Basketball trainer, I created a super giant

Chapter 183 How much do you want? Just tell me.
The second day of the draft.

Jackson has returned to Los Angeles.

The team is on holiday, but for the management, their work has just begun.

The moment Jackson's dream of a great three-peat shattered, his coaching staff was thrust into the spotlight.

Lakers fans need someone to vent their anger on.

Shaquille O'Neal scored a 51-point outburst to save face for the Lakers and prevent a humiliating 4-0 sweep.

Therefore, in the hearts of Lakers fans, O'Neal remains their hero.

Kobe's poor performance in the first three games can also be seen as a major reason for the Lakers' crushing defeat.

But Kobe is a favorite and darling of Lakers fans, and they don't want to criticize him too much.

In the hearts of Lakers fans, the Magic are like the old witch in a fairy tale, the queen in Snow White, who plotted for half a season to prepare the poisoned apple, Sasser, for Kobe.

So Kobe's poor performance was acceptable because his opponents were too bad.

Aside from the two core players, there's a bunch of role players left, and nobody dares to criticize them.

Then Jackson's coaching staff will have to take the blame.

Why weren't you vigilant enough about the rise of magic?
The media had already reported that Sasser was training with Tang Sen to turn him into a Kobe killer. Why didn't you take precautions in advance?
Brown can go toe-to-toe with O'Neal, so why don't you double-team him?
Jackson certainly double-teamed Brown, but the angry fans selectively ignored it.

And Kobe, why didn't you help him design tactics and create better shooting opportunities for him?
After five games, his tactics have become a complete mess. All he does is stand on the sidelines in a suit and stare blankly. Even a dog tethered to the bench would be more useful than him.

Such criticisms have been ongoing since the day the finals ended.

When you're feeling well, everything is fine.

But when you fail, any small flaw will be magnified and become a problem.

Even on draft night yesterday, right after the draft, the Los Angeles media immediately launched an attack, questioning why Lindsey Hunter was traded just to get Tracy Murray.

How old is he?

Even though Hunter is older than Murray.

But the media doesn't care about that; when you're being condemned by everyone, all your actions are considered problematic.

Jackson was almost furious when asked this question yesterday.

He wanted to tell Lakers fans that we gave up Hunter, but we also got a higher draft pick, Kareem Rush, can't you see that?
Moreover, this was just a small up-ranking trade, not worth mentioning at all.

These days, Jackson has also carefully analyzed and summarized his failures.

Being bad is the original sin, so the Lakers still need to continue to strengthen their roster.

Old Buss was not stingy with money.

The problem is, I can't spend the money.

O'Neal's contract of over 20 million dollars is too big, locking up the Lakers' salary cap space. With a bunch of role players, where are the quality assets?

Draft picks aren't worth much either.

In other words, the Lakers are a large market team with enough appeal that they might be able to attract some talented players using the mid-level exception.

However, after careful consideration, Jackson came up with a way to improve the situation.

That is to imitate magic and find a way to poach Tang Sen.

Make Kobe even stronger.

And Shaquille O'Neal, to be honest, he should lose weight too.

Then attract some low-paid role players, let Tang Sen take over the training, and see if you can find some gems out of the mess and cultivate a few useful role players.

If Tang Sen could train Sather, why can't he replicate that success with the Lakers?

So the key is Tang Sen.

Fortunately, he was in the uniform department, so he didn't take up salary space, and it wouldn't affect him to sign a large contract.

They offered Tang Sen a 5-year, 1000 million yuan contract, but Tang Sen was probably not very satisfied.

Then let's just double it!
2000 million over 5 years, that's almost as much as I earn now, surely that's tempting?

Although it would cost an extra ten million, Jackson felt that given Buss's love for the Lakers, he should be able to grit his teeth and come up with the money.

Furthermore, since Tang Sen's relatives were in Los Angeles, Jackson felt that recruiting Tang Sen should not be a problem.

He sat down in his office, and the team's assistant came in with a stack of newspapers and a cup of coffee.

"Jenny, thank you!"

Jackson thanked him, then picked up his coffee and casually flipped open the Los Angeles Times on the top shelf.

