Chapter 179: Probably Just a Habit of Pretending

Fan Xi cannot hear Jimbas's inner roar.

In fact, even if Jimbas made such a request to him in his presence, he would not carry it out.

Because this route is currently the best for the Lakers, the Lakers' advantage is already in the paint, and Bai Na Mu, Pau Gasol and Odum performed so well tonight, there is no reason not to let them keep playing.

Ke Li Si Bo Shen was the most uncomfortable tonight; although he sounded especially fierce before the game, he was the first Miami player to do a countdown preview.

But tonight, Los Angeles could handle him single‑handedly.

Bai Na Mu posted up him, Odum drove past him, and Pau Gasol toyed with him using intricate skill work.

He was like a woman any man could have. Even Matt Barnes rushed in and covered his face with horse‑archery.

Miami's interior defensive lapse caused an outside imbalance.

Le Bu Lang Zhang Si and Wade performed well in limiting Fan Xi; Fan Xi was virtually invisible in personal offense tonight. However, after defending the perimeter, their interior double‑team became hard to retract.

Most importantly, Le Bu Lang Zhang Si's touch tonight was not as he claimed before the game; he was still iron.

His shooting efficiency was very low.

He could only rely on drives for damage, but in this regard, Wade did better.

James did not play as well as Wade in this year's Finals; after the game ended, he faced heavy criticism, with people questioning whether his versatility was actually helpful.

Those doubts, combined with immense pressure, left James with a furrowed brow; his normally seasoned appearance now looks considerably older.

The first half ended quickly.

The Lakers constantly held the initiative; after Pau Gasol shaved his head, he seemed like a different person, scoring 18 points and 6 rebounds in the half. Andrew Bai Na Mu's performance was also wild, with 9 points, 6 rebounds and 3 blocks, presenting the double‑tower formation that Lakers fans imagined.

Adding Odum, Deng Liwei, Barnes, Fan Xi and others' excellent play, the Lakers led 55–47 at halftime, an 8‑point lead.

The joy in Staples Center had already burst through the upper tier.

No one saw this coming; who could have imagined that after Kobe Bryant's injury, the Lakers would adjust so quickly, with Fan Xi dominating the game and overturning the Three Giants. This match shifted to the interior double‑tower, and the Miami Heat were far from as strong as imagined; the Three Giants' power was amplified.

Lakers fans find it hard not to imagine a three‑peat.

Meanwhile, the ESPN live stream argued about who should be the Finals MVP if the Lakers win the championship.

McBlin thought Pau Gasol was more suitable.

Reggie Miller said he didn't understand basketball at all, that he simply harbored a bias against Jieke Fan, and if this year's Finals MVP isn't Fan Xi, then what's the point?

When they opened their mics to argue, they paid no heed to the feelings of Heat fans watching on TV.

Fan Xi, when returning to the locker room, again produced a huge "scream".

Because Tai Lei Si Wu Fu Te grabbed his hand, and in front of the entire audience, Tai Lei Si Wu Fu Te embraced Duke Jieke and whispered many words into his ear.

The gesture was very ambiguous.

It sparked endless speculation.

The sideline audience was extremely excited; they had been waiting for this scene, and then many naturally turned their gaze toward Si Jia Li nearby, as well as the group of the Kardashian family.

Fight! Start fighting!!

This is the spectators' voice.

In fact, the two security staff who performed well in the previous game, Matte Black and Satin Black, were also told: you were very proactive before, but don't do that next time.

The Staples Center managers didn't want the incident to settle quickly; they wanted to see something more lively and exciting. If these female celebrities fought and scratched each other's faces, or tore each other's clothes, that would be unbeatable.

However, they restrained themselves tonight.

After Fan Xi entered the locker room.

The Kardashian women didn't rush to fight Taylor, probably because a bodyguard was sitting beside Taylor.

Tai Lei Si Wu Fu Te came prepared; her advantage over Lina in competition is that she always excels at summarizing experience.

The Kardashian women are also clever; a soft target is, of course, easier to squeeze. Bullying an idol pop singer is a different concept from bullying a strong, up‑and‑coming star.

Moreover, their main conflict now is with Si Jia Li Johnson.

