But Kobe wouldn’t listen at all.
"No," he retorted loudly. "I don’t care about all that. I’m playing in the All-Star Ga, and that’s final."
’Those dia guys always said last year’s championship was just riding O’Neal’s coattails.’
’Sure, looking at the stats, I was a far cry from O’Neal.’
But Kobe wasn’t convinced. This season, he was already averaging 27 points per ga, practically the sa as O’Neal.
’The OK Duo isn’t just the O. There’s a K, too.’
’So I deserve so of the credit for last year’s championship.’
’And you got the MVP grand slam last year, so this year it’s my turn.’
There was no way Kobe would accept missing such an opportunity over a minor injury.
"Kobe, calm down." Pelinka, startled, hurried forward to placate him.
Kobe ignored him, shrugging off Pelinka’s hand. He looked Chen Yu straight in the eye. "Chen, I know you’re looking out for , and I appreciate it. But this All-Star Ga is too important to . I can’t let myself sit it out, especially when I know I can play."
"Chen, even if there’s sothing wrong with my body, you made Hill’s swelling go down in 24 hours. Why can’t you fix ? I’m the patient. You’re supposed to heal ."
Kobe yelled, his eyes filled with defiance.
In that mont, Chen Yu saw a familiar shadow in Kobe—the shadow of McCardel, who had clamored to get back into the fight.
At first, Chen Yu hadn’t really understood that kind of behavior.
But later, after his interactions with Hill, Hardaway, and the others, and especially after that television appearance, Chen Yu had gradually co to understand.
For so people, honor was more important than physical health.
"Are you sure you want to play in the All-Star Ga?" Chen Yu asked.
Kobe nodded forcefully, his expression more serious than ever. "Yes. Even if I die on the court."
Chen Yu smiled.
"Don’t be so dramatic. It’s not that serious." ’Good grief, how did we get to talking about death?’
’But this kid really is a warrior. Playing through the injury these past few days, he must have been in a lot of pain.’
After a mont of thought, Chen Yu turned to Kupchek. "How many gas do you have left before the All-Star Ga?"
Kupchek was in an impossible position. He could have managed one of the two, but he hadn’t expected this attitude from Kobe.
And Kobe wasn’t so rookie anymore. He was a superstar. The Lakers’ managent couldn’t just dismiss his opinion. If things turned sour, it would hurt the entire team.
"Two," Kupchek said sullenly.
Chen Yu nodded and looked at Kobe. "Then sit out those two gas. I have a lot to do in Phoenix, so I can’t stay in Los Angeles. Co with to Phoenix. I can guarantee you’ll be healthy enough to play in the All-Star Ga."
’If I don’t treat him, Kobe will need two to three weeks of rest.’
’But if I handle it and apply my treatnts, one week will be enough.’
’Since he’s so determined to play, then let him play.’
Kobe was overjoyed and nodded eagerly.
"So, is that the plan?" Chen Yu asked, looking at Kupchek.
Kupchek wanted to cry but had no tears. He could only nod helplessly.
’Fortunately, Chen Yu would be personally handling Kobe’s situation. With his dical skills, he should be able to solve Kobe’s problem.’
’This would also be beneficial for the Lakers’ title defense this year.’
With the decision made and the league being inford, Chen Yu imdiately returned to Phoenix.
He had gone alone, but on his way back, he had Kobe with him.
Pelinka was also with them, tasked with managing Kobe’s daily life in Phoenix.
However, Chen Yu planned to have Kobe admitted to the hospital.
’That way, when I go to the hospital every day to see Hardaway, I can also take care of his issue at the sa ti.’
’I might as well have him room with Hardaway. Isn’t Hardaway your idol? Perfect.’
The trio walked out of the airport.
It was another bright, sunny day.
In Phoenix, days that weren’t sunny were a rarity.
As the warm sun shone down, Kobe felt a pleasant warmth spread through his body. He was just about to ask Chen Yu what the plan was when a crowd of people suddenly rushed toward them.
Carrying still caras and shoulder-mounted video caras, they were clearly reporters.
Kobe’s expression changed. He quickly turned his head away, silently cursing. ’These reporters’ sources are too good! How did they follow all the way to Phoenix?’
Pelinka also hurried forward to block the reporters.
Lately, the dia had been paying an extraordinary amount of attention to whether Kobe would be able to play in the All-Star Ga.
But to their surprise, the reporters who rushed over imdiately surrounded Chen Yu.
So reporters even shouted for the two of them to get out of the way, pushing them to the edge of the crowd.
"What’s going on?" Kobe was a little baffled.
’Aren’t these reporters here for ?’
The fact that they didn’t even glance at him made Kobe doubt his own fa for the first ti.
’No way... I’m an A-lister in the US, right?’
"Chen, when is Ronnie scheduled to have his surgery?"
"What kind of surgery will Ronnie be having, and how long is the expected recovery ti?"
"There were reports that Ronnie’s recovery wasn’t going well. What exactly went wrong? Was there a problem with the previous surgery?"
"Gérard Saison said in an interview that there was nothing wrong with the surgery he perford and that Ronnie doesn’t need another one. What are your thoughts on his comnts?"
"Chen, will Ronnie be able to make a coback next season?"
In an instant, a barrage of questions was thrown at Chen Yu.
Chen Yu looked at the throng of reporters with a headache and said loudly, "Sorry, I can’t answer your questions right now. Please let through."
Chen Yu tried to leave, but he couldn’t move.
There were too many reporters. They had him surrounded, three layers deep, completely blocking his path.
Chen Yu even suspected that every reporter from Europe and Brazil had flocked to Phoenix.
Ronaldo’s influence in the world of soccer was just that imnse.
Off to the side, Kobe overheard a bit of the commotion and asked Pelinka with a strange expression, "Rob, who are these reporters talking about? Ronnie? Who’s that?"
Pelinka looked just as lost, shaking his head to show he didn’t know.
’Ronnie? Never heard of him.’
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