The Way of Basketball: Never Talk Shit to Him!
Chapter 710 - 262: LeBron Suddenly Feels Discomfort in His Groin

Chapter 710: Chapter 262: LeBron Suddenly Feels Discomfort in His Groin

When the League gave such a response, LeBron found himself in a tight spot, but before he could react further,

Jennings announced his withdrawal from the NBA Dunk Contest due to an injury.

Just like that, a spot opened up without the need for any special allowances by the League.

"LeBron, you got what you wished for!"

"Don’t tell me you’ve changed your mind, LeBron!"

"Even God is helping you out, LeBron, it’s your turn to play!"

...

Without a second thought, major media outlets began hyping it up, preparing to push LeBron into this newly available spot.

LeBron was overwhelmed!

Not...

So, this is all rigged against me, huh?

Initially, since he hadn’t made the All-Star this year to maintain his visibility, Richie Paul had devised this strategy for him.

He thought, since the slots were already confirmed, merely bragging about it would garner a whole lot of media exposure. If this year’s Dunk Contest turned out to be lackluster, the media would hype it up with "If only LeBron had participated" stories to boost his image.

Turns out, the strategy really heated things up more than he expected.

The media was so coordinated it was as if they had set this all up, even going as far as arranging a spot for him.

Damn!

Su Wan knew about Jennings’s injury. The initial replacement for him in the Dunk Contest was set to be DeRozan, a player overshadowed by LeBron.

DeRozan’s participation in the Dunk Contest didn’t make much of a splash, and skipping it wouldn’t have affected his career trajectory.

Because Su Wan stepped up again to clarify, "I believe LeBron was only saying that for the hype. He won’t participate in this year’s ’Dunk Contest,’ he’s just after the buzz, so... let’s not get our hopes up. LeBron’s final answer, after considering all aspects, is that he will not participate!"

And believe it or not, LeBron was preparing a similar excuse. Hearing Su Wan say that, he boldly replied, "No doubt, this is a great opportunity. I’ve said I was looking forward to participating in the Dunk Contest this year, and now that such an opportunity has arisen, why not?"

LeBron’s lips trembled as he finished speaking.

He agreed!

This sent the media into a frenzy.

This year, the "Dunk Contest" already had high attention to begin with.

Griffin, who returned this season after being sidelined due to injury, had caused a sensational stir.

Together with Little Si, they turned the Clippers into "Slam Dunk City."

These two "Beasts" mercilessly destroyed their opponent’s hoops every night, in a style that was explosively popular.

Some media even claimed that if the Clippers could find a strong guard, the team could put on a "showtime" level performance.

Especially Griffin, fearless as a rookie.

Opting for dunks over layups.

Dubbed the "White Demon," comparable to "Rain Man" Kemp.

Multiple media outlets remarked that many long-time basketball fans had returned to the sport because of his dunks.

He was the top contender in this year’s Dunk Contest.

Then there was McGee from the Wizards,

with his massive body and impressive static and dynamic talent, considered a top center.

Washington media pegged him as this year’s dark horse in the Dunk Contest.

Also, a spot was designated for the "Congo Beast" Ibaka,

which needs no further introduction.

Honestly, even if Jennings hadn’t been injured, opting out now would still be wise; this was not a contest he could compete in.

With LeBron joining, the already highly anticipated lineup became even more dazzling.

The New York media, watching Los Angeles host such a spectacular All-Star Weekend and knowing they have the "five-million Ticket King" Su Wan, could only help out in LA, began clamoring for when All-Star Weekend would come to New York?

They eagerly awaited the day Su Wan would be the host in New York.

At the same time, the long-drawn saga of "Where’s Carter going?" ended as Donnie Walsh and Vince Carter got the last laugh in a tug-of-war. The New York Knicks traded expiring contracts and a second-round pick of 2013 to the Phoenix Suns to acquire the former "UFO."

The Knicks bolstered their wing shooting capability.

As for the two players they traded away...

Even the New York media didn’t realize that these two had been part of the team this season until they checked the historical trade records and discovered they were remnants from the "Thomas Era."

Damn Thomas!

This blast from the past suddenly hit the New York media, making them curse.

But, the guy had finally done something right.

Without his leftover "bad debts," the Knicks wouldn’t have gotten Vince Carter.

Given Carter’s current position, his trade wouldn’t have caused much stir.

But by coming to New York, next to Su Wan,

he suddenly found himself the center of massive attention.

There was a flurry of rumors about the Knicks acquiring a strong player.

If it weren’t for the cold shoulder in the Phoenix Suns, Carter might have thought his market was still hot.

Shaquille O’Neal was among the first to congratulate him: "Vince made the right choice, and I believe he’ll soon realize there’s nothing wrong with his decision!"

And when reporters asked Shaquille how he managed to persuade Carter at the time, he gave a greasy and mysterious smile, "That’s a secret. Let Vince tell you when he feels like sharing!"