Then DJ asked a third question.
This question had nothing to do with the game, but it was the one Wang Yi's fans cared about most:
"Brother Yi, two years ago you said you'd retire after playing two more seasons. Now those two seasons are over. Have you decided whether to retire or play one more season?"
Wang Yi shrugged and said:
"I haven't decided yet. I plan to get some good rest for two months, then make my decision."
His answer left Wang Yi's fans feeling helpless.
Everything Wang Yi did tugged at the hearts of hundreds of millions of fans, and whether he would retire was something they cared about deeply.
Now that Wang Yi kept putting off his decision, they found the wait agonizing.
Wang Yi's old rivals, like Wemby and Ja Morant, were just as anxious.
Only after Wang Yi retired would they feel like "the sun had finally come out."
But now Wang Yi wouldn't say he was retiring, nor would he say he was continuing to play, leaving them with no idea where they stood.
The NBA's general managers were just as frustrated.
If Wang Yi had made his decision, they could have gotten to work: strengthening their rosters, cutting players, and making other moves.
But Wang Yi wouldn't say whether he was retiring or re-signing with the Lakers, leaving them with a sliver of hope—that if he kept playing next season, they might be able to sign him.
Even if Wang Yi did play, he would most likely stay with the Lakers. But a player as coveted as Wang Yi was worth pursuing, no matter how slim the chance.
And since Wang Yi hadn't made a decision, they could only hold off on making any moves for now.
After DJ finished interviewing Wang