In the Lakers' player tunnel, a large crowd of reporters had also gathered.
Microphones were thrust towards the Lakers' star player, Kobe Bryant.
"Kobe, Tang has been on a roll lately, what's your evaluation of him?"
Kobe smiled and took the microphone, "I've watched all the games he started, and his performance is very strong. He has great physical qualities, good post-up footwork, and even a decent mid-range shot. He's a very good center, and most importantly, he's still so young with a lot of potential!"
"I even think his talent is greater than a young Shaq!"
The reporters were a little surprised by Kobe's high praise, knowing how arrogant Kobe could be.
"So, are the Lakers interested in pursuing Tang? The Lakers haven't had a strong center partner since losing Shaq. Do you think Tang would be a good fit?"
Kobe, however, avoided the question and left after saying, "Damn, that's a management issue."
Immediately after, he entered the arena, which triggered a wave of cheers.
"Kobe! Kobe!"
"Kobe! Kobe!"
"Beat the Cavaliers, don't let them get too arrogant!"
"Stop their winning streak and teach that Tang guy a lesson!"
"Dunk on him hard and let him know what the real NBA is!"
Kobe raised his hands, interacting with the roaring crowd.
Then, instead of heading directly to the Lakers' half to warm up, he walked towards the Cavaliers' side.
"Hey, LeBron, we meet again!"
Kobe and LeBron were old acquaintances. They were good friends off the court, so a greeting was in order.
LeBron heard him and walked over, bringing Tang Long with him, "Tang, this is… well, I guess I don't need to introduce him!"
Kobe interjected with a smile, "If an introduction is still needed, then I've wasted my years."
LeBron laughed heartily and continued to introduce Tang Long, "Hey, Kobe, this is Tang, our team's strong center lately..."
Tang Long embraced Kobe in greeting, and then they exchanged pleasantries. "Tang, have you considered coming to the Lakers? Los Angeles has a much bigger market than Cleveland!"
LeBron quickly intervened, "Kobe, that's too much, trying to poach players in front of me. I just managed to find a good center."
LeBron feigned anger and pulled Tang Long away.
Kobe laughed heartily from behind, and after a moment, he also joined the warm-up.
...
The lights in the arena dimmed, leaving only a spotlight on the logo in the center.
The Lakers' DJ ignited the atmosphere, introducing the Lakers' starting lineup one by one.
"The first to take the court is Luke Walton from the University of Arizona!"
"Second, from the University of Arkansas, a member of the 99-00, 00-01, and 01-02 championship teams, Derek Fisher!"
"Third, from St. Joseph High School in New Jersey, Andrew Bynum!"
"Fourth, from the University of Rhode Island, Lamar Odom, known as the 'Left Handed Magic'!"
"And finally, from Lower Merion High School, a champion of the 99-00, 00-01, and 01-02 seasons! The MVP of the 01-02 and 06-07 All-Star Games, the scoring champion of the 05-06 and 06-07 seasons, wearing jersey number 24, Kobe Bryant!"
All the Lakers players stood in two rows, with a purple and gold spotlight shining on Kobe on the bench.
He slowly stood up, raised his hands to acknowledge the fans, and then jogged to mid-court.
The arena exploded with cheers as everyone frantically chanted Kobe's name.
"Kobe Bryant!"
"Kobe Bryant!"
"Kobe Bryant!"
"MVP!"
"MVP!"
"MVP!"
On the other side, Tang Long watched the Lakers' opening ceremony, lost in thought. Is this what a superstar is?
Even LeBron hadn't reached this status.
In Cleveland, there wasn't such an extravagant reception.
However, one day, he would also be the last man to be introduced.
After the opening ceremony, the players from both teams stood on their respective halves of the court, awaiting the referee's jump ball.
Bynum, with his flamboyant hairstyle, stared intently at Tang Long.
"I heard you've never lost a jump ball? Too bad, your record ends today!"
As the physically imposing "Baby Shaq," Bynum never doubted his jumping ability.
Tang Long glanced at him dismissively, not even bothering to speak.
Bynum was furious. This guy from China dared to ignore him?
Just as he was about to spew more trash talk, the referee approached, signaling the game was about to start.
Bynum quickly lowered his stance, determined to secure the first possession.
The referee tossed the ball high. Bynum had already jumped, his fingertips brushing the ball, about to seize the initial possession!
Tang Long, however, got there first, forcefully snatching the ball and tipping it to Larry Hughes on the side.
Larry Hughes, strictly following Coach Mike Brown's instructions, passed the ball directly to LeBron.
At the same time, Chinese television also began broadcasting live.
"Sports Channel!"
"Sports Channel!"
"This is Los Angeles, where the Lakers are hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers at their home court, the Staples Center!"
"To support the home team Lakers, please text A to… To support the visiting Cavaliers, please text B to…"
"The Lakers are fielding their usual starting lineup!"
"Point Guard: Fisher!"
"Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant!"
"Small Forward: Luke Walton!"
"Power Forward: Odom!"
"Center: Andrew Bynum!"
"The Cavaliers' lineup also remains unchanged."
"Point Guard: Larry Hughes..."
"The game has officially begun, and the Cavaliers have secured possession. Since Tang Long joined the team, the Cavaliers have never lost the opening tip-off."
"Mr. Buss is also here to watch the game today."
"Of course, there are also a host of celebrities in the audience, including Gal Gadot, the 2004 Miss Israel winner, and Scarlett Johansson, who was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress at just 12 years old and is already world-renowned!"
It was the familiar pairing of Zhang Weiping and Su Qun. Nowadays, for any game featuring Tang Long, they would provide exclusive commentary.
On the sidelines, Scarlett Johansson gazed thoughtfully at Tang Long, who had just secured possession.
As a long-time resident of Los Angeles, she naturally supported the Lakers.
This rising Chinese center for the Cavaliers was undoubtedly the Lakers' biggest threat.
Especially him easily snatching the ball from Bynum, which further annoyed Scarlett.
If this kid continued to play so well, the Lakers could be in trouble tonight.
However, his physique was quite impressive, strong and robust!
Scarlett's sapphire-blue eyes involuntarily drifted to Tang Long's muscular physique.
...