What happened the day the best player in the world joined the Lakers?

What happened that day when the best player in the world joined the Lakers

At 4 o'clock in the morning on July 1, 2018, she was already awake. Unable to sleep anymore, I could only wait for the sun to rise. To be honest, at such a critical moment, Jenny Buss was lucky to still be able to sleep. In less than a few hours, LeBron James will announce his decision, and the Lakers are one of his most likely new clubs.

Jenny has seen how many big-name free agents her father, Buss, introduced to the Lakers, changing the league's landscape time and time again. But since his death in 2013, the Lakers have entered a dark age.

She said: "We are quite confident (signing LeBron), but we have not been disappointed, so I will not take it for granted."

At that time, she had learned that Magic had met LeBron alone the night before, but she didn’t know what they talked about or what the outcome was. She just watched ESPN's free agency special at home the night before, just like an ordinary fan. Experts are not very fond of the Lakers because Paul George remains in the Thunder. This year's Lakers may not be any different from the past five years, and they will all be disappointed in the free market.

Jenny fired her brother Jim and team general manager Kupchak in February 2017, and replaced them with Magic and Pelinka. Lakers fans have always felt that the team should compete for a championship every year and attract big names to join. If they can't do that, they will be distracted. After all, this is Hollywood, so don’t overdo it with attractive entertainment.

Jenny has felt that anger as an individual over the past five years. In the 34 years that Buss was in charge of the team, the Lakers never failed to make the playoffs for more than two consecutive years, but after his death, the Lakers never made it.

Lakers fans have been spoiled by their past glory for too long, and the Buss family also understands that there are not many opportunities left for them to turn around. She said: "It is a fact that we are ranked at the bottom of the league."

As the Lakers CEO, the only rescue measure she can do is to work hard to change the team's culture and image, and let the two superstars in team history, Magic and Kobe, Join forces to help them recruit LeBron, who is now the number one player in the league.

However, the so-called "recruitment" is only a relative term. A star of LeBron's caliber cannot be obtained through recruitment. Which team he chooses is to tell the other team what to do. There is no bargaining process. The team has to prove itself, work hard to earn trust, and accept all the conditions he offers.

LeBron is definitely one of the most powerful athletes in sports history. Few people can completely control his own choices and direction in the second half of his career like him. Moving to Los Angeles was a logical choice for him. But being good in Los Angeles is still two different things from accepting his conditions and waiting for his decision.

On the morning of July 1st, all the waiting people were nervous, anxious and excited. They knew that their destiny was about to be changed.

LeBron’s decision this time felt completely different from the previous two times. There was no live TV, no meeting with team representatives, no drama, unlike before when the entire league would stop and hold its breath whenever he made a decision.

This time, he doesn't want to do this again, and he doesn't need to do this again. At the age of 33, he already has three championships. No one knows this league better than him, and no one knows better than him how to choose his own legend. Therefore, before he went on vacation with his family in Anguilla at the end of June, he met with his agent Rich Paul and several consultants and made everything clear.

This time, no one can benefit from his decision. Don’t make any documentaries, don’t seek any commercial interests, and don’t hold any celebration parties or press conferences. LeBron is willing to make a decision quickly so that other teams don't hesitate. As for himself, he just wants to spend time with his family and spend as much time as possible on vacation in Italy throughout the summer.

He has played in the finals for 8 consecutive years. The short offseason is like an oasis in the desert for him. He needs high-quality company time.

And more importantly, he has already won the championship for the Cavaliers, and the situation is completely different from the previous two times. And this past season, he really did his best for the team. Even team coach Tyronn Lue said: "He has performed at the highest level you can imagine, and this is probably his best season.

”

When James’ agency announced his decision to join the Lakers, Lu Shuai was in the High Limit Lounge VIP room of the Las Vegas hotel, where the Cavaliers were preparing for the summer league. It was Sunday evening, and the surroundings It was all quiet, suitable for him to "hide". Lue always knew that LeBron might go to the Lakers, but it still took him a while to believe that it actually happened.

