Chapter 242: Make a Fortune Quietly, Don't Be Loud About It

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When the outside world heard Kobe's so-called "I'm not playing with that asshole ever again," the Lakers had reached a crossroads.

Now it was the owner's turn to make a stance.

At the end of every season, the Lakers would hold an internal party, which everyone in the organization was required to attend.

At the party were Kobe, Karl Malone, and Payton, as well as Fox and Fisher... and of course, Shaquille O'Neal with his wife.

O'Neal still had the air of a leader about him, wearing a friendly smile, joking with everyone, then getting himself a drink.

He subsequently spotted owner Jerry Buss.

O'Neal originally wanted to greet Old Buss to show how much he was willing to continue playing for the Lakers. However, Old Buss turned away from the others, came up to Kobe and Vanessa to say a few words, and then left.

Although nothing happened, Old Buss's actions made it clear who he would choose to lead the team forward.