Seeing Alvin Gentry stay silent, Li Chen immediately knew what was going on.
Fortunately, Donald Sterling hadn't made him pay the fine as well.
At the Lakers' postgame press conference.
Kobe was in high spirits after winning the game and happily attended the postgame press conference.
A female reporter began by congratulating him. "Congratulations, Mr. Bryant. You were named Player of the Game with a double-double of 40 points, 10 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals."
Kobe nodded slightly to show his appreciation.
Although he was thrilled inside, he wore an expression that made it seem like this was all in a day's work.
The reporter then asked, "Mr. Bryant, what did you think of the Clippers' Li Chen's performance tonight?"
At the mention of Li Chen, the corners of Kobe's mouth curled up almost involuntarily.
"Him? He played pretty well tonight, just a little worse than me."
The reporters were surprised to hear Kobe praise him so highly.
Another reporter asked, "Mr. Bryant, I heard that you and Mr. Li Chen often practice together?"
At that, Kobe's eyebrows twitched. The question rubbed him the wrong way, and he grumbled to himself, I was forced into it. But he wasn't about to say that out loud.
After a moment's thought, Kobe nodded. "That's right. I saw that the kid had the same habit as me of getting up early to practice, so I taught him a few basketball skills while we trained."
The reporters all covered their mouths, their faces full of shock. They hadn't expected Li Chen to have been trained by Kobe.
Kobe felt very pleased with their reaction. He had embellished a few details, but overall, what he'd said wasn't wrong.
Meanwhile,
at the Clippers' postgame press conference,
a reporter joked with a smile, "Why is Mr.