One Year Left to Play

Chapter 373 - 113: I Wish I Could Play Against the Celtics Every Day

At halftime, the Lakers were trailing by 12 points, 55 to 67, as they entered the break.

Finally, in the third quarter, the stronger Lakers took the initiative in a quarter where energy management, rhythm adjustment, and tactical changes were key. With Zhang Hao leading a 6-0 run on three fast breaks, and relying on the offensive bursts and long shots by Sibaros and Van Exel, the Lakers reduced the deficit to 85-90 by the end of the quarter, outscoring the quarter 30 to 23.

At this point, the Lakers reversed the situation and took the initiative.

At the start of the fourth quarter, Zhang Hao made an unguarded three-pointer and Jason Williams grabbed an offensive rebound that led to Zhang Hao’s dunk for a 2+1 play, sparking a 6-0 run to take the lead. Zhang Hao’s dunk over Brian Grant further boosted the Lakers’ morale!

Gaining the initiative and reaching a peak in morale, the Lakers began to build a lead. Though the Kings fought hard with 25 points in the last 11 minutes of the final quarter, the Lakers continued their effort, scoring 34 points in the final quarter!

In the end, with Van Exel scoring 17 points and 9 assists, the Magician with 11 points and 6 assists, Sibaros with 31 points and 9 rebounds, Zhang Hao with 25 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks, and Jason Williams with 11 points and 15 rebounds, the Lakers came from behind to win against the Kings 119-115, improving their record to 19 wins and 8 losses!

Turning the game around against the odds feels incredibly satisfying.

Zhang Hao looked at the remaining 498 days of life expectancy... somewhat regretfully, wondering why Teus Edney, who wasn’t selected at a high draft position but performed much better than the 8th pick by the Blazers, Sean Respet, was only picked at the 18th position in the second round.

Zhang Hao wasn’t regretting that Teus Edney wasn’t selected at a high position, but rather that such an outstanding point guard was the reason he had to work so hard to help the team win the game, without earning 10 days of life expectancy as a reward...

The return of the Magician indeed stole some of the spotlight, but it couldn’t be helped; he is the best player in the team’s history. Despite not playing for many years, he still possesses nearly first-tier overall strength. When it comes to organizing the offense, he remains at a top-notch level, aside from his illness, and is especially popular with fans...

However, Zhang Hao noticed more and more fans at the scene wearing his number 8 jersey!

Somehow, he found himself really enjoying this sight...

...

...

"Big bamboo pole brother, here, here... lift me higher..."

The little girl was gesturing wildly, commanding Zhang Hao who was lifting her up, as he smiled helplessly and raised her a bit higher.

"Alright..."

On her way down, the little girl nodded contentedly, as she had placed the wish card atop the Christmas tree.

Setting the little girl down, Zhang Hao rubbed his shoulder, sore from holding her up for so long, and asked, "Why are you here? Isn’t it Christmas soon?"

"Le Lin came to spend Christmas with big bamboo pole brother! Le Lin was worried you’d be lonely on Christmas, so I came to visit you. Aren’t you touched?"

"Speak like a person."

"Hmph, this year Le Lin’s family is also spending Christmas in Los Angeles, going to watch the Lakers’ game tomorrow... Oh, yes, to see big bamboo pole brother play, specially bought a tree to gift you. Since you’ll be playing on Christmas, I can join you for dinner tonight on Christmas Eve... hey, hey, hey..."

The little girl’s boastful demeanor quickly dissipated as she was lifted up again.

"I probably won’t be having dinner here tonight, but thank you."

"Why? Is my house not nice?"

"No, it’s just that Aprile and I are going to the former landlady of my previous apartment. She always hosts Christmas Eve for the international students staying with her, and we’re going again this year... The Christmas tree looks lovely, it will definitely feel great seeing it after the game."

The little girl initially seemed a bit disappointed but perked up instantly with pride after hearing this: "Of course! Le Lin picked it... Can Le Lin also join for Christmas Eve?"

"Aren’t you having lunch with your parents?"

"They went on a date this morning and left Le Lin home alone..."

"So I’m the backup, huh..."

"Backup?"

"It means being used when needed and just hanging there when not."

"So that’s what it means, learned something new."

"But your parents are unique, going on a date like a young couple at this age, young at heart..."

"..."

...

"I’m back, your Uncle Pierce is back!"

Standing in front of the apartment he had lived in for over a decade, Pierce shouted loudly... only to attract strange looks from passersby.

"Oh right, this isn’t University of Kansas..."

A bit sentimental, Pierce thought that had he attended UCLA, there would surely be more people who recognized him.

There was no arrangement for an airport pickup; Pierce had already informed his mother that he would be coming back today, but she had no intention of picking him up, nor was she waiting downstairs... just thinking about it was sad.

Pierce dragged his suitcase towards the apartment hallway when he suddenly heard a group of people screaming.

Turning his head, it was a beautiful sight...

A tall, slender young man with a somewhat boyish but strikingly handsome face, holding an angelic-looking little girl. Beside them was a Latino female college student, almost about 5’9", fit where she should be, slim where she should be, also looking quite attractive, carrying grocery bags from the supermarket.

Passing young people, likely students, saw the trio and started screaming, with some brave ones running up to the tall, handsome guy to ask for an autograph... Once someone took the lead, it wasn’t long before the three were surrounded.