The Black Widow called them a bunch of entertainment‑industry parasites, with no works of their own, only buzzing like stink bugs leeching off others.

Such a evaluation wounded the Kardashian family. Real accusations always can tear down psychological defenses.

Kim Kardashian kept a deadly stare at Si Jia Li, and constantly provoked her with familiar lip‑reading, uttering many s‑ and b‑initial words.

Si Jia Li remained unmoved.

…

Kobe was dancing in the locker room, he randomly groped Pau Gasol's head with his uninjured hand. He told Gasol: "You're tall and hard again today. Buddy, I never dreamed you'd be so resilient; we're definitely winning today!"

Kobe firmly believed his sixth championship was about to arrive.

The entire Lakers locker room was very optimistic and proactive, everyone wearing a smile, all believing that at this pace, taking Miami wouldn't be a big problem.

Old Bass and his veteran stars also thought so.

Jerry West said bluntly in the VIP suite: "Today's league is still dominated by the interior. Le Bu Lang Zhang Si and Wade are great superstars, but they can't control the boards or the paint. Ke Li Si Bo Shen is essentially a fake superstar."

Jia Ba'er strongly agreed with West's view: "In recent years, Los Angeles' team‑building strategy has been clear; we believed in the process from the start. From drafting Bai Na Mu to developing him, now we see him holding his own. When we traded from Memphis for Pau Gasol, the moment the double‑tower formed, we secured the championship key for the next decade."

Magic Johnson also confidently told Old Bass: "All this is thanks to your strong leadership; we could be so glorious. We greatly miss playing under you; for the Lakers' prosperity, please stay healthy forever."

They chatted happily.

Jimbas sat silently beside them, his occasional forced laugh sounding awkward.

He originally hoped his old father would come to witness Jieke Fan's domination, but instead saw Jenny's troops carrying the whole game.

Moreover, Jenny also took the veteran route, gaining support from the Veteran Group.

Isolated and helpless, a lone hand cannot clap.

Jimbas and Ku Pu Qie Ke stared at each other.

At this moment, Old Bass suddenly said: "After the game, we need to talk to Jieke, tell him to watch out for off‑court issues and not get into too many side stories. Young man, Hollywood temptations are hard to control. He still has a bright future, must focus on basketball, not be tempted…"

Old Bass also gave advice from experience: "I've taken many losses with women. Erwin, you need to communicate more with Jieke."

Old Bass still cared about Fan Xi; he specifically asked Magic Johnson to talk to Fan Xi, likely to share his own lessons, since messing with women can lead to AIDS, and Magic Johnson is the NBA's only case.

Magic Johnson let out a deep sigh and said, "Yeah, the temptations now are far greater than in our day. Jie Ke is playing even bigger than I did back then; I'm very worried about him. He's a very promising young man…"

"The thing I regret most is not keeping myself pure back then; if I had stayed focused on the court, perhaps I could have helped Los Angeles win more championships. Maybe then Michael Jordan would never have risen."

Ervin Johnson said rather sentimentally.

That moved Old Bass deeply. He turned his head and said to Young Bass, "Jim, you're the closest to Jie Ke; you must tell him this."

"Eh." Jim nodded.

"Also, it's best to break up with those Hao lai wu female stars. Even if you're playing with women, stick to amateurs. Those self‑righteous starlets are hard to handle…" Old Bass went on with his anecdotal advice.

It drew the veterans into loud laughter.

…

Beep!

The whistle sounded, and the second half began quickly.

Spoelstra made a lineup change, moving Le Bu Lang Zhang Si up to the four spot, intending for him to guard Pau Gasol.

In terms of weight, James is indeed well suited for this task.

But only his weight fits.

His height is far from Gasol's, and his back‑to‑the‑basket post game is very weak. In today's league, fewer perimeter players possess post‑up skills; Carmelo Anthony may already be a relic.

As the league's pace quickens and spacing expands, this close‑quarters grappling technique seems to be phased out.

Yet at such a crucial moment, lacking this move in the arsenal would be problematic.

The Miami Heat would be in trouble.

