LeBron James's Determination (Bonus Chapter)

In this game, Nowitzki of the Mavericks played 54 minutes, shooting 15-for-23, scoring 39 points, grabbing 19 rebounds, dishing out 2 assists, and blocking 1 shot. He made 6 of 7 three-pointers and 3 of 4 free throws.

Nash played 50 minutes, shooting 10-for-18, scoring 28 points and dishing out 13 assists, including 3-for-6 from three-point range and 5-for-5 from the free-throw line.

Finley played 56 minutes, shooting 9-for-18, scoring 26 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists, including 3-for-6 from three-point range and 5-for-7 from the free-throw line.

Van Exel, 18 points.

For the Clippers, Elton Brand played 50 minutes, shooting 7-for-18, scoring 19 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, dishing out 2 assists, shooting 1-for-3 from three-point range, and 4-for-6 from the free-throw line.

Odom played 45 minutes and 54 minutes, shooting 7-for-16, scoring 20 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block, including 2-for-3 from three-point range and 4-for-6 from the free-throw line.

Corey Maggette, 48 minutes, 6-for-15 shooting, 16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 2-for-5 from three-point range, 2-for-4 from the free-throw line.

Wang Zhizhi played only 20 minutes, scoring 6 points and grabbing 2 rebounds.

Li Chen played 63 minutes, shooting 17-for-35, scoring 56 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 block, and 3 steals. He made 11 of 15 three-pointers and 11 of 12 free throws.

Li Chen's performance in this game broke Iverson's Playoffs high of 55 points set this season.

Moreover, Li Chen's average of over 30 points per game in 14 Playoffs games is nothing short of miraculous, redefining what it means to be at the peak right from the start.

Back in the temporary rest area, the teammates started chattering amongst themselves.

"My God, we've made it to the Western Conference Finals! I can't believe it!"

"Yes! I wouldn't even dare to dream of such a thing."

Wang Zhizhi was also extremely excited; he had made it to the Western Conference Finals, and he couldn't help but clench his hands tightly.

At this moment, Odom noticed that Li Chen remained silent and, somewhat surprised, shook Li Chen, saying, "Hey! Chen, as our leader, shouldn't you say something?"

These words caught the attention of the other players, and everyone turned to look at Li Chen, causing the room to fall silent.

However, Li Chen did not respond; instead, the silent room was filled with even snoring.

Everyone was stunned to find that Li Chen had fallen asleep. They then looked at each other, feeling a little guilty. Li Chen hadn't rested since he came on in the first quarter; even an iron man gets tired!

Just then, Alvin Gentry, beaming, pushed open the door to the temporary rest room and said, "Chen, and me..."

But halfway through his sentence, he sensed that something was off about the atmosphere in the room.

Alvin Gentry was a little confused. "Why are you all looking at me? Is there something on my face?"

"Coach Alvin, Li Chen is asleep, I'm afraid..."

Alvin Gentry frowned, but finally steeled himself and said, "Wake him up. He'll have plenty of time to sleep after the post-match press conference."

Hearing this, the players were somewhat dissatisfied with the coach. Li Chen was so exhausted, couldn't he just not go?

Just then, Li Chen yawned and said, "Coach Alvin, let's go!"

Alvin Gentry nodded.

"Fuck, it seems like we've been tricked," Odom said dejectedly.

"That wretched brat, pay for our kindness! Lamar unanimously recommends you fight him one-on-one, beat him to a pulp, we believe in you!"

Odom "..."

At the post-match press conference.

"Coach Gentry, what are your thoughts on the Clippers' performance tonight?" a reporter asked.

"They performed wonderfully, especially Li Chen." He said, looking at Li Chen with a broad smile.

At this point, the reporter asked again, "Are you confident about the game against the Spurs the day after tomorrow?"

"Of course, we are confident. We will beat the Spurs as soon as possible and then make it to the finals," Alvin Gentry said confidently.

Li Chen glanced at his coach and thought, "You don't even know Liang Jingru? How dare you talk so arrogantly?"

The reporters were bewildered by Alvin Gentry's dismissive attitude towards the Spurs, and could only offer their best wishes. "May Coach Alvin's dream come true."

Alvin Gentry nodded. "Thank you."

Li Chen was speechless, inwardly complaining, "Coach, didn't you really catch the unspoken meaning behind his words?" He was utterly exasperated.

