Chapter 469: New and Consecutive Wins

After Fan Xi and Kobe Bryant embraced, he walked back to the locker room, he refused all interview requests from reporters, he did not think this was a night belonging to himself, although he was the victor, although he secured victory in the final moments, although he blocked Kobe Bryant's last chance.

Tonight Fan Xi had 25 points, 16 assists, 10 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocks, the stats were beautiful, and in crucial moments he was still so effective.

He is undoubtedly the winner, he not only won this game, but also won Los Angeles' champion seat. It can even be said that he established the identity of the Western champion. In the entire West, no one's brilliance will surpass Jieke Fan's.

He has already stood atop the West for three consecutive years, the title of West King is wholly deserved.

Kobe Bryant was surrounded by reporters, without a doubt he was the most eye-catching star of tonight.

Although tears were swirling in the eyes of the live Lakers fans, but when they saw Kobe Bryant and Fan Xi embrace and then he walked alone toward the interview area, many people still shouted: Kobe, MVP! MVP! MVP!

To Lakers fans, Kobe Bryant was not only the MVP of this game, but also the Lakers' MVP over the past 17 years.

The Lakers lost, but Kobe Bryant did not lose.

Kobe Bryant greeted those around him.

Then, facing the reporters' cameras. This stubborn guy's eyes first showed a hint of relieved emotion; he clearly knew that his physical condition and the team's overall atmosphere were no longer the situation of 2008 when he sat after losing the Finals.

"This is the final result of this series."

Kobe Bryant told reporters.

When reporters asked how he viewed his own career-high playoff points, he shook his head and said: "It has no significance for discussion."

Reporters then also asked him how he viewed tonight's Lakers tactics and the condition of his teammates.

He did not answer any of them.

He was sparing with his words.

But when talking about Fan Xi, he became talkative. "Without a doubt, everyone underestimated Jieke Fan and his team, including us. Jieke Fan is already the best combo guard on this planet, his growth rate surprised me, and in fact exceeded everyone's expectations."

"In fact, when the Lakers first discovered Jieke, I thought he was coming to assist me. I imagined that one day, when he had fully grown, I would hand the team over to him. But some irresistible factors interrupted all that. Then Jieke Fan's growth rate also exceeded my expectations."

"I originally thought he would become an All-Star in 2013, and then a superstar in 2015......"

Saying this, Kobe Bryant smiled.

There was a bitter taste.

Lakers fans in front of the TV felt even more bitter.

"Bless him."

Kobe Bryant said his last words.

Then he left the camera.

Time Warner Television's camera gave a long shot, continually seeing him off as he slowly, lonely walked into the player tunnel, until he disappeared from sight.

This is a shot with a sense of ceremony.

It signifies the end of the Los Angeles Kobe Bryant era.

Next, it is Fan Xi's era.

Fan Xi is going to contend in the Finals.

Although, the Eastern Conference has not yet decided the ultimate winner.

…

Fan Xi celebrated the victory with his teammates in the locker room; defeating the strong Lakers in the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive year unleashed their uncontainable excitement, and moreover flourished, generating more confidence.

Arenas led the champagne offensive in the locker room, he sprayed the sweet-tasting alcohol onto everyone's heads, McIlbang even was thrown into the ice bucket. Also assistant coach Bilupusi did not escape their grasp, Arenas directed Leonard and Mili Xiqi to give him a human ice cube… which slid across the floor.

Groups with many young people always have a cheerful atmosphere.

This team gets along like true friends.

They had already built solid friendships in a string of victories, and these friendships were positive; they did not gather together to discuss some degenerate games.

Nowitzki also participated, but as an inward-looking older foreigner, he quickly ran out of the locker room to catch his breath; he did not want to play the new cream game.

He leaned against the wall.

This was not his first time charging out of the West, but these two years with the Clippers indeed gave him a dreamlike feeling. Last season the Clippers were the oldest team in the league, this season the Clippers' average age instantly dropped to the league's minimum level.

