NBA: I really just want to be a second-in-command

Chapter 220

"what?!"

Old Bath's complexion changed, and he stood up directly from the chair.

"You called me all the way to tell us that you want to trade Lu? Are you stupid, or am I too old?!"

Zen master Phil Jackson and Kubchak were obviously a little surprised. They thought that the owner Jerry Buss would appreciate the details of the deal they provided this time. After all, they believed that after this deal, the Lakers would have the strength to win the championship.

They certainly thought Jerry Buss would be proud of the details of their trade.

But what they didn't expect was that Jerry Buss' reaction after hearing the news was obviously beyond the expectations of the two of them.

Kubchak observed the situation and naturally didn't want to continue talking, but Phil Jackson said, "Mr. Bass, I think we should really think about this deal. Couch and I have been trying to discuss it. This deal, but the appetite of the Memphis management has always discouraged us. We really don't have the bargaining chips, so we have been frowning about it.

But this time, Steve Kerr really came to trade with us with sincerity. They knew our current difficulties, and they wanted Lu Yusheng very much, so they decided to show more sincerity to trade with us. "

"So, you think this deal is very profitable for us?" Old Buss said, lighting a cigar and taking a puff.

"We have always needed a big center who can pass the ball. Last time we had dinner, I analyzed it with you, Mr. Bass. Last season, we failed because we didn't have a On a big man who can pass the ball, so although Kobe has played very well, our tactics have never been able to play, especially in the last three games, when Luke Walton was severely restricted, our tactics were struggling , which caused us to be overturned in the lead,

So this season, our primary goal is to find a big player who can pass the ball. At first we identified Yao Ming, but he has a very good relationship with Houston and he is not willing to leave at all. Therefore, our final consideration is that Spain The big man Pau Gasol is the most suitable for our tactics and lineup. If we can get him, he will become the most important part of our triangle offense. With him and Kobe, one inside and one outside, we will Immediately, the most perfect offensive and defensive system will be formed. This is the winning lineup. "

When the Zen master spoke these words, he was very excited, and the excitement on his face was beyond words.

But after hearing this, Old Bath didn't react much, and he was still smoking a cigar calmly.

Seeing that the Zen master did not expect the old Bass's smile, he had to turn his head and wink at Kubchak in surprise, asking him to say something.

Seeing this, Kubchak smiled, walked over and said, "Mr. Bass, you once said that too many champions have made us all a little tired. Unless it is possible to bring a new champion, otherwise Don't bother you with these trivial matters, and today, Phil and I called you here because the three-party deal we've structured now can definitely bring us a champion, Mr. Bass, champion, Phil He won so many championships with the Bulls, and later helped us win three consecutive championships. He is definitely experienced in this area, so he thinks this lineup can win the championship. I think there should be no problem. We have to Trust him, right?"

Old Bath still didn't speak, just smoking his cigar silently.

Kubchak and Zen Master exchanged glances, and for a moment they couldn't figure out what old Bass was thinking.

The old Bass pinched his cigar, and then said slowly, "Maybe you are right, according to this trading plan, we may win the championship for us, but the question is, don't you think that this is a completely loss-making deal? Is it?"

After hearing this, Zen Master smiled slightly, leaned over and said, "We have considered this issue, and it is like this. If we only look at Lu Yusheng's current transaction value, it would be a little bit of a loss for those draft picks. Yes, but taking a step back, if we use this deal to win a championship, from this level, then I don’t think it’s a loss.”

Kubchak also said, "Yes, Mr. Bass, for a giant club like our Lakers, only the championship can accelerate the market expansion. We are no longer the time to make money by selling tickets. Our current box office is comparable to that of The record has nothing to do with it. Even if we keep losing, the Staples Center can still be filled with spectators, but what we are pursuing now is the longer-term market value, which is to make the Lakers brand more attractive and attract more fans from all over the world. fans, only in this way can our other prices rise, and only winning the championship is the best solution to maximize our brand value globally."

Old Bass frowned, "Cutch, do you think I'm too old to understand these principles?"

Kubchak laughed hurriedly, "Where, you taught me these principles at the beginning, how could you not understand, but I think at this time, I have to tell you that this transaction, for us, is It is not simply purely based on the gains and losses of the transaction itself, but on its future impact and value.”

The old Bass said, "OK, since you are talking to me about the future value and influence, as well as the influence on our Lakers brand, let me ask you two, who is the most popular player in the current NBA?"

Kubchak and Zen Master looked at each other without speaking.

"Even my cook knows that there is a very strong Chinese star in the NBA this year, and he is from the Lakers." Old Bass said, "Isn't this an increase in the influence of our Lakers brand? Now we are number one in the Western Conference, you guys Think about it, what was our record at this time last season?

If I remember correctly, at that time, we seemed to be wandering around No.10 in the West, right?At that time, a lot of media said that it was impossible for us to enter the playoffs. It was Kobe's late effort and crazy scoring that made us enter the playoffs.

But in one season, without any changes in the lineup, this season, we have reached the first place in the Western Conference, and it is so easy. What is the reason for this, I don’t think I need to say more?He is only a first-year rookie kid who can help our team achieve such achievements. You are still thinking of trading him here. I really don’t know what to say other than using words like stupid to describe you. How can I describe you! "

Old Bath's loud words made the office quiet for a while.