"It's hard to accept, of course. , he means so much to Cleveland, to our entire team, and to me as a coach. But he is also the one who has received the most pressure and attention, more than anyone else. Even so, he has not compromised from the first day, but has become stronger and stronger, making so many contributions to the entire league and the entire city. . He can make any choice for his career and enjoy any choice he makes, and I'm happy for him and his family. ”

After the finals, Lu Shuai has kept in touch with LeBron. This is not abnormal. The two of them often communicated through text messages during the season. Of course, Lu Shuai needs to know what James is thinking at all times. After all, In the past season, he played 104 games, averaging 38 minutes per game.

“Sometimes we talk five or six times a week, sometimes five or six times a day. "He said.

He also wanted to keep in touch during the offseason, but he didn't want to be misunderstood by LeBron. He didn't want to have any influence on "Decision 3."

"I didn't recruit. He, Rich, has made it very clear to the Cavaliers that none of us need to do recruiting. LeBron knows exactly what he wants and what our situation is, so just let him make his own decision. I respect their opinions very much. "Lu Shuai said.

The same was true for Wade in 2014. LeBron was faced with a decision to stay or go. Wade, as his friend who transcended his teammates, accompanied him in Las Vegas before he made the decision. Vacation and fly back to Miami not long after, LeBron announced his return to the Cavaliers, and Wade never "crossed the line" in persuading him to stay.

A few years later. Also said: “I didn’t recruit him once. When I found out he had made the decision, I said, "It's quite interesting, isn't it?" To do what he wants to do, I will support him no matter what. I know not a lot of people can do that, but LeBron didn't make my life happen. I value our friendship and the rest is a bonus. ”

Lu Shuai may be the most optimistic person in the Cavaliers management about the prospects of James staying on the team. Every time he communicates with LeBron, it is calm, as if LeBron will still be there as soon as the training camp arrives. But the whole of Cleveland seemed ready for his departure, and after Game 4 of the Finals, the entire arena gave him a standing ovation, which was like a grand send-off. p>

The hatred of 2010 has turned into nostalgia and sadness

Marla Lednor, a columnist for the Akron Beacon, wrote in an article on July 2. Wrote: “I thought my heart wouldn’t be hurt if I was prepared for him to leave. But knowing he's joining the Lakers, I feel like some of the most magical, amazing moments I've witnessed in my 41 years as a reporter are truly in the past. ”

After the Finals, Cavaliers general manager Altman has been working hard to find reinforcement deals to allow LeBron to stay. But during this period, every time he communicated with Paul, he couldn’t get anything. There is no guarantee of staying on the team, not even suggestions.

This attitude is very similar to the way LeBron treated the Heat management in 2014: there is almost no communication, no guidance and suggestions, and the management can only do it. Contacted Paul. Heat president Riley was very dissatisfied at the time. He even broke into LeBron's trainer's wedding, hoping to know his attitude. However, he still failed to meet with him until LeBron agreed to the Cavaliers. Sign.

The Cavaliers certainly understand what this means. LeBron will always do things his own way, and those who know him should respect him.

< p> Altman said: "It's completely different from the last time he left, he still cares about us, I believe so. I also truly believe that this decision made him very sad, and that going to Los Angeles was for him and his family's future happy life. "

Atman received a call from Paul at home and learned that LeBron chose the Lakers. It was after 8 pm Eastern Time, and he knew how heavy the responsibility of rebuilding would be on his shoulders in the future. It was very difficult. He quickly called the management and all returning players, but he was still in a very low mood.

What if they get more chips in the Irving trade? What if they could get Paul George? "When you look back at your work, you really lose sleep," he said. "I don't want to judge whether the team did something right or wrong. The choice was made by him. For the sake of myself and my family, I have to accept it."

Early the next morning, Altman received a call from perhaps the only person in the world who could empathize with him at that moment: Heat general manager Andy Ellisberger.