The reporter then turned his attention to Li Chen, but he did not ask Li Chen about his confidence in the upcoming matches.

Instead, he asked a different question, "Mr. Li Chen, what are your thoughts on the Lakers' loss to the Spurs?"

Li Chen didn't answer, but the reporter asked expectantly, "Excuse me, sir, Kobe lost the game, did he cry?"

Seeing Li Chen's expectant look, the reporters were completely dumbfounded.

It took the reporter a while to come to his senses. He said somewhat stiffly, "She probably cried!"

Li Chen was satisfied, thinking to himself, "Now let's see how I laugh at you."

"Mr. Li Chen, why are you asking this?"

Li Chen suppressed his barely suppressed smile and said seriously, "As Kobe's best friend, of course I have to comfort him."

The reporters "..."

Do you think our eyes are holes?

When we can't see your gloating expression?

Best friends? Seriously, isn't your definition of a good friend a bit distorted? They expressed deep skepticism.

Alvin Gentry was stunned by the reporters' dumbfounded expressions. This kid was really something else! Even the reporters couldn't handle him!

At this point, the reporters realized that they had been misled by Li Chen.

At this point, a reporter reminded him, "Mr. Li Chen, you haven't answered the question yet."

Li Chen composed himself and began to think seriously.

After a moment's thought, he said, "The Lakers' loss wasn't due to the KO duo, but to the role players. I really can't believe the whole team scored just over 28 points. Even our country's CBA players are better than them."

The reporters "..."

But then the reporters' eyes lit up; they knew they had something to talk about tomorrow.

Later, a reporter asked, "Mr. Li Chen, what are your thoughts on making 11 three-pointers in this game?"

What does it feel like? Great! What else could it feel like? Although that's what he thought, he couldn't say it aloud.

His thoughts raced, and he came up with an explanation.

He solemnly stated, "I feel very honored to have made 11 three-pointers. This is the result of my personal hard work and training, and it also owes much to the support of my teammates and the guidance of the coach. Our entire team played very well together during the game, which made these shots possible. I will continue to train hard and strive for more victories for the team."

Li Chen's words were met with applause.

Next, the reporter asked, "How do you find shooting opportunities during the game? Do you have any specific strategies or techniques? Also, how do you stay focused and confident, even under pressure during a game?"

Li Chen raised an eyebrow. You paparazzi are trying to spy on my personal information!

At that moment, Alvin Gentry coughed lightly, reminding Li Chen.

Li Chen looked at the reporter's expectant eyes, blinked, and then said:

"Regarding ways to find shooting opportunities..." he paused and then continued:

"Finding shooting opportunities in a game is a team effort, and we emphasize teamwork and understanding between players in training. I look for shooting opportunities through passing and movement with my teammates. At the same time, I also closely observe the opponent's defensive strategy, find their weaknesses, and exploit them."

2. On maintaining focus and confidence:

"Maintaining focus and confidence is crucial under pressure during a match. I will prepare thoroughly beforehand and believe in my abilities. During the match, I will focus on every offensive and defensive move, avoid external distractions, and maintain a good mindset and concentration."

3. Regarding team tactics and opponent's defensive strategies:

"Our team emphasizes the execution of team tactics. Everyone has a clear role and task, and we support each other during the game. We will make necessary adjustments and changes based on the opponent's defensive strategy in order to find opportunities to break through their defense."

The above is entirely fictional; any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Li Chen thought to himself, "My tactic is to use cheats."

After hearing Li Chen's words, Clippers head coach Alvin Gentry was completely dumbfounded. "Did I arrange these things? How come I didn't know about them?"

Alvin Gentry is very laid-back; he just passes the ball to Li Chen.

At this moment, enthusiastic applause broke out. It's worth noting that there aren't many players like Li Chen who talk about everything, and they greatly admire players like him.

After the half-hour post-match press conference, on his way back, Li Chen hoped that Popovich would see it.

The next morning.

"Hehe! It's rare for Kobe to invite me like this!" Li Chen said, staring straight into Kobe's eyes.

Li Chen's blatant stare made Kobe stiffen slightly, then he feigned indifference and said, "What are you looking at?"

"It's nothing. Did you hear me crying last night? I'm checking to see if you cried all night."

Upon hearing Li Chen's words, Kobe immediately found an outlet for his pent-up resentment and frustration.

