Stern didn't refute Lin Qi, but simply rubbed his temples wearily.
This is precisely his most pressing problem right now.
Jerry Buss had cultivated his influence within the league for over two decades, accumulating considerable power and making numerous political enemies. In particular, since the 1980s, the Lakers, leveraging Los Angeles' unique geographical advantages and special business treatment, had reaped too many benefits under the spotlight, which had long harbored resentment among the owners of small markets in the Midwest.
What's even more complicated is Michael Jordan's identity.
Jordan is no ordinary retired player. As an iconic figure in the sport globally, his prestige among fans, the media, and the entire retired Players Association is unparalleled. If Jordan insists on making the matter public, revealing this dispute to the mainstream media, and characterizing Jerry Buss's "intoxicated remarks" as a breach of trust by the big market towards a legendary player, the entire league's public opinion will be dragged into a long and drawn-out battle.
At that point, small-market teams that were already dissatisfied with the Lakers' privileges will inevitably follow suit.
The Simon Brothers in Indiana, Larry Bird Miller in Utah, Kroenke in Denver... these owners, facing numerous constraints in their operations, will not easily let go of an opportunity to exploit the situation. They could easily use the pretext of upholding the seriousness of labor relations rules to demand the establishment of a special investigation committee at the board meeting and initiate formal inquiries into the Lakers ' management.
What Stern found most difficult to control was Lin Qi, who was sitting opposite him.
Over the past few years, Lin Qi has quietly built a significant network of partners within the NBA Board of Governors, thanks to his keen business acumen and capital management skills.
Jerry Colangelo of the Phoenix Suns, the Maloof Brothers of the Sacramento Kings, Charles Wong of the New Jersey Nets, the DeVos family of the Orlando Magic, and many others have close ties with Lin Qi.
If these teams reach a consensus on this issue, their voting rights would be enough to create significant resistance on the board of directors.
If Jordan publicly expresses his dissatisfaction, and Lin Qi behind the scenes pushes Colangelo, Maloof, and others to join forces with a group of owners who have long harbored resentment towards the big market to jointly make demands at a special board meeting...
The situation would then completely slip out of Stern's control.
They could even invoke the league bylaws regarding violations that harm the overall interests of the league to demand a vote of no confidence in the Lakers' management. In the most extreme scenario, forcing Jerry Buss to relinquish some of his team shares, or even colluding with external consortia to intervene in the Lakers' equity operations, are not entirely impossible at the rule level.
Even if things don't escalate to the point of a forced takeover, an internal investigation sweeping the board of directors can bring the entire alliance to a standstill.
Kobe's lawsuit in Colorado has already caused considerable concern among major sponsors across the United States. If the Los Angeles Lakers ' management gets bogged down in this quagmire that undermines business integrity, the league's promotional plans for the new season will face significant obstacles.
Stern needs to resolve Jerry Buss's troubles, but only after ensuring Lin Qi doesn't become the one to ignite the situation.
" Michael has been privately contacting team leaders these past few days," Stern said, softening his tone as his gaze fell on the documents on the desk. "His influence in the basketball world is undeniable. If he formally launches his attack at the upcoming preseason board meeting, some who are already dissatisfied with the big market will inevitably echo his sentiments. At this juncture, the board needs to remain fully rational."
Stern picked up his water glass, took a sip, and his tone became subtle yet meaningful. "Lin, we all know that Los Angeles is the league's pillar on the West Coast. Preserving this brand isn't about favoring any one person, but about maintaining the overall asset value of all franchises. As the league's most visionary young manager, I hope you can look at this from a broader perspective and make a choice that aligns with the league's overall interests."
Lin Qi leaned back in his chair, his fingertips lightly tapping the leather armrest, his expression a half-smile.
Stern didn't explicitly say "don't team up with other owners to cause trouble for Jerry Buss," but the implication was crystal clear.
" David, your words are indeed watertight," Lin Qi said calmly. "But two years ago, when Jerry Buss privately promised and strongly urged Michael to return to the court in Chicago to target Boston, he clearly didn't prioritize the 'overall interests of the league.' Now things have spiraled out of his control and backfired, and you expect me to step in and salvage the situation for him?"
Lin Qi paused, his tone calm yet firm. "Business is business. A Los Angeles Lakers embroiled in a credibility controversy doesn't do Boston any harm. I don't seem to have any reason to resolve internal conflicts for our main competitor. To be frank, I don't seem to have that obligation."
Stern looked at Lin Qi, a thoughtful expression flashing in his eyes, as if he had anticipated this.
He knew that for an opponent of Lin Qi's caliber, the rhetoric of "considering the bigger picture" was meaningless.
Stern took a pre-prepared document from the drawer and gently pushed it in front of Lin Qi.
"I called you here today to discuss a solution that can truly solve the problem." Stern leaned forward slightly. " Michael's core intention is to have his own team and enter the league's decision-making level. Since Los Angeles doesn't have that space, for the overall benefit of the league, the management intends to provide him with a more reasonable path in the Charlotte expansion project."
Lin Qi's gaze swept over the document cover...
"Proposed Plan for Charlotte Bobcats Franchise Access and Equity Structure".
"While the consortium led by Robert Johnson (founder of Black Entertainment Television ) secured the franchise, they lacked the necessary appeal at the basketball professional level," Stern explained. "The league office will act as a facilitator, pushing for Michael to join as a minority shareholder and head of basketball operations. This would not only resolve Michael's claim to team ownership but also allow him to focus all his energy on rebuilding in Charlotte from the Los Angeles disputes. This is the most dignified way to resolve the differences."
Lin Qi flipped through the plan and understood.
David Stern's political skills were indeed superb. He cleverly transformed Jordan's antagonism into new business ambitions by using a soon-to-be-implemented expansion franchise. As long as Jordan was brought into the owners' club and given management power, Jordan would naturally no longer try to destroy the league he was about to become a partner in.
"That sounds like a well-considered plan." Lin Qi closed the file and looked up. "But now that you have a direction, why make me fly all the way to New York?"