Chapter 84: I Can Teach Kobe How to Win

Training concluded, and the Clippers left the court in high spirits, laughter echoing among them. Although a few discordant elements were beginning to take root within the team, their current record was outstanding, drawing widespread attention and praise. Most of the players felt quite content. Victory, after all, was the best lubricant—it could ease and conceal many issues. Only when the team's performance faltered would these conflicts surface, much like the infamous OK duo.

Arriving at the parking lot, Lucy appeared before He Xinghui like a phantom.
"Well, well, how did you manage to stake out here?"
He Xinghui teased her.
"That's a secret. In the world of journalism, you need special skills. Could I borrow two minutes of your time? Just a few questions," Lucy said.
"Miss, He always prefers to be interviewed at his home. You should go there, then you can interview him for hours," Cassell interjected, playfully. The other players joined in the banter.
"NO."
The cameraman punched the weighing post and shouted.
"Man, no what, what do you mean?"
Maggette stepped up, towering over him, his arm nearly thicker than the man's head.
"This new camera—I have no idea how to use it," the cameraman lamented, relaxing his clenched fist.
(The mournful tune echoed: True feelings, as vast as the prairie...)
"Ignore them. Ask your questions quickly; you have two minutes," He Xinghui said.
Lucy had waited so long, he couldn't be too heartless, especially since she often spoke kindly of him—and she was quite beautiful.
"In the recent game, the Lakers lost to the Cavaliers, but Kobe scored another high number. Some say your scoring ability doesn't match Kobe's. What do you think?" Lucy asked.

At the question, Brand's eyes lit up. He knew He Xinghui enjoyed boasting, and perhaps this time he'd make some audacious claims about outscoring Kobe. If so, Brand resolved to seize every opportunity in the next game, determined to embarrass He Xinghui and curb his arrogance.

"I think they're right. My scoring ability isn't as good as Kobe's at the moment," He Xinghui replied, surprising both Lucy and Brand. This answer was too bland, too unlike He Xinghui's usual style.

But then, He Xinghui didn't disappoint Lucy.

"However, I understand winning better than Kobe does. I think Kobe should request a trade to the Clippers and play as my substitute, so I can teach him how to win," He Xinghui said.

Cassell and the others burst into laughter. In interviews, they too longed to speak freely, to avoid those standard, official replies. But they could never be as carefree as He Xinghui. Watching him spout such outrageous claims was refreshing; it was as if he fulfilled their wishes.

"I don't think that's likely. The Lakers won't let him go," Lucy replied mischievously, subtly implying that Kobe might make such a decision, slyly taking a jab at him.

"That's a pity, but that's what friendship with Kobe is for. We're playing the Sonics soon; I'll demonstrate the proper way to play. I hope Kobe takes the time to watch and learns something," He Xinghui said calmly—only he in the league dared speak so boldly. By now, his style was well known, and no one took him too seriously.

"Are you sure I can report this as is? Should I edit it?" Lucy asked cautiously after the interview, worried that Kobe's fans would stir up trouble once it was published.

"Of course," He Xinghui replied.

With confirmation, Lucy departed happily, as did He Xinghui, Cassell, and the rest. Only the unnamed cameraman and a certain tall player, standing two meters and three centimeters, were left glum.

Brand had expected He Xinghui to boast about scoring, giving him a chance to upstage him with more shots and make him look foolish. But now, He Xinghui spoke only of beating the Sonics and teaching Kobe to win. For Brand to embarrass him, he'd have to deliberately lose—a serious issue, as he certainly didn't want to lose.

His plan collapsed before it began, leaving Brand rather frustrated.

The next day, Lucy's interview was published. Instantly, Kobe's fans were outraged—how could He Xinghui dare to teach Kobe how to win? To them, not even Jordan had such qualifications.

Online, Kobe's fans unleashed a torrent of abuse, mocking He Xinghui for his recent lack of brilliance and accusing him of seeking attention by piggybacking on Kobe's fame.

Soon, He Xinghui's fans retaliated.

"There's nothing wrong with what he said. The Lakers have lost three in a row—they do need someone to teach them how to win."
"The outcome depends on the team's total score, not just one star's points."
"No need for subtlety—Kobe is a cancer, he doesn't know how to win. I support him coming to the Clippers as cousin's substitute."
...

Journalists eager for drama quickly sought out Kobe for his response.

"I think he could request a trade, come to the Lakers as my substitute, and I could teach him how to win a championship," Kobe retorted, echoing He Xinghui's phrasing. But Kobe held a significant advantage: honors. As a starter with three consecutive championships, he could outshine ninety-nine percent of players.

"Will you watch the Clippers versus Sonics game?" the journalist asked.

"No, there's no need. They're not a match for the Sonics," Kobe replied with disdain.

The reporter had what he wanted. Soon, Kobe's retort was published.

It was rare for stars from different teams to engage in such trash talk, so the Clippers' matchup with the Sonics suddenly drew much more attention. The onlookers eagerly awaited the outcome, ready to choose a side to mock.

It was, in truth, quite entertaining.

January 14 finally arrived. Kobe, alone in his room, turned on the television to watch the game. Though he'd said there was no need, he cared deeply. If the league allowed, he'd gladly step in as a Sonics player just to beat He Xinghui up and vent his frustration.

"What the—"

Outside the room, Vanessa suddenly heard a curse.

Kobe, watching the introductions, learned that Ray Allen was sidelined. To him, it was incredibly frustrating—without Allen, who averaged twenty-five points, the Sonics were powerless.

The thought that the Clippers now stood a good chance of winning, and that He Xinghui would have yet another opportunity to gloat, made Kobe profoundly uncomfortable.