"LeBron James's contract extension talks with Los Angeles don't seem to be going very smoothly. After all, given their roster and investment, the Lakers' results over the past few years haven't been ideal. At the same time, he wants to keep playing for a team with a better chance of competing for a championship. Under these circumstances, we really are his best option. After all, you're here.
"I also just had a brief discussion with Tom about this possibility.
"Tom thinks that if we look purely at how well you'd fit together on the court, the two of you could actually have a lot of potential worth getting excited about.
"You're both excellent ball handlers, and both of you can wreak havoc on opposing defenses. A combination of one inside and one outside also fits the way a team's core should be built.
"Perhaps LeBron's arrival could ease some of the pressure opposing defenses put on you and give you more room to attack."
"Hahahaha, he'd be creating offensive space for me? That's an interesting idea."
Chen Xi rubbed his chin and followed their line of thinking.
"I see. And LeBron still has considerable commercial value, which makes him a good partner for the team, right?"
"That's part of the consideration, yes. But the most important thing is your opinion, Chris.
"We absolutely respect what you think. The team's future will be built around you.
"That was settled last summer, after we finalized that trade with Sam. The front office won't waver on that."
Leon Rose's tone was firm.
"Besides, this is only one of several possible approaches we could take in our dealings this summer.
"It just seems that LeBron's side is in more of a hurry. They contacted us earlier, so we started discussing this possibility ahead of