Chapter 703

Then next season.

Jason Kidd and Vince Carter would be the league's strongest backcourt duo.

This big trade also moved the entire league.

"No.

Without Vince Carter, the Nets had already entered the finals for two consecutive seasons.

Last season, they also entered the division semifinals, but only lost the game after meeting the championship-winning Bulls.

But.

Their overall strength still possessed the possibility of entering the finals.

But now, the addition of Carter, one of the Four Great Shooting Guards, instantly sublimated the entire Nets team.

Allowing them to immediately promote from a civilian team to the ranks of the Eastern powerhouses.

This would instantly make them a championship-level team, even because of Carter's existence.

Then their probability of winning the championship greatly increased.

Because... one of the reasons why the Nets were still called a "civilian team" while being able to enter the finals.

Lay in the fact that one of the "Three Musketeers", the strongest Kidd, had poor ability in critical shots.

The title "Kidd doesn't attack" was not groundless.

When it truly came to the last moment, when a star needed to stand up to solve problems for the team.

Kidd always disappeared, and he always thought about passing the ball, thinking about letting teammates finish the game.

How could that work.

This was also why the Nets entered the finals for two consecutive years, but all returned with hatred.

But Carter was different.

He possessed very strong critical shot ability and was a player with a "big heart".

His appearance, his parachuting, made the Nets' overall strength suddenly rise a level.

The Nets next season would make the league feel fear!!!"

"That's right."

"Completely correct."

"The Bulls with Su Yan would still be favorites to win the championship next season, but the Nets with Carter parachuting in would also be ridiculously strong.

Interesting.

I feel the competition in the East next season will be extremely intense!"

"Haha... that's exactly what it should be, so the new season will have expectations, and the new season will look good!"

"..."

Carter parachuted into the Nets.

This heavyweight trade instantly made the New Jersey Nets' popularity soar, keeping them in hot topics for quite some time.

And at about the same time.

Kobe, after hearing that Carter went to the Nets to form the "Three Musketeers", without saying a word, came to the Lakers' president's office again.

Why?

To ask owner Jerry Buss whether he wanted him or "Big Shark" O'Neal next season.

So direct?!

That's right.

It was just that direct.

The conflict between him and O'Neal had reached an irreconcilable point.

If they won the championship, the two might have parted ways, but it would have been more decent.

But the Lakers dragged it on and on.

Now.

Kobe directly forced the Lakers' management, forcing the Lakers' owner to ask whether he wanted his future or O'Neal's remaining peak?

If they chose O'Neal, he would leave the Los Angeles Lakers and join other powerful teams like Carter.

If they chose him, then they must trade O'Neal away.

And Kobe hadn't said this for the first time.

Almost less than a week after losing the finals, Kobe had clearly explained the situation to the Lakers' management.

Explaining... the situation where only one of him and O'Neal could stay, letting the Lakers' management consider it carefully.

At that time.

It was said relatively gently, not so strongly.

Now.

Time had dragged on for several months, and seeing the new season was almost here, but he still couldn't be clear about who his next team was.

This made him unhappy.

This made him unable to even train with peace of mind.

He couldn't wait.

He couldn't wait any longer.

If the Lakers' management didn't give an answer today, then he would default to choosing "Big Shark" O'Neal and leave on his own.

"Sigh..."

Jerry Buss sighed and asked for the last time, "Kobe, is it really impossible for you and O'Neal to reconcile?!

Don't you think about the past?!

Don't you think about the future?!"

"The OK Combination created the Purple and Gold Dynasty, you are the most powerful combination in this league.

After you separate, neither side may do well, have you... really thought it through?!"

"Yes."

Kobe's tone was flat.

For those few years of being the second-in-command, he didn't want to reminisce, nor did he think it was anything great.

He was born to be a leader.

Then how could he allow himself to always be someone else's little brother.

Key.

O'Neal's lazy training attitude made him even more unable to accept such a person as his boss.

Most importantly... he felt his current ability had surpassed O'Neal's.

But.

People outside, when commenting on the two, always said O'Neal was the strongest, and he was second.

He was the eternal second place.

Second place was the number one loser.

Kobe was unwilling to accept it; he didn't want to be the second-in-command, he didn't want to live in someone else's shadow forever.

"Yes."

Kobe said firmly again, "Only one of Shaquille and I can stay!!!"

"Good."

Jerry Buss, seeing Kobe still so decisive and resolute, nodded, and then smiled slightly, "Kobe, if you can't play well together.

If only one can be chosen, then we will choose you!

So.

Give us a little more time, give us a little time to trade O'Neal away and exchange for good chips."

"Okay."

Kobe nodded.

This was the answer he wanted, and then he promised heavily, "You can rest assured.

Even if it's just me, I will definitely be able to lead the Lakers to win the championship trophy again!

This is my promise to you!!!" ===== CHAPTER 705 =====