บท 4: Crossover Maniac! One-on-One with LeBron James!
At this time in China, due to the delay, Tencent commentators were introducing Jiang Lin to the audience.
Commentator Wang Zixing: "One year after Yao Ming's retirement, another Chinese player is fighting in the NBA. In the latter part of the second quarter, Jiang Lin was substituted in. This is his first appearance during his 10-day short contract. Let's look forward to his NBA debut!"
Guest commentator Wang Shipeng: "Yes, this is Jiang Lin's first official NBA game. He has spent the past nine days in practice games with the team. Facing the Miami Heat, who have the Big Three, we hope he won't be too nervous and avoid making mistakes."
Wang Zixing: "Indeed, his performance has been average so far, but like many fans, I hope our Chinese player will put on a good show."
Wang Shipeng, who hadn't retired yet and was at the tail end of his prime, was a big brother in the national team. Now, during the CBA off-season, he was a guest commentator at Tencent.
He straightforwardly said, "Xiao Jiang has performed well in the league, playing hard and fearlessly. I hope he can start from defense in the NBA, maintain his aggressiveness, and improve his three-point shooting. Although there might be a gap compared to NBA-level guards, as long as he practices diligently, he can definitely become a rotation player in the NBA."
Wang Shipeng, the strongest shooting guard in the current national team, was actually being quite diplomatic. He meant that Jiang Lin's current level was not sufficient for the NBA and that he could only rely on his aggressiveness and defense; his offense lacked any lethal moves.
Wang Zixing: "Hmm, let's hope his sharp fast-break ability from the league will help him get his first points!"
Next to them, the beautiful host Mei Na was watching LeBron James the entire time. She had never heard of Jiang Lin...
Domestic trolls were also rampant, with Kobe and LeBron fans arguing daily, often targeting entire teams without caring about nationality.
Kobe's fadeaway jump shot: "Jiang Lin is okay, his dribbling and defense are decent, he can be developed!"
LeBron's the best: "Come on, he's an undrafted player, signed to a 10-day short contract to make money for the Lakers. Developed? Developed into what?"
"Too scared to shoot threes, too scared to drive, just passing the ball at half-court. Isn't he just a benchwarmer? Face reality, stop being blindly supportive!"
"Our country produces plenty of inside players, but guards? Forget it."
"This Jiang Lin can't even dominate Guo Ailun back home, what's he doing in the NBA?"
"Yeah, even a black guard who can't get playing time in the NBA would dominate all CBA domestic guards, you know what I mean?"
"Stop it, I'm crying."
"So, don't take this too seriously. It's just hype. Lakers + Chinese player, you get it. With this kind of competition and fundamentals, how can a 20-year-old play in the NBA? Go back home and train for a few years."
"Honestly, it's kind of embarrassing..."
Embarrassing, my ass!!!
Damn!!!
Did you see that!! This ball-handling technique!!
Is that Kyrie Irving?
And just like that, the commentary on the game hotline suddenly changed, as Jiang Lin's assist reignited their hope.
Compared to his timid performance before the timeout, his proactive attack and fearless play against tight defense in this moment brightened the fans' eyes.
"His dribbling, the rhythm is really good."
"His center of gravity is very low, making those behind-the-back and crossover moves right in front of Chalmers, utilizing his body well, completing his first assist in the NBA!" Commentator Wang Zixing nodded in approval during the live broadcast.
On the court, Coach D'Antoni nodded slightly. Not bad. The Lakers lacked this kind of facilitator, a role originally meant for Nash.
Jiang Lin looked at his palm joyfully. This feeling! This seamless integration of his dribbling techniques with his mind, effortlessly translating them into moves on the court.
It's amazing!!
These moves felt as simple as if he had practiced them tens of thousands of times. Even against an NBA-level defender, he knew he wouldn't be stripped, feeling more confident and flashier than in his previous life!
Everything was real. The system didn't deceive him; he was strong now!
He knew the kind of doubts people had back home. He used to be a troll himself. But now, he would use his skills to prove them wrong!
Odom grimaced but had nothing to say.
Kobe, seeing the ball go in, shouted for everyone to get back on defense, not celebrating for a rookie.
After the alley-oop dunk, Jordan Hill roared in celebration. Jiang Lin didn't have time to celebrate with him and immediately stuck to Battier.
But LeBron was too strong. After the Lakers scored, he quickly inbounded the ball, bulldozing past Metta World Peace for a coast-to-coast layup!
After scoring, he made his signature two-handed downward motion, the King's step!
Kobe furiously trash-talked Jordan Hill on the court for not getting back on defense quickly, making the scene a bit awkward. The guy just dunked, and it wasn't entirely his fault.
Jiang Lin calmly received the ball in the frontcourt. Chalmers, after being embarrassed by the rookie, defended him full court. Jiang Lin protected the ball with his left hand, did a crossover through his legs to change direction, and dribbled past Chalmers.
To make matters worse, Odom demanded the ball at half-court: "Hey, give me the ball to run the play!"
"Damn it." Annoyed, Jiang Lin threw the ball to him.
"You better make it! You wine-and-women-worn-out wreck," Jiang Lin sneered. In the NBA, rookies like him had to give up the ball to veterans at will.
Odom complained about the slow pass while running a pick-and-roll with Kobe. Kobe faced a double team and passed to Odom, who took a dribble and shot a mid-range jumper, hitting the front rim and bouncing far off.
Jordan Hill jumped high for the offensive rebound. Perhaps feeling grateful, the dreadlocked black young man saw Jiang Lin open at the top of the arc and passed the ball to him.
The pass was bad, but Jiang Lin took a few quick steps to catch the ball.
Here's my chance!!
Determined to take the shot himself this time, Jiang Lin made a steadying hand signal after catching the ball, and a player wearing the number 6 jersey and a white headband immediately came over to defend him.
LeBron James!!
Jiang Lin didn't think too much, not even recognizing who it was. Comfortably catching the ball at the top of the arc, he immediately executed a big crossover, trying to catch the defender off guard.
But this was an elite defender, and LeBron James stepped forward, closing the space and applying tremendous physical pressure, blocking Jiang Lin's path.
"Wow, the physical difference is obvious." To the fans, it seemed like LeBron had completely shut Jiang Lin down. The Chinese player couldn't move LeBron at all.
This was LeBron at his peak, a relentless defensive beast with top-tier lateral speed in the league.
Just when everyone thought Jiang Lin would pass the ball after failing to break through, he started his showcase move!!
Not only did he not stop, but he also made a big crossover to the right, pulling the ball back with another change of direction, creating space. He then glanced at his defender.
LeBron James?
Perfect.
I want to challenge the best!
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