111

Chapter 111 Artest's Pledge of Allegiance! Morey's Anger

night.

There are more than two hours left before the game between the Lakers and the Rockets begins.

The Staples Center was already packed.

As one of the teams with the highest attendance in the NBA, the Lakers never have to worry about selling tickets for their home games, but they are always worried about how much the tickets should cost.

After all, tickets for some important competitions are often hard to come by.

For example, for today's game against the Rockets, the Lakers adjusted the ticket prices, with the average ticket price nearly doubling. Some of the more popular tickets with good seats were even sold to extremely high prices by scalpers.

Where there is demand, there is trade.

Whether in China or the United States, there will never be a shortage of scalpers or rich people.

While scalpers were standing in the plaza of the Staples Center, reselling tickets unscrupulously, players from the Lakers and Rockets were being interviewed before the game.

Lakers interview room.

Jiang Chen once again attended the pre-match interview.

As a super potential new star who has been recognized as one of the core players of the Lakers, he will never miss such occasions again.

"Jiang, in this game, you will be facing Artest, the former best defensive player, in the small forward position. You will encounter a higher level of defense. Do you have the confidence to deal with Artest's defense?"

A reporter asked.

The other reporters also looked over.

After all, everyone knows that Jiang Chen will face real challenges on the defensive end in this game!

Although Jiang Chen was defended by top defenders like Kobe and James who were selected to the All-NBA First Team at the Olympics, Artest's defense was clearly tougher.

"Of course! As long as Artest doesn't hit me on the head with his elbow, I should be able to beat him to pieces!"

Jiang Chen smiled and said.

I thought of the famous scene in my previous life where Artest elbowed Harden, almost causing Harden to die on the spot.

Not everyone can withstand this iron elbow.

The reporters couldn't help but smile when they heard this, thinking that Jiang Chen was making fun of the Artest-Obama brawl in the palace.

"You will be competing with Yao Ming in this game. How do you feel about that?"

A reporter asked.

"It's amazing! Two months ago we were the closest teammates. Together we defeated the Dream Team 8 in the Olympic final and won the gold medal. Now we have become rivals. But I will not show mercy."

Jiang Chen said with a smile.

The American reporters in the audience immediately turned pale.

Is it necessary to explain it in such detail?

Besides, is a gold medal so great?

It's not like our American Dream Team has won it before, we were just eliminated in the past two sessions.

Even Kobe was slightly stunned, and then a trace of unwillingness flashed in his eyes.

This kid...really deserves a beating!

...

Rockets interview room.

The three giants sat in a row, looking majestic and energetic.

After forming the Big Three lineup, every player on the Rockets has gained confidence in the new season, not to mention the Big Three themselves.

"Yao, you will face Jiang Chen, who is also from China, for the first time in the NBA. Are you confident that you can win this game?"

The reporter asked.

"Jiang Chen is a very strong player and a very magical player. He always performs great and incredible performances on the court."

"But for our Rockets, this is a good opportunity to test the strength of our lineup. We will do our best to win this game!"

Yao Ming said this very modestly, and then he and Jiang Chen started to flatter each other commercially.

After all, he is a family brother, if he doesn't blow the trumpet, who will?

"cut."

Artest, who was sitting next to Yao Ming, snorted coldly, seeming to have a different opinion.

"Artest, are you confident that you can defend Jiang Chen?"

The reporter quickly looked at Artest.

Generally speaking, pre-match interviews are mostly business flattery or threats.

Now that Yao Ming has praised Jiang Chen, will Artest start to speak harshly?

"Of course. I will defend him to the point where he can't take care of himself. Limiting his scoring may be as easy as eating and drinking for me."

Artest said confidently.

He had already prepared for this game, and even regarded this game as a token of his joining the Rockets.

Let's use the performance of this game to prove to the Rockets management how correct this deal is!

Although his strength is no longer at the level that won him the Best Defensive Player award, no one can break through his defense.

There was excitement in the eyes of the reporters, and they looked like they were enjoying the fun.

Artest is not only a tough defender, but also has a hot temper!

This game will be worth watching.

Everyone has begun to look forward to it.

Of course, Kobe is also an offensive point that cannot be ignored.

In the interview, McGrady emphasized that after changing to the shooting guard position, he would do his best to limit Kobe's performance.

After completing the pre-match interview.

Players from both teams ran out of the player tunnel, appeared under the spotlight, and began warming up.

Dayao took the initiative to walk towards the Lakers' half.

Jiang Chen also came forward immediately.

"Good boy, I watched yesterday's game, you have improved again! Your three-point shooting is even better!"

Dayao said with a smile, with a hint of regret in his eyes.

If Morey had been able to successfully recruit Jiang Chen to join the Rockets, the Rockets would be even stronger now and might even be the favorite to win the championship.

"Haha, it's just a small improvement, not worth mentioning. But how is your injury, Dayao?"

Jiang Chen asked with great concern.

In his memory of his previous life, he remembered that the Rockets had a 22-game winning streak this season, the second longest in NBA history.

And Yao Ming also played a relatively complete season.

But ankle injuries are always a hidden danger!

"I'm fully recovered! This season, our Rockets team is going to do a lot! I can't hold them back. If we meet in the playoffs, I believe it will be fun."

Dayao said with his eyes twinkling and his tone full of anticipation.

"Don't worry, it will happen."

Jiang Chen said very seriously.

Dayao was slightly stunned.

Are you so sure?

After a few pleasantries.

The two returned to their respective teams and began warm-up training.

Morey, the general manager of the Rockets who came with the team to the Staples Center, saw this scene in the VIP room and angrily threw the wine glass in his hand to the ground.

Then, he said to his secretary in a cold tone: "Go tell Adelman to win this game! I want this Chinese rookie to regret not joining the Rockets! The Rockets are the team that is most capable of competing for the championship this season!!"

The secretary nodded, twisted her hips as hard as those of Kardashian, and walked out of the VIP room with a sound of DuangDuang...

China across the ocean.

Looking at the backs of the two Chinese players walking away from each other on the TV screen, the two commentators Yu Jia and Su Qun in the ct5 live broadcast room were filled with emotion.

How many years!

Finally, I saw this scene that countless Chinese fans longed for.

Finally, there is a new potential star in the NBA who is comparable to Yao Ming, or even surpasses Yao Ming.

Yi Jianlian was once highly expected, but after his rookie season, he did not meet expectations.

After being traded to the Nets this season, his playing time has been pitifully short.

As for Sun Yue, who was just selected as a second-round pick this season, he is still training in the Development League and it is unknown when he will be called back to the NBA.

Fortunately, there is Jiang Chen!

Yao Ming is not lonely in the NBA...

beep!

The referee blew the whistle.

The starting players of both teams come on stage!