Anthony and Paul had both played against the Cavaliers and suffered at Tang Long's hands, so their gazes towards Wade were complicated. It was a look that conveyed, "It's not that impressive, but I'm still a little jealous." If Tang Long were their teammate, they wouldn't need so many superstars; their combined inside-outside game would make the entire league tremble! LeBron forming a super team was one thing, but adding Wade to it meant their victory would lack any luster. "It would have been great in Miami; at least the team would have belonged to you. But if you go to the Cavaliers, not to mention Tang Long, you'd at least have to play behind LeBron." Anthony pouted, stating he could accept equal ranking at best, but never being ranked below anyone.
Wade took in their expressions and glared at them, "Let me ask you guys, do you want to be Tang's teammate?" Anthony and Paul fell silent. "Besides, have you considered another problem?" Wade looked at them earnestly, "Even if I don't go to the Cavaliers, they'll definitely add another player this year. So, how are we supposed to play next season?"
"That's true," Anthony nudged Paul and frowned, "Chris, didn't you hear what Dwight is implying?" "What's he implying?" The perpetually oblivious Paul didn't immediately grasp it. "Chris, are you truly that dense, or are you pretending? He's clearly saying that if the Cavaliers only need one more player to build a dynasty, what about the rest of us?" Paul finally understood and then, as if unconcerned, casually remarked, "Forming a super team, so what? If the Cavaliers can do it, so can our teams. Besides, what's wrong with forming a super team? Do you think you're not as good as them?"
"I can't explain it to you," Anthony retorted, glaring at Chris Paul. His eyes, however, began to dart around. The Nuggets weren't bad; if the Cavaliers could form a super team, couldn't the Nuggets? With that thought, Anthony sidled up to Wade and tentatively asked, "Dwight, are you definitely going to the Cavaliers?" "Pretty much," Wade nodded. He had already submitted a trade request, and the Cavaliers were in contact with the Heat. Whether the trade would be successful depended on the results of multi-party negotiations. Frankly, if a heavyweight star didn't join the Heat, Wade worried the owner wouldn't let him leave.
At the Staples Center. After a long timeout, the players returned to the court. The lineups were largely unchanged, with the Lakers only substituting Vujacic. The Lakers initiated the offense, and after the adjustment of the long timeout, they increased their pace and their coordination became even more precise. Gasol braced himself against Tang Long in the paint to gain a favorable position. Odom received a pass from Kobe and attempted a shot from the elbow. Tang Long had just rounded Gasol when Odom released the ball.
"Haha, Tang, you're too slow!" Odom couldn't help but mock. Gasol, though not as outwardly boastful, wore a relaxed expression that indicated his satisfaction with Odom's play.
[Divine Block]
In the blink of an eye, Tang Long leaped into the air like an eagle, his outstretched arms resembling the wings of a soaring raptor.
*Swish!*
Immediately after, Odom saw the basketball, which was heading straight for the hoop, being batted away by Tang Long! The Lakers players were stunned. What had this guy eaten to be able to block that shot? However, Odom and Gasol immediately rushed towards the referee to protest, claiming Tang Long had interfered with the shot.
"Referee, it was goaltending." "Why wasn't it called?" The referee glared at Odom and then turned to confer with an assistant referee, who was unsure if the ball had started its downward trajectory and had to review the replay. "Hmph! You definitely goaltended! If everyone played like you, how could anyone ever score again?"
While the referee reviewed the replay, Odom continued to complain to Tang Long about the interference. "If you have bad eyes, go see a doctor. Even the referee has to watch the replay, so why are you so sure Tang goaltended?" "Besides, even if it was goaltending, the worst that could happen is that the basket counts. What are you fussing about, you big baby?" "What did you say? Say it again if you dare." Odom angrily confronted LeBron.
Fortunately, the assistant referee was nearby and quickly intervened, separating the two and warning them against further commotion, or they'd each receive a technical foul. In the meantime, the referee made the definitive ruling. Tang Long's block was legal; there was no goaltending.
"So, can you shut up now?" LeBron snorted. If the referee hadn't reviewed the replay, he might have argued, but the review confirmed Tang Long hadn't goaltended. Referees in the Finals were unlikely to make such blatant errors. "This guy finally knows to be quiet!" LeBron shook his head helplessly.
"Don't mind him, he's deliberately trying to disrupt our rhythm," Tang Long understood perfectly. Hollywood stars weren't the only ones who could act; these players on the court were no less skilled than professional actors, even better. Take soccer, for instance, where players would writhe in agony on the grass clutching their legs one moment, only to spring up and continue the play the next when the ball came near. And let's not forget the famous Professor [referring to a player known for diving/acting injured], whose acting skills were highly regarded in the sports world!
At this point, the home crowd appropriately erupted in boos. Despite being on the road, the collective jeers of some fans were loud and piercing. Amidst the crowd's shouts, the Cavaliers used Tang Long's presence in the paint to draw the Lakers' attention. LeBron, with a sidestep, faked out his defender and took a three-point shot.
"Damn it, it's no good!" LeBron exclaimed in frustration and immediately retreated to his own half. Kobe grabbed the offensive rebound and didn't pass, dribbling the ball upcourt himself. Past half-court, about three or four steps from the three-point line, he launched a shot. Larry Hughes, defending him, was still inside the three-point line expecting Kobe to drive. He never anticipated Kobe shooting from that distance. With two steps separating them, Larry Hughes couldn't block it and could only turn to watch the basket.
A long-range three-pointer was made! "Kobe, the greatest player!" The Lakers fans roared with applause. This incredibly deep three-pointer completely drowned out the sound of the visiting Cavaliers fans. The entire Staples Center was filled with the cheers of Lakers supporters. The score difference widened, with the Lakers leading by fifteen points, and only about two minutes left in the game.
*Beep!*
At this moment, the referee blew his whistle. Mike Brown called a timeout, and players like Joe Smith and Big Z reappeared on the sidelines.