The Lakers stuck to the first‑half strategy, with Fan Xi orchestrating from the high post, using screens to cut into the free‑throw line and quickly passing to the paint. If the paint is double‑teamed, he feeds the perimeter, always finding open or mismatched opportunities; Fan Xi himself sometimes darts into the paint to steal points.

It sounds simple, but it actually demands very high qualities from the point guard.

First, one must possess top‑tier attacking ability.

Second, a rapid discernment eye.

Finally, the ability to distribute the ball quickly.

Although many basketball experts criticize Fan Xi for lacking flair in passing and creative thinking, distinguishing him from a genius‑type point guard.

Yet in today's era, accomplishing those three points is truly rare.

Nowadays most point guards are playing as forwards.

Miami failed to turn the tide, and the gap widened.

At the end of the third quarter, the Lakers led by 13 points.

At that moment, the DJ surprisingly played "We Are the Champions".

It set Staples Center ablaze with excitement.

In the VIP box, Old Bass was also very pleased, swaying as he asked his beautiful female assistant to help him up; he wanted to go forward to watch the young lads. He stood at the sideline, observing the vibrant, thriving scene, feeling delighted—tonight's victory was secured, the second three‑peat dynasty of the new century was assured.

Old Bass wore a smile all over his face.

Little did they know, shortly after standing, whether because the assistant's E‑cup was too turbulent or something else, the old man crashed headfirst onto her chest.

A flurry of chaos erupted in the box, and they hurried him to the hospital.

Looking at him, it's likely he won't hold on much longer.

Jean Bas and Jimbas, the two biggest rivals, were vying with each other while lifting the old man onto the stretcher.

Clearly, they had already prepared to see Old Bass off and were already contemplating what would follow his passing.

"Tell the players to play well and win this game; I'll celebrate with them in person."

Jean Bas instructed the staff while escorting Old Bass onto the ambulance.

At that moment, Jimbas kept urging the medical team: "Hurry, hurry, act fast; my father has a flaw, and I won't spare you."

The two displayed different attitudes.

Lying on the stretcher, Old Bass squinted, yet a sudden flash of sharp wit crossed his eyes.

He is a shrewd man whose life is full of legend; none who rose from nothing have had an easy path.

At this moment, he already had a judgment in his heart.

…

After the fourth quarter began, Fan Xi, who had played all three quarters, sat on the bench to rest.

He recorded 14 assists in the first three quarters.

Mike Bu Lin interpreted this dismissively: "I finally understand where his assists come from; such a simple assist‑boost, if it were me, I'd do the same."

"In the Lakers' case, even my grandma could rack up 10 assists in three quarters."

Mike Bu Lin exaggerated a bit.

Derek Fisher was pushed onto the court, partnering with Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Mai Ke Deng Liwei, and Matt Barnes.

Miami's lineup was Zhu Wan Howard, Haslem, Le Bu Lang Zhang Si, Mike Miller, and Chien Mos.

Both sides used rotation lineups.

On paper, the Lakers' roster looked stronger.

However, at the start, under pressure from Chien Mos and Miller, Derek Fisher couldn't pass the ball; James leapt high, stole the ball, launched a fast break, and assisted Mike Miller for a three‑pointer.

That play stunned Mike Bu Lin; his earlier words rang true, now slapped in the face.

Reggie Miller mocked him: "Now you see why ESPN pays a million‑dollar salary to seat me beside you? The network needs a real NBA veteran, not an old man who reads stats in a single‑dimensional way."

That made Mike Bu Lin uncomfortable; he retorted, "The Lakers rely on Pau Gasol and Bai Na Mu's inside presence; don't credit everything to Jie Ke Fan. Without those two, he's nothing. My Finals MVP vote will definitely go to Gasol…"

At that moment, Phil Jackson signaled Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom to join the offense.

Earlier, he had refused Fan Xi's request to re‑enter the game.

He thought Fan Xi should rest.

Moreover, he said to Fan Xi: "You must trust your teammates. A good leader is not someone who stays on the court all the time, nor does he take on everything. You need to rest."

The Zen master always manages to utter profoundly Zen words when the situation is favorable.

Probably just a habit of showing off.

Fan Xi muttered, "My physical condition is great now, much better than Paul's. It should be Paul who rests now, not me."

Phil Jackson just wouldn't listen.

Then…

…