Basketball Legend: When Pride Still Matters

This year's All-Star Weekend is held in Los Angeles, which means that there's bound to be a thick commercial atmosphere both on and off the court.

Before even getting on the plane, Yu Fei learned that Reebok had arranged a whole slew of social engagements for him.

"Do I look like an Old Draft Ox, to be scheduled like this?" Yu Fei got numb just looking at the work schedule for the upcoming days, "Even oxen need rest!"

Lawson explained, "AI has been in a bad mood recently, so you know..."

"Bad mood? What bad mood? I reckon he's really looking forward to being traded by Philadelphia!"

Yu Fei mocked Allen Iverson.

Ever since Larry Brown left, Allen Iverson had become like a runaway horse, completely out of control.

This also signalled the countdown to the Iverson era of the 76ers.

Now, Iverson was like Lillard in his last few years with the Trail Blazers, eager to leave the team amid the urgency of having little time left at his peak without a championship, yet not willing to shed the label of loyalty to one man, one city.

But why should Iverson's trade troubles necessitate bothering him?

Yu Fei might complain all he wants, but after getting off the plane, he still threw himself into the fray right away.

First was the media session, where Yu Fei was pleased to meet the players from the Class of '03, who were participating in the Rookie Challenge the next day.

The first to greet Yu Fei was, naturally, LeBron James.

"You patriotic little punk, you really screwed me over last time."

Though Yu Fei cursed, he amiably greeted James with the black man-styled shoulder bump handshake.

"Last time was really an accident..." James explained.

However, Yu Fei wasn't concerned about whether it was an accident or not, his gaze quickly turned to the other folks from the Class of '03.

Carmelo Anthony, who wasn't too fond of Yu Fei, Dwyane Wade, who was cautiously eyeing Yu Fei, Chris Bosh peeking around as if afraid that others wouldn't notice his long neck, and Darko Milicic, happily oblivious to Detroit and enjoying himself. As for the others, it was unfortunate, but Yu Fei didn't recognize them all.

After all, in his past life, he only started watching basketball seriously after 2015. By that time, not many '03 Class players were still active in the league. In this life, this bunch had just played half a season, and apart from geniuses like James, they were all still waiting for their moment to shine.

"Seeing so many outstanding young players really makes me happy. I'm thrilled to be able to pass the torch to them..."

Upon hearing this, the reporters couldn't help but laugh and shake their heads, while the members of the Class of '03 rolled their eyes at him.

You, a 22-year-old fresh meat, are passing the torch already, huh?

Then, a journalist from Los Angeles Times asked a question: "Now that the season is halfway through, which rookie has made the biggest impression on you?"

Good question, like giving out free points.

James looked expectantly at Yu Fei, but Yu Fei, with a single remark, took an unexpected turn, "Darko, hmm, definitely Darko."

Yu Fei knew that his response would surprise everyone, especially Milicic, who looked flattered and bewildered.

"Detroit, for the sake of Darko, passed up Carmelo, and yet they only give Darko 5 minutes per game. I think nobody's experience has made a deeper impression on me than Darko's."

There he goes again, speaking indirectly.

James had heard about the grudge between Yu Fei and Brown and hadn't expected it to extend here.

The journalist then turned towards Milicic, "Darko, do you have anything to say about this?"

"Frye got it wrong." Yu Fei's statement wasn't meant to elicit any discontent from Milicic about his situation or resentment towards Brown. He was merely trying to stir the pot with Brown, but it did have the effect of making Milicic emotional. "My average playing time is 3.3 minutes."

After speaking, Milicic flashed a smile, like a sunny and cheerful big boy.

"Darko, what's most important right now is patience," Yu Fei said to Milicic, "You can still play in the NBA for 15 years. Hardship is only temporary."

Milicic nodded, indeed so.

Larry Brown probably wouldn't coach for many more years, and he still had many years ahead of him. Plus, even if he didn't play, he wouldn't be at a loss. The team would still pay him, and he could use the money for many things to relieve his frustration.

Like, for example, Los Angeles' famous nightlife, which he finally had a chance to enjoy.

Yu Fei had no idea what Milicic was hiding behind his thoughts, but after the media session, he began a day's worth of activities arranged by Reebok.

After the activities were over, Yu Fei watched the Rookie Challenge in the hotel room with Lawson and Clark.

Yu Fei himself had no interest in the game; he only watched out of consideration for Yao Ming. After all, aside from being his compatriot in spirit, Yao was also a colleague at Reebok.

Logically, he should have been at the scene to support Yao, but he was just too tired today and just wanted to lie in bed.

As it turned out, Yu Fei was very glad he didn't go to the scene.

The fast pace of the Rookie Challenge meant there was no opportunity for Yao to shine. Instead, Amar'e Stoudemire was the star of the game, scoring the highest points and lifting the Rookie Challenge MVP trophy.