But the expected decline in performance did not happen. On the contrary, the Clippers created a winning streak record and a win total record in the regular season, and it was completely impossible for later teams to catch up.

Now, they swept the Lakers again, becoming the Western Conference champions.

Soon, Fan Xi ran out from inside.

He had already changed into the prepared Western Conference champion T-shirt; next they will complete the Western Conference champion award ceremony at Staples Center.

"Jieke, don't you feel tonight is like a beautiful dream?" Nowitzki and Fan Xi talked about life: "I never dreamed of leaving the Mavericks before; I used to feel inexplicable fear when seeing the Lakers. But now we have already defeated them twice. I feel that defeating the Heat or the Bulls next will not be a problem."

Fan Xi raised his eyebrows, smiling and saying: "Your feeling is correct."

"You say, if I had met you in 05, would we have monopolized all championships?" Nowitzki then proposed another whimsical idea.

"Probably not."

Fan Xi shook his head, saying: "When I was in 05, I was still in eighth grade; the NBA would not allow me to enter the Dallas arena."

Um….

Nowitzki directly broke down.

Discussing age in front of Fan Xi really makes these old guys feel embarrassed.

Fan Xi has already won three Western Conference championships, but in fact he is still under 22 years old.

The Western Conference championship award ceremony was held soon.

Although the Clippers players looked somewhat disheveled, covered in alcohol and cream, their pride on their faces was unmatched.

Tonight's presenter for them was Adam Silver.

He will soon officially become the NBA commissioner, having already begun to do many works in place of David Stern, such as tonight he came to Staples Center to award the trophy to Fan Xi and his team.

Fan Xi received the trophy from his hand.

Originally Fan Xi thought this was just a simple award ceremony.

But Adam Silver whispered to Fan Xi's ear: "Keep going, Jieke. Hope you become the next era's magician, Jordan."

Fan Xi expressed thanks.

Adam Xiao Hua gave Fan Xi a heavy pat on the shoulder as encouragement.

Afterwards, reporters interviewed Kuaisuan players, and Fan Xi also gave a brief interview. But he didn't say much, only that the trophy belongs to all Kuaisuan players, belongs to all fans who love and support Kuaisuan.

Fan Xi is getting better at giving platitudes.

Nowitzki, on the other hand, talked at length about team culture, said he was moved, said he was having a great time in Los Angeles, sincerely.

But Fan Xi knows… this could be Nowitzki's farewell.

Next season, Nowitzki's contract will end.

Kuaisuan did not enter early extension talks with him; it was an unspoken understanding. Everyone knows Nowitzki came to Los Angeles to fulfill a dream; his dream was realized last season, and this season the expectations are even higher.

Dallas fans are already waiting with open arms, eagerly anticipating a star dual‑forward lineup of Nowitzki and Griffin.

That trade is still considered a win‑win by Dallas fans.

Although Mark Kuban is now a bit frustrated, he had expected to get more, but the league introduced a lottery system. Moreover, if Kuaisuan wins the championship this season, Fan Xi will have to go to the Eastern.

Kuban now sends Fan Xi a text every few days, always saying that Kuaisuan's honor includes him, and Kuaisuan should give him a championship ring.

Fan Xi never replies.

Let him emo on his own.

…

This night was joyous and bountiful for Kuaisuan and its supporters.

They swept the Lakers, clearing Los Angeles's final obstacle.

Everyone knew that Los Angeles ushered in a new king and a new era.

The Lakers, though deeply rooted and a powerhouse, have had their pride mercilessly shattered over two seasons; from tonight onward, the fan landscape in Los Angeles reaches a watershed.

Jean Bas's name was wildly cursed under the Lakers' official page, and everyone thought Jean Bas was the chief culprit.

Including inside the Lakers.

She is the one who must be held responsible for all this.

She orchestrated the trade involving Fan Xi, turning the power struggle with Jimbas into the team's greatest harm.

This again proves that a successor to a powerhouse doesn't need great intelligence or skill; without stirring things up, they can maintain glory. Too many people with Jean Bas's mindset actually cause harm.

