One Year Left to Play

Chapter 501 - 151: Set Another Small Goal?

"Boss Kenny is starting his wandering journey, huh? Finally got rid of Coleman, and now he’s teammates with Coleman again, are the 76ers worried they won’t get Iverson? Setting up a fallback option?"

Zhang Hao roughly guessed why Kenny Anderson, at 23, could be a starting All-Star, rank in the top three for assists, and lead his team to the playoffs, but after 24, became just like everyone else.

Luck is also crucial for a player.

Signing a seven-year rookie contract, Kenny Anderson had no say over where he would play until 1998.

Judging by the current situation, although Kenny Anderson would be only 27 by then, given the trend, his choices might still be limited.

In this regard, Zhang Hao felt helpless...

The world of the NBA is always so brutal.

For now, it’s better not to think too much. At times like these, wanting to do something but not being able to is pointless—better to wait until you have the ability to do what you can’t right now.

Zhang Hao shifted his attention to another matter, something that didn’t cause much stir. Knicks owner James Dolan proposes an interesting idea at the post-All-Star Weekend owner’s meeting — each team could have one slot to offer any salary to a player, ignoring the salary cap and maximum salary limit.

"Wasn’t this provision eventually passed? But didn’t it end up as a one-time addition to Bird rights... that’s not important, what’s important is why Dolan is doing this?"

Zhang Hao was curious about what was going on in Dolan’s mind. It would make some sense if Dolan later comes up with the "Houston clause," but what’s the aim this time?

"I remember the only one benefiting from this provision ultimately was Jordan, right?

Garnett seemed to benefit too, but he later regretted it...

Is it that Dolan thinks he could sign Jordan this summer?

I remember it was Houston who was signed, wasn’t it?"

...

...

The major trade of the Heat that attracted massive attention and Dolan’s bizarre proposal didn’t affect the Lakers.

By February 13th, the Lakers had gathered all the team members to prepare for the forthcoming games.

As early as February 10th, those Lakers players who went on vacation in Miami had already returned, some went to San Antonio to watch the All-Star Game, and some had come back to Los Angeles early to start training.

In training, Zhang Hao felt that most teammates were in great shape!

A team with a good record becomes better in many aspects, a statement Zhang Hao fully understood.

For Zhang Hao, it didn’t matter much whether there was a break during All-Star Weekend; he always maintained his condition as if the season were ongoing.

By February 14th, it was the first game day after the All-Star Weekend, and the Lakers were set to host the Hawks, who had already arrived in Los Angeles yesterday.

Early in the morning, just after freshening up, Zhang Hao saw Aprile Clark busy in the living room...

Somehow, Zhang Hao got used to someone occasionally making breakfast for him. When no one made breakfast on those occasional days, he felt an emptiness inside.

Zhang Hao glanced at the calendar on the wall... Valentine’s Day!

A strange feeling stirred in his heart, but looking at his 888 days of life span... the flame in his heart instantly extinguished.

"I’m only 19, what’s the rush, take it slow; what if my bad luck causes her to become a widow?"

If it were just an ordinary girl, Zhang Hao might act casually, but she’s not, so he couldn’t be casual either.

Meanwhile, while setting the table, Aprile Clark sensed Zhang Hao’s gaze turn warm, then suddenly cold...

Looking at her right hand—"Sister, how long will we need to depend on each other?"

While having breakfast, Zhang Hao habitually read the morning newspaper.

"The Hawks traded Andrew Lang and Spottie Webb to get Lightner? The Timberwolves have finally decided to center around Garnett! Right, before the All-Star Weekend, when we played against them, Garnett had already pushed Lightner to the bench.

This year’s trades are like endless robberies!"

Listening to Zhang Hao’s words, Aprile Clark came over to look at the trade that was accomplished late last night and joined in the commentary.

Zhang Hao enjoyed such a breakfast, and Aprile Clark also relished this feeling.

After breakfast, hearing the sound of match replays from the living room while washing the dishes, Aprile Clark felt a bit frustrated, but then again, she thought this was exactly the Zhang Hao she was familiar with.

"Anyway, it’s me having breakfast with Aix on Valentine’s Day... this blockhead, I guess I have to take the initiative, should I really use that?"

Acting like a thief, Aprile Clark opened the kitchen cabinet containing a bottle of something that looked like oil.

This was bought from a Spaniards’ store in San Antonio, recommended by the lady Jeanie Buss, saying it’s quite effective...

...

...

Originally, with the current record of their home team, the Lakers didn’t view the Hawks as an opponent requiring much attention, figuring it wouldn’t be tough to win.

However, with the Hawks acquiring Lightner, almost tantamount to upgrading Andrew Lang, a mediocre power forward, to Lightner, a fringe All-Star level power forward, they had the potential to become a top-tier power team!

Although Lightner’s personal performance on the Timberwolves wasn’t particularly good, and the record was absolutely dismal, a player like Lightner has an undeniable role in a true team!

During the morning’s tactical meeting, Del Harris was noticeably more focused than when preparing yesterday, changing his attitude towards the Hawks.

As the tactical meeting was nearing its end, Del Harris, in a sudden burst of inspiration, asked, "Our performance this season has been impressive; do you all have any expectations for the remaining 35 games?"

This... Many of the Lakers players hadn’t thought about it, after all, most Lakers were team-oriented players, and Van Exel was quite carefree.

For some reason, at this moment, most of the Lakers turned their eyes to the rookie who hadn’t spoken much in the whole tactical meeting.

"I’m still a rookie! Why take on so much responsibility?"

Seeing the Magician remain silent with a smile...

Fine, I’ll speak up, Zhang Hao glanced around at his teammates and said, "Set a small goal, 60 wins."

Our genius surely has dreams! Teammates echoed in agreement, and the Magician was quite satisfied with Zhang Hao’s choice at this moment.

He couldn’t be the one to remind them; it wouldn’t be as effective.

Having leadership qualities is one thing, but being able to convert those qualities into leadership ability is what truly makes a difference.

However, at this time, Zhang Hao didn’t have time to care about his teammates’ reactions, staring at the subtitles before him...

"Special contract player Zhang Hao boldly claims to help the team reach 60 wins this season; task: Another small goal triggered..."

"That’s not what I meant!"