Ellisberger said: "As soon as he answered the phone, I said, did the sun come out normally this morning? He said, it did. I said, then I want to tell you, the sun will still come out tomorrow. Rising as usual."

Four years ago, Ellisburg and the Heat were overwhelmed by the loss of LeBron. They knew that he might leave the team, but they didn't expect that he would choose to leave after playing only four years. You know, the Heat have reached the Finals in all four years.

In the Cavaliers, it's the same. LeBron got what he needed with both teams. In the Heat, he won the championship and knew how to control his own destiny. Leaving the Heat, his direction is clearer. This time, he chose Los Angeles for his family.

"I was really angry that night, and I was so emotional that my chest hurt." Ellisberger said when recalling LeBron's decision in 2014. "I lay in bed and felt like I was having a heart attack. ”

He spent the entire day trying to save the team, convincing Bosh and Wade to stay, and interviewing any free agents who might fill LeBron’s vacancy. After the panic passed, what was left was pain. He was suffering from insomnia, so he simply got in the car and drove north for two hours before slowly calming down. "It wasn't until about four or five in the morning that my consciousness became clear. This actually had nothing to do with us, it was just what he wanted to do." Ellisburg said.

In July this year, Ellisberger was able to share his feelings with Altman. "I went to the office early the next morning, wrote a lot of players' names on the blackboard, and started rebuilding. You know, it all ends, whether it's the way you want it or not, and you always have to start again." He Said, "But no matter what, the past four years have been exciting enough. You won a championship, which is an achievement that cannot be erased by anything."

Altman listened to his story, Knowing that these words would help him move forward in the long days to come. "He said that he would never deny the past four years in any case, and I think so too. It's really great to reach the finals for four consecutive years and to cooperate with the number one player in the league."

As for the Lakers , they should be accustomed to bringing in big-name superstars, but LeBron's arrival still brings a lot of excitement and panic.

LeBron and the Lakers' lineup are not a match made in heaven. The Lakers' core players are all young guys in their early 20s. They haven't recruited George yet, and there has been no progress in negotiating a Leonard trade with the Spurs, but LeBron is still here. No one dared ask why, but the Lakers knew they had to prove they were worthy of LeBron's trust.

LeBron and Magic are often compared. They grew up with similar backgrounds. As basketball geniuses, they carried countless expectations when they first entered the league. Magic was selected as the No. 1 pick by the Lakers in 1979, which was also the first year Buss bought the team. He is 6 feet 9 inches tall, can do anything on the court and always keeps a smile. He single-handedly created the Showtime era and became a successful businessman and social activist after retiring.

The same goes for the 6-foot-8 LeBron, who has always attracted attention in the past 15 years, but he has never been as close as a father and son to his boss like Magic. His inner circle was limited to family, friends and business partners over the years including Paul, Maverick Carter and Randy Mims.

But if his Lakers career comes to fruition, he and Magic will share not only similar abilities, but also similar stories.

Judgment is important. Only Jenny and Pelinka among the Lakers' top brass knew about Magic's meeting with LeBron alone. Keeping a low profile can be regarded as the sincerity shown by the Lakers to LeBron and his small circle. If that's not possible, how can LeBron trust them?

Jenny also said: "We will never take any risks and make omissions."

She is willing to wait, and she is also willing to trust the two people she supports.

"Magic and Rob have made a lot of preparations. They want to take a gamble first and see the result, but to be honest, (James joining) is the best result, but if he doesn't come, we still have B, C, and D. , Plan E. It’s up to the players to make their own decisions, so we just have to do our best.”

It’s not like Jenny has never participated in the player recruitment meeting, “We didn’t even decide on the coach after the free market started. , how can we persuade other players to join? We have received such feedback before, at least we have to decide on the coach. But I think, what if they sign a coach that they are not satisfied with? I don't like this process very much anyway. ”

In the past year and a half, Jenny has been working hard to reshape the Lakers culture. She wants the Lakers to have their own culture and not be attached to others. Even if she doesn't get a star, she doesn't regret it.