You have to understand that he scored 40 points in Game 7, O'Neal scored 31 points, but even so they still lost. How could he accept that? How could he be convinced of his defeat?

Then...

"How are you feeling? Are you feeling better?" Li Chen asked Kobe, who was lying on the floor, panting heavily.

"Hey, hey, hey! Is this how you Asians comfort people?" Kobe complained.

"Never mind that, just tell me if you're feeling better."

Kobe didn't answer, but snorted coldly, "Hmph! We'll continue later."

"Tch, you think I'm afraid of you? I almost won just now, I'm sure I can beat you this time."

"Chen, don't be arrogant. I was just letting you have your way because I was afraid of hurting your pride."

"Kobe, stop making excuses."

"I don't."

"You have."

"I'm too lazy to explain to you. We'll see who's the real deal soon enough."

"Alright, watch how I beat you with my Golden Rooster Independence."

"Fuck, you bastard."

Afternoon.

"Chen, are those two really as strong as you say?" Kobe hesitated when Li Chen said Harden and DeRozan could be called superstars.

In his view, these two players' current performance is merely at the level of star players.

He, a superstar, didn't think the two of them could make it work.

Li Chen curled his lip at Kobe's doubts, "Kobe..."

He pointed to his eyes with his index and middle fingers and said earnestly, "I am not Michael."

Kobe "..."

Jordan expressed his anger, saying, "I only misjudged Kwame Brown, did it have to be like this?"

At this moment, Tim Grover burst into laughter and said, "Chen, I will definitely tell Michael what you said."

Li Chen was speechless; he had almost forgotten about Tim Grover.

At this point, Tim Grover added, "I'm sure Michael will sincerely invite you to go to Las Vegas with him."

"Mr. Tim, I don't have any money, I can't afford to lose!"

Then the two started teasing Jordan.

"Hey, hey, hey! Do you think it's appropriate to talk about my idol in front of me?" Kobe complained.

Li Chen looked at Kobe with surprise, nodded seriously, and then explained, "Because you're already on our pirate ship."

Kobe "..."

Reebok headquarters.

"Mr. James, we will offer you a 10-year, $110 million contract."

As he spoke, Chris Paul took out another $10 million check, placed it on the table, and then pushed it toward James.

Then, smiling, he said, "As long as you agree to sign, this check for ten million US dollars is yours."

Upon hearing this, both James' mother and James were astonished by Reebok's extravagant spending.

Keep in mind that they currently live in a poor neighborhood in Akron, where rent is only $17 a month. This $10 million is an offer that their family would find incredibly difficult to refuse.

When his mother saw the check, she kept gesturing to James with her eyes that he should agree quickly.

James was also shocked by Reebok's big spending at this point.

But James was a smart man, and he didn't rush to agree to Reebok's demands.

He's an ambitious and visionary man. If Reebok can give him a check for $10 million today, who can guarantee that Nike and Adidas won't give him $20 million or $30 million tomorrow?

Therefore, he decided to use the offers from Reebok as leverage at the negotiating table.

So he used this opportunity to maneuver between Adidas and Nike.

Finally, they successfully signed a verbal contract with Nike for a record-breaking 7-year term worth $150 million.

However, the contract stipulates that the player must outperform Li Chen in at least three out of the five regular seasons; otherwise, the contract will be reduced by 70%.

At the time, James chose to join the Nike family without hesitation.

But he seemed somewhat serious after seeing Li Chen's performance last night.

In the decisive Game 7, that Asian man actually achieved a double-double of 56 points and 10 assists after playing for an hour, which gave him a new perspective on his peak performance right from his debut.

However, he would never give up, because he was fed up with the humble life in the slums. He wanted to lead his family to a life of wealth, so he couldn't lose. No matter what difficulties and obstacles lay ahead, he could overcome them. His eyes were filled with determination.

At the same time, he was confident that he would be the number one draft pick this year, but he wasn't sure which team would select him. Of course, his ideal team was the Cleveland Cavaliers, because that would help him rack up points.

James clenched his fists tightly. He knew that Li Chen was the biggest enemy on his path in life, the stumbling block that would prevent him from becoming a successful person.

"Li Chen, I will defeat you, utterly and completely, because I have a reason to defeat you."

At this moment, Emperor Zhan is about to face the nightmare that will haunt him for the rest of his life.