"I know he doesn't truly believe he can defend me."
"He just hasn't stood on the stage at the center of attention in the United States for a long time."
"He wants to prove that he can still play, that he still has what it takes to battle elite big men."
"Time may have taken his body, but it can't take away the competitive fire in his bones."
His words were gentle, full of understanding and respect for an old teammate.
Then, Li Fei's tone shifted, and his gaze became sharp and resolute once more.
"But a game is a game."
"On the court, there are no former teammates, no championship bonds."
"Even if we won two championship rings together, I won't hold back."
"I'll give my all in every collision with him, every battle for position."
"I respect his competitive spirit, but I won't give up this victory."
He was direct and candid, drawing a clear line between friendship and competition.
He had preserved the goodwill between former teammates while also making the team's determination to win unmistakably clear.
The reporters at the scene nodded one after another. Everyone understood Li Fei's unspoken meaning.
Barkley wanted to reclaim his former glory, to prove himself against an old teammate.
And Li Fei would never go easy on him out of sentiment and ruin the team's winning streak.
The reporter then turned to Michael Jordan.
"Michael, Barkley said bluntly that you have it too easy playing for the Knicks now. What do you think?"
Jordan lifted the cup in front of him, took a small sip, and answered calmly.
"He's telling the truth."
That answer caught everyone present off guard.
The God of Basketball had openly admitted that he was playing in greater comfort now.
Jordan set down his cup, his