Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 409 Survive, Win!
On the same day as the Chinese New Year, the NBA officially announced the All-Star voting and starting lineups.

Even though Chen Fang received more votes than James, nothing changed. James and Giannis were elected as captains of the East and West conferences, respectively, and gained the right to select players.

Western Conference Starting Lineup:

LeBron James (Lakers, Captain)

Chen Fang (Clippers)
James Harden (Rockets)

Kawhi Leonard (Lakers)

Anthony Davis (Lakers)
Eastern Conference starting lineup:

Trae Young (Eagle)

Kemba Walker (Celtics)
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks, Captain)

Pascal Siakam (Raptors)
Joel Embiid (76ers)
In terms of roster, it is clear that the East is weaker than the West. Chen Wang's brilliance alone surpasses that of most of the East's selected players.

But Eastern fans and reporters were all smiles, because everyone knew that James would not choose Chen Wang, and Giannis had already stated that his first choice was Chen Wang.

Many reporters are excitedly predicting that the "Late Spring Team" will reunite and stage a triumphant return.

Trae Young, Jayson Tatum, and Chen Wang—what a terrifying combination! Their perimeter offense is unstoppable.

The All-Star Game will then be the test to see if everything goes as expected.

Can the combination of James, Leonard, and Harden, these three veteran superstars of the middle generation of the league, withstand the late spring?
This has become the biggest speculation surrounding the All-Star Game.

This year's All-Star Game introduces a new element: the 157 rule. (Originally intended to honor Kobe, this is omitted here; it simply sets a score.)
Whoever scores 157 will become the winner of the competition. This rule aims to enhance the defensive intensity and competitiveness of the All-Star game, thereby increasing its entertainment value and viewership.

This makes things very interesting, and the return of the Late Spring team only adds to the suspense.

Multiple sources have confirmed that the All-Star Game in Chicago this year has garnered unprecedented attention. This is due to the rise of Chen Wang and the emergence of rookies in recent years, such as Doncic, Trae Young, and Jokic, which has brought the attention of Asia and Europe back to the NBA.

A. Smith boldly predicted: "I believe this All-Star Game will be the most competitive and suspenseful game ever."

"Whether Chen Wang can defend his title and whether he can assemble the Late Spring Team as scheduled to defeat the Western Conference led by James will be the biggest expectation of every NBA and basketball fan."

"Furthermore, this is being held in Chicago, a place once the abode of God. Jordan completed his great journey from king to god here. Perhaps this is also the starting point for Chen Wang's journey to godhood."

"Jordan publicly expressed his appreciation for Chen Fang, believing that he possesses all the qualities he approves of on the court and that he does a great job."

"This era is already perfect, with players like James, Leonard, Harden, and other swingmen. Chen Wang needs to defeat them and achieve a great leap forward."

The substitutes selected this time were somewhat disappointing.

The Western Conference lineup includes Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, Nikola Jokic, Jimmy Butler, Brandon Ingram, Russell Westbrook, and Chris Paul.

The Eastern Conference team consists of Bradley Beal, Kyle Lowry, Ben Simmons, Khris Middleton, Jayson Tatum, Bam Adebayo, and Domantas Sabonis.

However, many star players were not selected, mostly due to injuries that prevented them from playing enough or because their teams had poor records.

Stars like Curry, Paul George, Irving, LaVine, Drummond, Booker, Jaylen Brown, and Gobert unfortunately did not make the cut for various reasons.

Ja Morant and Zion Williamson were also highly touted in this year's draft, but unfortunately, they were not selected.

This also reflects the authority of the All-Star Game; only truly representative and competitive stars are qualified to come to this stage.

Without a doubt, Chen Fang, now in his third year in the NBA, has begun to stand in the spotlight and become the undisputed center of attention.

There's no other reason than that Chen Fang is strong enough. Looking across the league, who has ever beaten him, and who dares to consistently suppress him?

No one dares to say that. Haven't they seen how LeBron James, the face of the league, has been completely overshadowed by Chen Fang? Even now, James is still avoiding Chen Fang's public challenge.

This is why, even though it wasn't February 7th yet when the captains would be selecting players, everyone knew that James would absolutely not choose Chen Fang.

The logic is simple: if Chen Wang is chosen to be in the West, then James would be committing suicide. Given Chen Wang's personality and the conflict between the two, they will inevitably have to decide who is the primary and who is the secondary.

