Rockets' New Hope, Labor Agreement on the Brink of Collapse!

In stark contrast to Chicago's gloomy despair, Houston, thousands of kilometers away, was bathed in brilliant sunshine.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport had long been packed solid with reporters and fans who had rushed over upon hearing the news.

When Scottie Pippen emerged from the VIP passage wearing a baseball cap bearing the Houston Rockets logo and pushing a luggage cart, the scene instantly erupted in thunderous cheers.

Camera flashes lit up in a blinding sea, nearly dazzling everyone's eyes.

At the very front of the crowd stood two especially eye-catching, enormous figures.

Charles Barkley wore a T-shirt emblazoned with the logo of his own "Flying Pig" brand, his huge belly stretching the fabric taut. With his trademark radiant grin, he spread his arms and gave Pippen a solid bear hug.

"Welcome to Houston, Scottie!"

Barkley's voice rang out like a bell. "You're finally here! Let's go win that damn championship together, buddy!"

Barkley hugged Pippen so tightly he could barely breathe, yet a long-lost, heartfelt smile appeared on Pippen's face. The grievances and suffocation he had endured in Chicago seemed to vanish in that instant.

The other figure was Hakeem Olajuwon.

The Dream wore a well-fitted casual suit, looking refined and composed.

Unlike Barkley, he was not so expressive. He merely smiled, extended his hand, and clasped Pippen's firmly.

"Welcome, Scottie." Olajuwon's English carried a heavy accent, but the sincerity in his eyes was crystal clear. "We've been waiting for you for a long time."

This scene was broadcast around the world through countless camera lenses.

Three legendary superstars whose combined ages exceeded one hundred officially came together beneath the airport's flashing lights. Each had been a king of his own era, each possessed a glorious résumé worthy of the history books, yet their trophy rooms shared one missing prize—the