"That was the most boring two hours I've spent this year," Yu Fei shook his head, "Why did I even watch this game?"

Hearing this, Lawson said with a sly grin, "If you want to relieve the boredom, I've got plenty of options here."

"Buzz off, I have another pile of stuff to do tomorrow, and I do not want to oversleep!"

The second day's events were still packed, Yu Fei not only had to attend company activities but also partake in league events, and finally, there was the East vs West All-Star meet-and-greet.

Yu Fei's feud with Shaquille O'Neal was common knowledge, so the organizers deliberately placed them far apart at the event. However, some people just can't seem to control their mouths.

"Michael, why are you standing next to that guy? He's planning to trade you," O'Neal called out to Red.

Yu Fei mocked, "Why is the Western All-Star Team allowing a backup center to talk so much nonsense? He doesn't have a say here."

O'Neal's complexion turned sour.

He was particularly unfriendly to Yao Ming because the latter had snagged the All-Star starting position from him in his rookie season last year, and this year, O'Neal's votes were still below Yao's.

So, he remained an All-Star substitute.

However, everyone knew full well not to treat him like a genuine substitute.

Yet to become an All-Star substitute was shameful for someone of O'Neal's stature, so Yu Fei's remark hit O'Neal right where it hurt.

O'Neal glared at him while Yu Fei acted as if he were thin air, creating an extremely tense atmosphere on site.

Thankfully, the league knew better than to keep these guys together for too long, so after taking a symbolic group photo, they dispersed to do their own things.

Apart from some obligatory activities, Yu Fei would also be participating in this year's three-point contest.

Of course, he joined it just for fun and had no intention of competing for the championship.

Instead of tonight's three-point contest, Yu Fei was more concerned about the condition of the players who would be in tomorrow's All-Star game.

There was no need to elaborate on O'Neal's intentions; he definitely wanted to take home the AMVP on his home court.

Yu Fei's mission was to mess up his plans on the road.

As for the others, they seemed relaxed, all except Kobe who had become completely reclusive.

While everyone else was in holiday mode for the festivities, Kobe was there strictly on official business.

After dealing with his obligations, he left immediately, not staying a second longer.

Including Yu Fei, everyone in the league and the sponsors believed that Kobe's public image had been thoroughly destroyed after the Eagle County incident.

However, this year's All-Star voting proved one thing: unless he was actually imprisoned, the silent majority really didn't care how Kobe had carried on in Eagle County.

Kobe received 1.73 million All-Star votes this year, 300,000 more than last year, second only to Vince Carter, Kevin Garnett, and Ben Wallace (1.9 million).

In other words, the so-called demolition of Kobe's reputation and image was limited to the fourth estate's narrative. Explore hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire

Among the fans, his popularity had actually increased.

But credit also goes to his legal team's splendid performance in court – like bringing up evidence of the disposed woman going to bed with someone else just hours after the event – which indirectly proved that fans have a very low moral standard for sports stars.

Even someone like Tyson, who had actually been incarcerated, was overwhelmingly popular upon his release.

As a Kobe fan of four days, Yu Fei didn't bother Kobe.

Given Kobe's current vigilance, he probably wouldn't trust anyone's kindness, so it was better to quietly watch him from the sidelines.

That evening, Yu Fei appeared as the first three-point contest participant after Michael Jordan with the biggest name.

Yu Fei was the first to shoot in the preliminaries.

When he walked onto the court, unfriendly boos resounded through the arena.

Los Angeles people hated Yu Fei, which was no secret; after all, he and O'Neal were like oil and water.

Yu Fei wasn't much affected and managed to perform to his standard amidst the boos: 17 points.

This score in the three-point contest was above average but not excellent.

The ABC commentator bluntly explained the meaning of 17 points: "Frye's chances of advancing to the finals versus being eliminated in the preliminary round is 50-50."

Suddenly, this year's shooting prodigy emerged.

Cuttino Mobley from the Rockets, a short shooting guard who heavily relied on outside shooting, scored only 13 points.

It looked like Mobley was certain to be at the bottom, but Billups stepped up and angrily scored 12 points.

Soon after, the genuine sharpshooters took the stage.

76ers rookie Kyle Korver scored 19 points. Watching him, Yu Fei only regretted not remembering him during last year's draft.

Then, Voshon Lenard from the Nuggets scored 18 points, and the two-time three-point contest champion topped the preliminaries with 21 points.

Yu Fei sadly missed the finals, finishing fourth in the preliminaries.

He personally didn't feel it was a pity, but his close friend at Reebok, Quentin DiMio, lamented Yu Fei missing a chance to show himself off: "Just a bit short."

"Don't sigh. If you really want to see me strut, treat me to a pork cutlet rice," Yu Fei smiled, "I'll win the AMVP trophy tomorrow and give it to you."

The peak of Big Ben's popularity was much higher than imagined.