in the preseason.

Looking at these seven games...

Although Su Feng, who only played in the first half of each game, dispelled people's doubts about his condition...

Before the start of the regular season, the major sports media in the United States expressed such doubts about the Lakers:

Can the Lakers really make it to the upper half of the Western Conference as Su Feng said?

"Okay, we all know that Su's teams have always had a tradition of performing poorly in the preseason.

But...

For this Lakers team...

I can only say, you can't expect Su to lead thirteen old Charles Barkleys to compete for the playoffs, can you?"

And on TNT, when doing the new season preview, this time, even Barkley didn't think that the Lakers could perform a miracle under Su Feng's leadership.

According to the schedule, the Lakers will officially usher in the team's new season opener on October 31.

And their opponent will be the Cleveland Cavaliers, who just signed O'Neal with the mid-level exception this summer.

New York.

Looking at the sky.

Never before had Stern felt that his carefully arranged plan was so stupid.

Because originally, after Su Feng joined the Lakers, Stern, thinking of using the showdown between Su Feng and James to kick off the new season...

How could he have imagined that the Lakers would be even worse than he had expected?

Before the start of the new season, the Cavaliers were ranked third in the league in ESPN's instant power rankings.

Due to their dismal performance in the preseason, the Lakers are currently ranked only twenty-first.

Therefore, online, when talking about the upcoming opener...

Most people think...

Maybe even fate thinks that it's time for James to take over the mantle from Su Feng.

For O'Neal, who had experienced how thick Su Feng's thighs were in Miami...

Looking at the exhausted Maple Emperor recently...

Never before had O'Neal felt that his choice was so wise.

Maple Emperor! Maple Emperor!

Why did you want to join the Lakers?

On the eve of the opener, when O'Neal, who had once again set foot on Los Angeles, turned to look at the group of young men behind him, each more fierce than the last...

The fathead fish couldn't help but sigh.

"Now, it's LeBron time, Su!"

On the other side, in Su Feng's mansion, Kobe was also anxious after finishing the meal that Su Feng had specially prepared for him that day.

"The opener is tomorrow, how can you still be in the mood to eat?" Kobe asked, looking at Su Feng with anxiety.

"What? Are you saying that the steak I made for you today doesn't suit your taste?" Su Feng asked.

"You know that's not what I'm talking about," Kobe said seriously.

Hearing this, Su Feng laughed and said, "Sure enough, no matter how well you pretended to get along with Shaq before, you still harbor resentment towards him."

In this life, although the "OK" relationship didn't have the irreconcilable rift because of Su Feng's influence, with Kobe and O'Neal's personalities...

These two were destined not to become true friends.

In addition, even if Kobe didn't say it...

Su Feng also knew that this guy was very upset about the outside world thinking that James was about to take over the mantle from him this season.

Therefore...

That's why Stern was so good at creating drama.

This new season, as soon as it started, he brought the audience a game full of topics.

"I don't care how Shaq will perform with the Cavaliers.

I also don't care whether LeBron can officially take over the mantle from you this season as the world says.

Su, even now, you still think that this Lakers team has the strength to compete with strong teams like the Cavaliers?" Kobe asked, looking at Su Feng with a solemn expression.

After putting down his knife and fork, Su Feng wiped the corner of his mouth and said, "Then what do you think I can do?

Not eat? Go train right away?"

Kobe: "..."

"After the preseason, I know better than anyone how weak this Lakers roster is.

But Kobe, do you remember why we skipped college and directly entered the draft back then?" Su Feng asked, rising and looking at Kobe.

"Of course I remember.

Because we both wanted to cross swords with Michael Jordan before he retired," Kobe nodded.

"That's just what you thought.

From the very beginning, I was thinking about how to defeat Michael Jordan," Su Feng laughed.

Kobe: "..."

Hey!

Are you trying to show off in front of me?

"If you're still the Kobe Bryant I remember, then in my opinion, you shouldn't be so anxious at this moment.

Because no matter whether there are thorns or weeds ahead...

Going forward is our style!" Su Feng added, walking to Kobe's side and patting him on the shoulder.

After sighing, Kobe said, "I really can't stand you... Even at a time like this, you're still so confident."

"I'm not just confident in myself," Su Feng said, staring at Kobe.

"But tomorrow night, you have to lead the team alone," Kobe said.

"Then let the world see what the price of underestimating me will be!" Su Feng said after stealing a bite of the steak on Kobe's plate.

"It seems you've been ready for this for a long time," Kobe said, looking at Su Feng.