Furthermore, if James chooses Chen Fang, it means that James is afraid to face King Chen directly, and is cowardly in the face of challenge and revenge.

Therefore, even though James has not responded yet, everyone is already certain.

A reporter from the Los Angeles Times even bluntly stated, "Even Alaskans know what decision James will make."

As the other two members of the Late Spring team, Tatum and Yang had already excitedly cheered on Twitter.

"Let's wipe out the West again, just like we swept the West Coast four years ago."

Some Western journalists also expressed their bitterness: "The conflict between James and Chen has harmed the interests of the West. It's unbelievable. I can't accept that a Western powerhouse would fight for the East."

Some radical fans went even further, shouting and calling on social media: "It's time for James to step down. This emperor is at his wit's end. His wisest choice now is to bow down to King Chen and hand over the throne."

"Yes, that's right. Since LeBron James came to the West, he has never proven himself again. Give him the best center, Davis, and it's no use! Now, with the strongest offensive and defensive robot, Leonard, they still lose to the Clippers without any suspense. It's ridiculous. How else can you prove LeBron James' decline?"

"If James doesn't want to leave gracefully, King Chen will make him leave in a very undignified way, and this All-Star Game will be the starting day of this battle for the throne."

"It's time to deal with this old guy. You're outdated. The new king is eager to get on the guillotine." Some LeBron haters even made such a sinister and bloody threat to James.

James' fans were furious. They went into overdrive, using photoshopped images to smear Chen Fang, comparing their statistics, and attacking Chen Fang's image as a good man and a positive role model in society.

“People like Chen Fang, who have no respect whatsoever, are actually the most terrifying in society. They will stop at nothing to achieve their goals.”

"What right does someone who doesn't average more than 25 points per game and doesn't play in 60 games have to be the king?"

"The behavior of thugs and brawlers on the field, using violence to gain high exposure, is shameful and pathetic."

Chen Wang's fans, of course, wouldn't remain silent and jumped out to attack him head-on.

"Chen Wang has been in the league for three years. I'm curious, has LeBron James ever beaten Chen Wang? Even just once!"

"I don't understand any of this bullshit data. All I know is that in every game against Chen Wang, James didn't score as many points as Chen Wang, and we didn't win the game. I don't know how you fans of the show are structured."

"What a ridiculous data comparison! Someone who can only pad their stats and get wins against weak teams completely disappears when facing real strong opponents. What are you eunuchs arguing about?"

"If you want a meme battle, I'm ready anytime. I can tell you with absolute certainty, don't cross Chen Mi's bottom line. If you continue to photoshop images to insult King Chen, you might end up opening a blind box for them. Just a friendly reminder, I'm a small-time hacker, nothing special, but if you cross my line, I'll strip you naked!"

Chen Fang didn't take the online disturbances to heart at all.

Neither LeBron fans nor Chen fans cared about him. On January 26th, Chen Fang used the excuse of moving and the Spring Festival to invite Kobe's family to his new home. Chen Fang was terrified of fate's forced correction. Over the years, he had witnessed countless things still happen. Ultimately, he didn't want to watch Kobe crash.

Kobe was indeed a little dissatisfied, feeling that Chen Fang was now more dominant than him, and that Gianna had to take leave from her games. Not only that, GG's teammates and family members were also stood up, which made Kobe, who was a man of his word, feel uncomfortable.

The basketball training match held by the Mamba Sports Academy was Kobe's own business, and that's what made Kobe unhappy.

But this is Chen Fang's current position, and under Chen Fang's insistence, Kobe could only reluctantly agree.

Although Gianna was a little unhappy, she became excited again because she was going to Chen Wang's house. She played with the champion for a while and then came to ask Chen Fang for advice.

"What? You're asking me?" Chen Fang was surprised, then burst into laughter, glanced at the helpless Kobe, and said smugly, "GG, you still have a good eye."

Chen Fang then went to the side yard, where a basketball hoop had been installed. At first, Chen Fang didn't want to, but then Wu Zi said that basketball stars all seem to have one at home, so he immediately changed his mind.

"Uncle Chen, what is the most crucial ability for a game-winning shot?" Jaina asked expectantly, her eyes wide with wonder.

This was indeed a unique question, and even Kobe, who was standing next to him, perked up his ears.

Kobe's prized game-winning ability had been shattered by Chen Wang over the past three years. When he heard his daughter ask the question, he was both annoyed and curious.

Chen Fang thought for a moment and replied, "I think it should be peace."