Jean Bas's resignation has become a done deal.

Kevin Durant's prophecy is rapidly becoming reality.

In fact, Durant left a mocking comment on his website the moment the game whistle blew: "I thought the Lakers could hold out for five games. But… some people wasted Kobe's magical performance." Next, he's going to shake it off and leave Los Angeles.

Kevin Durant and Chris Paul's verbal sparring was settled by a sweep.

Next, we'll see whether Paul will leave the Lakers, and how he will leave.

Paul is already an unrestricted free agent; he can sign with any team as a free agent, and although the Lakers can offer him the biggest contract, for a superstar of his caliber that monetary difference is negligible. He might even earn more by going to a state with a lower tax base.

Of course, for Paul, the championship matters more.

Paul had not entered early extension talks with the Lakers before this; he clearly wants to decide after winning a championship.

He doesn't want to keep grinding with Fan Xi in Los Angeles; he knows his disadvantage.

Now, the Lakers being swept only strengthens his view.

Although this will give Durant a chance to scoff, it will also provoke media teasing.

But Paul believes time will soften everything, and he believes even more that a championship can heal all.

So after the game ended, he returned to the locker room, didn't even take a shower, grabbed his bag and left Staples Center.

He drove his car all the way to his mansion… the one he bought last year.

The day before yesterday, his agent told him the mansion's market value had risen by over a million dollars, probably one of his few gains in Los Angeles.

On the way home, Le Bu Lang Zhang Si called him.

Their friendship is good.

James comforted him and urged him to relax, not to fuss over the spat with Durant, enjoy the upcoming holiday, and invited him to go to Miami.

Chris Paul accepted James's invitation; he will go to Miami.

But he might not appear at the Miami arena, in case the Heat also lose.

Of course, if Miami holds absolute advantage, he will definitely give the loudest shout for his brothers at Meihangzhongxin qiuguan.

He really wants to beat Fan Xi.

When he was speeding his car toward home, he received a call from an unknown number.

After he answered, it was James Harden on the line.

Harden's opening line was simple: "Chris, come to Houston. If we join forces, we'll be unstoppable. I'm younger than Kobe, and my three‑point shooting is more accurate than his."

Harden launched his recruitment drive.

He had prepared this call for a long time; he and Paul had a chemistry of mutual understanding at the London Olympics, and he believes that this chemistry will carry over to the NBA.

The Rockets' owner is about to be replaced, which means whether it's Alexander or the new owner, they won't be stingy at such a moment; if they have a chance to do something big, they'll definitely bring all their resolve.

Moreover, the Rockets' salary‑cap space is very healthy now.

So James Harden's first call was to Chris Paul. The second call, he plans to make to Dwight Howard.

His desire to recreate a Los Angeles idea is very strong, new and consecutive victories! (gibberish)

Chris Paul specifically stopped his car; he was very interested in Harden's invitation.

Although Kobe posted his career‑high playoff points tonight, showcasing his superb individual ability, Chris Paul still feels Kobe often didn't mesh well with him, and Kobe is deeply rooted in Los Angeles.

James Harden, however, is different; he just went to Houston, and he previously played as the sixth man for the Thunder, showing his flexibility.

He went himself, took control of the whole picture, and Harden also has three‑point shooting.

If they add another strong center, wouldn't that be a launch?

Chris Paul's thoughts aligned with Harden's. He replied, "I'm very interested in your invitation, but I need a better center partner. Although Axi Ke is good, as there is also a center with extremely strong athletic ability, I think we would be unstoppable."

"How about Dwight?"

James Harden said, "I'll immediately give him an invitation call."

"If he agrees, and if the Rockets have enough salary‑cap space, I have no reason to refuse."

Chris Paul said cheerfully.

This is the new Three Giants.

He and Harden hit it off immediately.

He hopes all this becomes real, although the NBA has many such discussions that ultimately vanish into thin air.

At least tonight he will have a good sleep, and won't be immersed in the frustration of failure.

…