Public Opinion

"Su Yi gets 30+ easily, your 22 points are all charity from the refs!"

"10 free throws for 22 points? Even the refs can't save your iron factory!"

"Su-James duo? No, it's LeBron's dictatorship basketball!"

"I suggest LeBron switch to being a GM, since he loves controlling the team so much!"

"Mike Brown? Might as well rename him Mike No-Brain!"

"Five games of winning tactics, and you choose the old losing routine."

"Please, take your LeBron instruction manual and get the hell out!"

The first five games had fed the Cleveland Cavaliers fans fine dining, but tonight's game made them choke on roughage again.

The fans couldn't take it, so they lashed out with curses.

The fire was aimed especially at LeBron James and Mike Brown.

Back at the hotel, Mike Brown had already caught wind of this. The corners of his mouth lifted—this was a good thing.

LeBron James held an extremely high place in the hearts of Cavaliers fans for several reasons. First, he was born in Akron, Ohio, grew up watching games at the Cavs' home court, a true hometown kid.

Second, he was the hope of the team's revival. His average stats over the previous three seasons were impressive, especially last season when he averaged a monstrous 31.4 points, 7 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.6 steals, leading the team into the playoffs.

Finally, the PR machine worked flawlessly—only LeBron James's good side was promoted, while his flaws were never mentioned.

It was like only hyping how great LeBron was at scoring, but never explaining how he was great or what skills he actually had.

They only touted LeBron's all-around ability based on stats, but never mentioned how much ball possession he hogged or how much blood he sucked from his teammates to get those numbers.

Take rebounds, for example—it's crystal clear.

The rebound count looks decent, but when you look closer, almost all of them are defensive rebounds.

And offensive rebounds?

Last season, he averaged just 0.9 per game.

Where's that historic-level physical talent they keep talking about?

His offensive rebounding efficiency was worse than Steve Nash's—a skinny 191cm, 84KG guard.

So his so-called stats? The water content is ridiculous.

"Fuck! Rich, what the hell is going on? Get someone to handle this now! Shut them up!"

Back at the hotel, LeBron James was cursing at his agent, Rich Paul.

"Calm down, I'll find someone to deal with it right away."

Rich Paul quickly made calls to get it handled.

A few hours later, the fans' voices were suppressed.

LeBron James thought the matter was over and went to bed for a good night's sleep.

But the next day, multiple media outlets ran reports on LeBron James's "atrocious" behavior:

<From "King" to "Tyrant"—How LeBron Is Strangling the Cavaliers' Future!>

<Stats Don't Lie—James's Efficiency in His Return Game Was Dead Last on the Team!>

<The Selfish King! James Sacrifices Team Victory to Protect His Status!>

<The Cost of Tactical Regression—Cavaliers' Offensive Space Plummets 37%!>

<TPA Data Proves—Su Is the Cavaliers' True Plus-Minus Leader!>

<Exclusive! James's Team Demands the League Ban Su's Stats!>

<Sponsor Pressure? Nike Allegedly Interfering with Cavaliers' Tactical Arrangements!>

In an instant, it exploded across the entire U.S., even the whole world.

Fans everywhere were buzzing with discussion.

Within half an hour, someone had deliberately put together a 50-minute video and uploaded it online, letting everyone clearly see the difference between games built around Su Yi as the offensive core versus games built around LeBron James.

After watching it, the contrast was obvious at a glance!

The video was, of course, made by Xu Rui's people.

Meanwhile, Nike's official account rushed to clarify: "We have high hopes for Su Yi and are actively working to sign him as our brand ambassador!"

Translation: This has nothing to do with us. We never pressured anyone!

Nike's clarification was like pouring oil on the fire!

When LeBron James woke up, he was completely dumbfounded. He immediately called Rich Paul, dragging him out of sleep.

Rich Paul, realizing the severity, quickly contacted several media reporters he'd worked well with before.

But none of them picked up the phone.

This left Rich Paul completely baffled—what the hell was going on?

Portland International Airport:

A plane from Houston slowly descended onto the tarmac at Portland International Airport.

As the cabin door opened, Su Yi's figure stepped off the plane.

Su Yi had come here to head to Beaverton and sign with Nike.

But Beaverton didn't have an airport; the closest one was Portland International.

"Yi!"

Xu Rui had already arrived at Portland International Airport, waiting for Su Yi's arrival.

"A Rui, you've worked hard."

Su Yi gave Xu Rui a hug.

After letting go, Xu Rui introduced the six lawyers behind him to Su Yi.

"Hello!"

After exchanging greetings, the group of eight headed to Nike's headquarters in Beaverton.

The negotiations went very smoothly, and in the end, Su Yi signed his name on the contract.

"Pleasure doing business!"

"Pleasure doing business!"

The Nike executives originally wanted to keep Su Yi for a meal, but Su Yi politely declined—he needed to fly back to Houston as soon as possible to rejoin the team.

Back in Houston, LeBron James and his team were at a loss over how the public opinion was spiraling.

They hadn't found a solution yet. They'd initially tried to get Nike to help, but Nike wouldn't even acknowledge them.

Ding-dong!

Just then, the doorbell rang. Rich Paul went to open it and found Mike Brown standing there.

Even LeBron James was a bit surprised when he saw who it was.

Mike Brown cut straight to the point: "LeBron, have you and your team figured out a way to deal with the public opinion you're facing today?"

Before LeBron James could respond, Mike Brown continued, "LeBron, I have a good plan. How about we go back to the old tactics? As long as we win, it'll drown out all the noise!"

In Mike Brown's view, in the world of sports, winning was everything.

Hearing this, LeBron James's already dark face turned even darker.

He waved his hand and said, "Mike, one game doesn't prove anything."

Mike Brown: ********

Mike Brown was cursing LeBron James nonstop in his head.

Even at a time like this, he was still clinging to his so-called data and core status.

If you can't win, you're nothing.

People put up with you before because the team had no replacement.

But now that a replacement has appeared, LeBron James is no longer the only option.

There's no way they'll tolerate you endlessly!

Mike Brown forced a smile and said, "Fine, then for the next game, the offensive tactics will still revolve around you."

LeBron James nodded in satisfaction.

"Then I won't disturb you any longer. I'll be going now."

As Mike Brown walked out of the room, the smile on his face vanished instantly, and he left in a huff.