But she will still lose sleep because of LeBron's decision, because his choice can also prove whether she has chosen the right direction. "I was with my friends, but I couldn't help but stare at my phone," she said.

After 5 pm, she finally received a text message from Paul, which read: "Congratulations."

"I will never forget that moment. I believe my father will be very happy too." "This is definitely the ending he wants to see."

Lakers coach Luke Walton had been considering the possibility of coaching LeBron a few weeks ago. He thought there would be a recruiting meeting and was still preparing to meet with LeBron.

For two years, he has devoted himself to cultivating the Lakers' young players, which has not been easy. Fortunately, last season, he finally saw some results. If he wants to meet with James, he hopes to explain his ideas and get the other party's approval. He has several plays prepared, and if LeBron asks for details, he can answer them easily. But he also thought it was unlikely.

"X, who said LeBron would want to hear this stuff." she said.

Tactics are not important, vision and confidence are. Walton feels like he can see things from LeBron's perspective. Two years ago, he left the Warriors, who were building a dynasty team, and came to the rebuilding Lakers. He knows how stressful it can be to work here, and he knows the management is in a volatile period. But he believes that the Lakers can turn around and he can play a role.

"I have always liked the family atmosphere in sports teams. From high school to college to the eight-year career with the Lakers, the experience of winning championships together was really special and completely shaped my view of basketball." He Said, "Seeing the Lakers struggling, I supported them even when I was with the Warriors. If I get the opportunity to coach the Lakers and help them rebuild, I am very willing to accept the challenge. After all, this is the team that made me grow up."< /p>

Walton also wanted to find a chance to tell LeBron these stories, but in the end, LeBron only met with Magic alone. Wharton only found out about their meeting early on the morning of July 1, and knew that the result would be good. He asked no more questions, knowing he needed to keep the team a secret. (Later, he also sent text messages to James and planned to find a chance to meet as soon as possible.)

"I just came back from the office. The weather was very nice that day. My family had just opened the swimming pool cover and was ready to enjoy it. ." he said. As a result, his phone rang and he learned that LeBron chose the Lakers.

“I was on the phone probably for half the day after that and completely missed the Sunday family barbecue party.” He said with a smile, “When I finally answered the phone, the children were asleep.”< /p>

When everything calmed down, Walton had the opportunity to reflect on what happened. The fate of himself and the Lakers had been changed. He has received hundreds of text messages and emails and is still waiting for a reply.

Kobe also contacted him and told him that to be a good coach for James, he needed to listen and cooperate well, just like he once did with the Zen Master, "Know what is really important and stick to it." "

Heat coach Spoelstra also gave him advice, telling him that LeBron needs to understand the daily work of the team, and as a coach, he must be transparent and open and willing to discuss.

"He said that LeBron now is different from the Heat. Eight years ago, he didn't have a championship, and he was quite desperate. Now he knows more, and the coach needs to be honest. You have to work very hard. As long as you do your job well, you can get along well with him."

His father, Bill Walton, was originally a member of the Grateful Dead (a group founded in 1965). (rock band) concert, and even called him to ask how he wanted to celebrate.

"Well, when he called me, the background was very noisy, and he had to yell to me: This rhythm is the answer to all the problems in life." Wharton said with a smile, "When I understand what this means, it will be no problem."< /p>

Wharton knew deep down that everything would be different next. In his rookie season, he was teammates with Malone, Payton, O'Neal, and Kobe, and he also saw how this team disintegrated. But he also accompanied the Lakers to successfully win the championship, knowing that no matter how much farce there is, it will end one day.

“I know it’s going to be crazy, I know it’s going to be great, the whole city is going to support us, and our games are on SportsCenter every day. If we lose, people will feel The end of the world is coming. If we win, it will be like we are invincible. No matter what, next season will be very interesting."

With this mood, Walton came to the pool. The family members were all asleep, leaving him alone to think quietly.

"Sitting under the stars, I said to myself, Damn, LeBron is on our team. The best player in the world became a Laker."