"Aren't I always ready?" Su Feng replied, blinking his eyes.

"Sometimes, talking to you can really make me angry," Kobe said speechlessly.

"But I know, the great Kobe Bryant likes me like this," Su Feng said.

"No, I don't like it at all," Kobe retorted.

"However, I know...

Only you can bring miracles to this Lakers team," Kobe added.

"No, you're wrong, Kobe," Su Feng said, putting his arm around Kobe's shoulder.

"Hmm?"

"It's only the two of us who can bring miracles to this Lakers team.

Oh, right, I've already eaten your steak," Su Feng said, looking at Kobe with a serious expression.

Kobe: "..."

Damn it!

Are you a dog?

I haven't even had a bite, and you've already finished it?

...

October 31st, evening.

7:00 PM local time in Los Angeles.

When the Lakers fans walked into Staples Center one after another, anticipation, anxiety, unease...

With all kinds of emotions涌上心头, at this moment, no one could understand how complicated their feelings as Lakers fans were.

This was the opening game of the 2007/08 NBA season.

It was also the focus of the first game day of the new NBA season.

On the court, when LeBron James led his Cleveland Cavaliers onto the court, the Cavaliers' luxurious lineup made the Lakers fans on the scene envious.

Shaquille O'Neal.

Ilgauskas.

Ron Artest.

Paul Millsap.

Kyle Korver.

Chris Bosh.

For the new season, ESPN gave the Cavaliers this evaluation:

This is a team that combines talent and experience.

In the Cavaliers, O'Neal, Korver, and Artest have all had valuable experience in winning championships.

As the leaders of the 03 generation, Bosh and James' talents are even more visible.

"This is an unequal contest," Barkley said on TNT when doing the pre-game preview.

For the nearly 20,000 Lakers fans on the scene, perhaps the only thing that could make them feel slightly better tonight was Su Feng, wearing the Lakers' No. 23 jersey, who was chatting with Beckham, who had just joined the Los Angeles Galaxy this summer, on the sidelines.

As the Maple Emperor's official debut in Los Angeles.

Tonight, there was no shortage of celebrities on the sidelines at Staples Center.

Before the game, when interviewed by the host, Kobe jokingly said, "You asked me what the key to the Lakers' victory tonight is?

Hmm...

If Su can score 50 points, then in my opinion, we still have a good chance of winning this opener."

Getting 50 points...

And in front of Artest and James, two of the best wing defenders in the league...

"Don't listen to Kobe's nonsense.

In this game, in my opinion, if we want to win, then the first thing we have to do is defense," Su Feng said in an official tone when it was his turn to be interviewed.

In addition, after being interviewed, Su Feng did not forget to glare at Kobe.

Hey, it's already 2007, don't you know that your mouth is even more poisonous than Barkley's?

On the court, perhaps feeling that his presence was not strong enough, O'Neal, wearing the Cavaliers jersey, also specifically walked to Marc Gasol before the game started.

"You're the Lakers' starting center?"

Gasol nodded honestly.

"Has the Lakers...fallen to the point where anyone can be the starting center?" O'Neal said, looking at Gasol.

As a powerhouse that has always had a tradition of having a super center...

Looking at the jerseys of legendary centers on the Staples Center ceiling...

At this moment, few people could understand how sad O'Neal felt for the Lakers.

"Yes, Marc is our starting center.

What's the matter, Shaq, do you have a problem with my little brother?" Su Feng was already standing in front of Gasol when Gasol didn't know how to answer.

O'Neal: "..."

"Welcome to Staples.

Now, I declare that this arena belongs to me!"

On the court, before the game started, after throwing magnesium powder in front of the technical table, Su Feng jumped up and didn't know where he took out a magazine, rolled it into the shape of a microphone, and said.

On the sidelines, watching Su Feng, who was almost 30 years old and still so cringy...

Kobe suddenly began to regret...

He had a friend named Su Feng.

Just, looking at Su Feng like this.

Kobe admitted.

This was indeed what he admired most about Su Feng.

"MVP————!!"

"MVP————!!"

"MVP————!!"

No matter which team this guy is on...

Anyway, as long as you have Su Feng...

You will subconsciously feel that this team is always full of hope!

Listen... Volcanic Literature

The originally slightly silent Staples...

The deafening roar...

Didn't it just roll up?

...

ps: The late but arrived update is here! Huhu, I have to go to sleep! I'll be fighting with you guys for the top floor again when I update on the evening of the 7th, muah!