At this moment, Kubchak didn't dare to speak anymore when he saw the sullen look on Old Bath's face.

But Zen Master had his own ideas, and he still said, "Mr. Bass, we have never underestimated the strength of Lu Yusheng, and we are also very clear that trading him in this way is purely based on this transaction. It is indeed a loss, but the problem is that when we build a championship lineup, we do not blindly look at the player's personal strength, but whether he fits our lineup and our tactical requirements. In 04, , We introduced Karl Malone and Gary Payton on the basis of having Kobe and O'Neal. This lineup is already strong enough on paper, but in the finals, we still lost to Detroit..."

Before he could finish his sentence, he was stopped by the old Bass with a referee's pause gesture.

"Phil, I know you're a smart guy, but please don't play this kind of stealing concept in front of me. There was another reason for the loss in 04, not because any of our players didn't adapt to our game." It is caused by tactics, which is completely different from the current situation. Of course, if you have to compare it with the situation in 04, I think the biggest harvest I got from that year is not to sacrifice the future to gather stars for the sake of winning the championship. line-up,
How many draft picks did we sacrifice that year to trade two old players who were on the verge of retirement, but we didn't win the championship and they left. What was the direct result for us?We are still wiping our ass for the deal of that year. If there was no such a reluctant deal that year, why did we still have no way to find a good helper for Kobe until this year? We consumed the future and sacrificed so many picks. What? "

"But the problem is, Paul Gasol, he is not Karl Malone, nor Gary Payton, he is still very young, he will be the future of our Lakers." Kubchak also echoed.

"No matter how young he is, is Lu Yusheng still young?" Old Bass said, "He will be the future of the Lakers in the future? But I think Lu Yusheng is our future now."

"Mr. Bass, it's like this. Maybe you didn't listen carefully to what we just said. Lu Yusheng is indeed very good, but he is not suitable for our lineup. Besides, he is just a rookie anyway. We If you want to win the championship this year, relying on him, I think... I'm afraid it's a bit unrealistic..."

"If you don't win the championship this year, then next year!" Mr. Bass said with wide eyes, "Besides, you said just now that he is not suitable for our lineup? What do you mean? He is not suitable for our lineup, and he can still lead the team to the No. one?"

"I mean……"

"Enough! Shut up!" Old Buss stood up angrily, "I really don't know what your brains are made of. To be able to select such a player is because I have done too much for the league and basketball. , The reward God gave me, you guys are actually thinking about how to trade him, it’s ridiculous! Kobe won’t agree to this matter, right?”

"This matter...he doesn't know yet."

"Then don't let more people know about it, lest it reach Lu Yusheng's ears," Old Bass said seriously, "Go back and tell Steve Kerr, don't think that he is the smartest in the world, and everyone else is stupid I’m like a pig, I’ll say it again, no one will ever mention the matter of trading Lu Yusheng to me again!”

Saying that, Old Bass stood up and walked outside, then remembered something, turned back and said to Kubchak, "Cutch, your business ability is good, but I think your vision is not as good as that old guy's." , is really too far away.”

Kubchak knew without asking that Buss Sr. was referring to his predecessor, Jerry West.

"Also, let me reiterate again, Lu Yusheng and Kobe will be the two most dazzling big names of our Los Angeles Lakers in the future. If you are given two stars of this level, you can't lead them to win the championship, then I definitely won't I will doubt the ability of the players, and I will doubt your ability.

And don't think that what I said today is too serious. Let me tell you, if Magic Johnson is here today, he will definitely point your nose and scold you.Of course, these are not the most important. The most frightening thing is that after you made such a deal, the scolding from the fans of the Los Angeles Lakers will make you unbearable. "

After speaking, Jeribas pushed the door and walked out.

Kubchak sighed, he took out a cigarette from the drawer, lit one, took a puff and said, "I really didn't expect Mr. Bass to have such an attitude. Don't care about what happens on the court, just care about the championship."

"It seems that there is no good way to persuade him?" the Zen master asked.

"Oh, Phil, don't you see it now? This deal is simply impossible now. If even your boss doesn't agree, you will think too much, talk too much, and do more. What's the use, of course, I know you're stubborn about wanting the Spanish big man, I understand you, Phil, but it's no use, if you still insist on getting this deal done, I have only one condition." Kubchak said.

"What conditions?" Phil Jackson asked.

"Don't take me with you," Kubchak said, "Don't take me with you, haven't you heard what Mr. Bass said just now, he said that my vision is not as good as that of Jerry West, I Knowing Mr. Bass, he is already warning me in disguise, if I go against him with you again, I don’t think I can bear the consequences anyway.”

The Zen master sighed after hearing the words, "It seems that we may have to adjust the tactical direction..."

"Adjust the tactical direction?"

"Yeah, when we can't get that Spanish big man, if we want to win the championship, I'm afraid we can only adjust our tactics." Zen Master frowned slightly, "It's a pity, after planning for so long, I have already paved the way for Kobe. It's been so long, I thought it was safe, but who knows... oh... You said Mr. Bass, why is he so stubborn?"

"Okay, stop complaining now, who is the boss," Kubchak said, "I think you should think about it now, when the big Spanish man comes or doesn't come, what will happen to us this season? Is there still hope to win the championship? Anyway, we are at least number one in the West now."

"I think... the hope is very slim." The Zen master shook his head and said.

(End of this chapter)