"Peaceful?" Kobe and Gianna were both surprised.

"Just as none of us can know what will happen tomorrow, the only thing we can do is to stay true to our core values ​​and ensure that we are not defeated by any changes."

"Perhaps in the next second, a plane crash, a ship sinking, a friend in trouble, a family member missing, or anything else could happen. What we need to do is make sure we don't panic or lose our composure."

Gianna listened, confused, while Kobe began to ponder.

Chen Fang continued, "And what enables us to do all this is a peaceful mindset. If you can accept any unexpected event, it means you will always be invincible."

"Making a move, taking a shot, whether it's a game-winning shot or not, that's no longer important."

Chen Fang crouched down so that he could look Jaina in the eye and smiled, "The important thing is that you dare to take action and are willing to bear the consequences of a failed attempt."

"Only by daring to lose can you win!"

Gianna's eyes went from confused to clear in just a few seconds, and her Kobe-like face broke into a cheerful smile: "Thank you, Uncle, I understand!"

Watching Jaina happily run to retrieve the ball, preparing to throw it back to the blue, Chen Fang remained squatting there with a smile.

Kobe unexpectedly squatted down next to him, and then plopped down on the ground.

"Thank you. I think your understanding of the game-winning shot is perfect enough; it seems to have led me to the truth."

Hearing Kobe's sentiments, Chen Fang said, "Don't flatter me."

"There are so many truths in this world. Your Mamba Mentality is so outstanding that it has become an indestructible monument in the spirit of basketball."

Kobe shook his head and denied it: "No, it's far from enough. I've been thinking about you and paying attention to you, Chen Wang. There are things about you that I can learn from and explore."

Chen Fang waved his hand and sat down on the ground: "Let me go. Everything I have about basketball comes from regret."

"And my regret stems from a sense of mission."

"I don't aspire to be a household name or have the same influence as you and Jordan."

"What I want to do is to clear all obstacles from my field of vision."

"I see, I conquer, I possess!"

Kobe smiled. He saw Chen Fang get up and then stood up as well, but a little slow. So Chen Fang reached out his hand.

Kobe glanced at it, brushed his hand away, and stood up with effort.

"You're not my teammate, so don't reach out!" Kobe said proudly.

Chen Fang didn't mind. Kobe was that kind of person; you could only admire him from afar, not get close to him.

His personality and perception are like a hedgehog, making people uncomfortable at any time, and his eyes always carry a scrutinizing and indifferent look.

But these are not problems. From a basketball perspective, Kobe's significance lies in his attitude towards basketball, which will inspire generations of people.

This is what distinguishes great basketball players like Kobe and Jordan from other stars; the spirit they exude can inspire and motivate us to move forward.

The desire for victory, the fearlessness in the face of pain, the hunger for challenges, and the greed for championships—these elements converge and pound together to form the tangible image of basketball in people's minds.

When you think of basketball, their images immediately come to mind.

There's no need to argue for your idol; these pointless arguments prove nothing and represent nothing.

When it comes to someone's performance on the court, if it doesn't meet the above criteria, then they've already lost. What do statistics and honors matter?
The brain most directly reflects fans' basic understanding of basketball, which cannot be whitewashed by the words of a few media outlets, commentators, or even famous stars.

From sweating on a local basketball court to the final minute of a championship game, what does our brain remember?
This guy scored five points in a row when we were down 0-4, and we won the whole afternoon.

This guy was really aggressive on defense today. Even though he didn't score, you have to admit we can't do without him.

Although this guy isn't physically strong, he always manages to unite everyone and maintain their confidence in winning at crucial moments, making him a good leader.

Even when we were down by five points in the finals, as long as he had the ball, we firmly believed that we still had a chance to win.

Even if there are only 0.8 seconds left, as long as he exists, his opponents will still fear his decisive move.

Even when he failed to make the game-winning shot, everyone ran over to tell him that it wasn't his fault and firmly believed that he would succeed in making the game-winning shot next time.

Many truths in the world have been drowned out by money and distorted values, but they have never disappeared; they have always been there.

Quietly wait for someone to shine brightly, fight valiantly, and awaken the truth with fearless courage and an iron will, bringing it back into people's view.

Chen Fang knew very well that Kobe was that kind of person, and that was the root of his love and respect for Kobe.

Moreover, he knew even more clearly that he wanted to become that kind of person. "I don't want you to be lonely. This world should have more heroes."

Live on, win on, all the way to the end of the world.

(End of this chapter)