Only after sinking ten consecutive free throws did Li Fei turn around and wipe the sweat from his chin with a towel.
His expression was as calm as still water, with not the slightest ripple visible in his deep eyes. The "declaration of war" aimed at him in TNT's studio seemed no more than the chirping of cicadas outside the window.
"Arvydas."
He spoke, his voice steady and powerful. "Where Phil goes is his choice. The Lakers getting stronger is inevitable. But what does that have to do with us?"
Sabonis froze. "How does it not? They're a potential Finals opponent!"
"So what?"
Li Fei countered, "Do we have to be afraid just because they've gotten stronger? Do we have to throw ourselves into disarray? We're the defending champions, Arvydas. The ones who should feel pressure are them—all those who want to take the Larry O'Brien Trophy from us."
He walked to Sabonis's side and patted the veteran's broad shoulder, his gaze as sharp as an eagle's.
"It's enough to do what we need to do. The Lakers have their Zen Master and O'Neal and Kobe; we have our system and our Heart of the Champion. The only thing you need to focus on now is maintaining your current physical condition—and making it even better. On the Finals stage, I need the Roof of the World who can dominate the paint with me."
As Sabonis listened to Li Fei, the restlessness in his heart gradually subsided.
He looked at the young man before him, nearly ten years his junior. That composure and dominance beyond his years always seemed able to infect and soothe everyone around him with ease.
But then, an indescribable trace of loneliness and regret quietly crept into his expression.
Maintain his physical condition...
Easier said than done.