If resources were tilted in his favor, and he caused trouble everywhere like Justin, the impact would not just be on the players, but also on the league's image and its vast market!
Don't underestimate the impact of resource tilting; it's often more useful than an extra player on the court at crucial moments.
Just like now, Stern has clearly indicated his support for the Cavaliers and Tang Long, so the referees' whistles are quite fair in many situations.
Even if they challenge the hawk-eye, the referees will generally agree to review the replay.
If they ignore you, home court advantage or not, they can still unfairly call fouls against you, and you'd have no recourse.
As long as there's the slightest foul, even a phantom foul, the referee will call it directly.
Therefore, Tang Long dared not let James speak carelessly, at least not in a way that would affect the Cavaliers' image in Stern's eyes.
Otherwise, if he thought that by promoting the Cavaliers, the players would cause trouble, it would only provide free publicity for the media. Stern would then stop tilting resources, and at that point, James might doubt his life with every layup he took due to fouls.
Stern was very satisfied with Tang Long's answer.
When preparing to promote Tang Long, Stern had also hired private investigators to look into him.
His private life was very clean, unlike some players who, after suddenly becoming famous and earning some money, started indulging in a debauched lifestyle.
Just as he was about to praise Tang Long a couple of words, a reporter rushed forward with a microphone thrust towards James's mouth, "LeBron, you only scored 30 points in this game, and Tang Long alone scored 34 points, plus he grabbed 14 offensive rebounds. Many fans now believe Tang Long is the true star of the Cavaliers. What do you have to say to the fans about this?"
Everyone present instantly looked down, and James glared angrily at the reporter.
Stern, with his eyes narrowed into slits, also had his expression darken upon hearing the reporter's words.
He knew that some reporters, in order to attract attention, liked to ask exaggerated questions.
But he hadn't expected this particular guy to be so tactless.
"Which media outlet are you from?"
As the reporter was about to speak, Tang Long interjected, "Mr. Stern, this is Ms. Katherine, a reporter from ESPN Sports."
"Oh, ESPN Sports, I see."
Stern nodded.
He didn't recognize this young reporter, but he was very familiar with the owner of ESPN.
"Tang, LeBron, you must be hungry after the game. I'll treat you to something to eat."
As he spoke, Stern turned to Kevin Feige, "Let me tell you guys, Feige here has brought two bottles of fine wine, you're in for a treat."
Tang Long glanced at Stern with slight surprise, "Aren't you going to the locker room?"
Typically, when Stern appeared on the court, he would at least greet the players and the head coach.
"Next time. I'm worried the players might feel pressured if they see me."
Stern found a flimsy excuse and prepared to leave. Tang Long hesitated for a moment, then chased after him, "Mr. Stern, Mr. Feige, may I make a request?"
"Tang, go ahead."
"I have a few friends who admire you both greatly. Could I bring them along?"
"I certainly have no problem with that." Stern said cheerfully to Feige, "Kevin, you don't have a problem either, right?"
"Of course. It would be my honor to have dinner with Tang's friends."
Although Feige's words were mostly flattery, he still had to give Tang Long some face.
Because Tang Long was not only one of the most popular NBA stars, but he was also an investor.
Currently, the investment circles and advertising industry in the United States held Tang Long in unusually high regard.
A few weeks ago, for a superhero movie they were producing, one of the sponsors was CK. During their meal, they specifically discussed Tang Long and his current influence.
CK's influence, which had previously lagged behind top American brands, had now successfully entered the first tier, and all of this was largely due to Tang Long!
Therefore, Feige did not dare to slight Tang Long.
After Stern and Kevin Feige left, James slung an arm around Tang Long's shoulder and said, "When did you have friends who wanted to..."
He stopped mid-sentence, suddenly remembering.
At this moment, Scarlett, Gal Gadot, and Taylor Swift walked over.
Earlier, when Kevin Feige was present, Gal Gadot wanted to pull Scarlett over to make acquaintance, but Scarlett absolutely refused, recalling Meng Lang's previous actions.
Finally, after Feige and Stern had left, the three women leisurely strolled over.
"Tang, congratulations!"
Swift offered her congratulations as soon as she walked over.
"Thank you."
As soon as Tang Long finished speaking, James interjected, "Taylor, you're being too biased. I'm also a Cavaliers player, why aren't you congratulating me?"
"LeBron, congratulations on having such a great teammate as Tang. I'm truly envious of you."
James's nose nearly twitched with anger. It should have been Tang who had such a great teammate as him.
"You guys are going too far."
Tang Long teased, then turned to look at Scarlett.
Usually at this time, Scarlett would be chattering away, often wanting to be in the center of attention, but now she stood on the side, looking dejected with her head down.
Tang Long frowned slightly, "What's wrong?"
Gal Gadot then recounted how Scarlett had approached Feige earlier, trying to recommend herself for a role in a Marvel movie. This had earned Gal Gadot quite a few glares from Scarlett.
"I thought it was something serious. Believe me, I'll make sure you're happy in a bit."
Scarlett looked at Tang Long in confusion, unsure of what new scheme he was cooking up.
Later, when she followed Tang Long to the pre-arranged hotel, Scarlett's confusion did not dissipate; her jaw was so agape it could have swallowed an egg.
Because at the dinner table, besides Stern, Kevin Feige was also present.
Feige looked rather awkward upon seeing Scarlett.
"Well, Ms. Scarlett, what a coincidence."
"Indeed, quite a coincidence."
As their pleasantries became more polite, Stern couldn't stand it and said, "Don't just stand there, everyone sit down."
...
"How did you play this game? You lost to a West Asian team. Did you not eat enough? Why did you play so poorly?"
Younes glared angrily at the players.
Although it was just a friendly match, and Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian did not play, losing to a West Asian team by more than ten points on home turf made Younes quite worried about their prospects in the upcoming Olympics!
Guo Qiang also wore a worried expression.
Initially, everyone had been quite confident about basketball, but unexpectedly, they lost to a West Asian team at home.
After the game, he had even received a call from a leader, questioning why Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian weren't playing.
Yao Ming had just returned from Houston, and the coaching staff's intention was for the two to rest, but they hadn't expected such a humiliating loss.
The players lowered their heads, not daring to meet their eyes.
Guo Qiang paused for a moment and said, "Younes, we should let Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian play in the next game!!"