Turning to the sports section, the first thing that catches the eye is a photo of Yao Ming shaking hands with Stern.

"Shameless!"

Jackson made no secret of his disdain.

Stern is really going too far. He's not even going to act anymore, and he's just forcibly giving New York the number one draft pick.

The headline read: New York is the biggest winner.

They were lucky to get the number one pick and select Yao Ming, a promising center.

Moreover, the New Yorkers had an unexpected bonus on draft night.

Later in the day after the draft, when Layden was interviewed by New York Cable, he revealed a surprising fact while reflecting on the draft results.

They reportedly met with Townsend on the night of the draft and offered the Knicks a multi-year contract, bringing this top trainer in the league to the team.

For the next few years, Townsend will remain in New York to help the Knicks chase the championship.

This news then reached Los Angeles through media channels.

Jackson, who was drinking coffee, froze when he read this part.

He didn't spit out the coffee, nor did he break the coffee cup.

But I was completely stunned.

He was thinking that as soon as the draft was over, he would contact Tang Sen immediately, and even planned to personally go to Orlando to meet with Tang Sen and invite him again.

Surprisingly, the Knicks beat them to it.

They met and reached an agreement on the night of the draft.

You should have said so earlier! You were at the draft yesterday too.

After staring blankly for a full half minute, Jackson finally snapped out of it, hurriedly put down his coffee cup, took out his phone, and started scrolling through his contacts.

As he wished, Tangsen left Orlando but went to New York.

why?

Jackson is going crazy. Why is he in such a hurry to make a decision? Wait a little longer, at least listen to our Lakers' offer.

Jackson couldn't understand it and didn't want to believe the result.

Tang Sen was crucial to his plan.

He found the number.

He's a media friend from New York.

He quickly dialed the number to verify the credibility of the message.

Don't let it be a pipe dream of yours, Leiden.

"That's right, Phil, we got Tang, and the New York fans are ecstatic. Although I don't know the specific details of the contract, it seems that Tang has already signed with the team."

The other party's response left Jackson stunned once again.

The news is true, and the contracts have already been signed.

At this moment, the office door was pushed open.

Kupchak.

Jackson quickly raised his hand, signaling him not to speak, and dialed another number.

Judging from his expression, it was clear that Kupchak had also seen the newspaper.

The two exchanged information, and Kupchak knew about his plan and understood the importance of Tang Sen.

"Don!"

When the call connected, Jackson greeted him with a smile.

Kupchak was taken aback, then immediately sat down quietly and gestured for the speaker to play the music out.

Jackson spoke out and exchanged a few polite words.

He quickly found a way to start the conversation, asking about Tang Sen's plan to start a million-dollar club. He asked how many players Tang Sen planned to recruit, expressing his hope that Kobe could join and use the offseason to improve his skills.

"Phil, Kobe already told me about this beforehand. If he wants to come, I'd certainly welcome him."

At this point, Tang Sen changed his tone and said, "However, I haven't finalized the list yet, because I plan to recruit only 3 to 4 players. If there are many applicants, I will have to make a selection."

Jackson's heart skipped a beat.

He didn't expect to recruit only 3 to 4 players.

This is too little.

But on second thought, it makes sense.

After all, Tang Sen has already proclaimed the "million-dollar club" slogan, with registration fees reaching millions of US dollars. Which ordinary player can afford that price?

Moreover, with fewer trainees recruited, Tang Sen will pay more attention and focus his efforts on training these few players well, so as not to ruin his reputation.

But at the same time, Jackson also understood Tang Sen's subtext.

If there are too many applicants, we will have to select the best ones.

As for who gets chosen, it's highly likely that whoever is willing to pay the higher registration fee will be selected.

So, it's called the Million Club, but in the end, it might turn into an auction where whoever has the most money has a chance.

“I understand.” Jackson nodded and said directly, “You know, Kobe is very important to us, so no matter how high the enrollment fee is, we hope that Kobe can be on your student list.”

The team can always cover part of it.

As long as Kobe improves, these investments that don't count towards the salary cap are nothing.

Tang Sen agreed, and then asked Jackson if there was anything else.

I have something to do and am about to go out.

Jackson stopped beating around the bush and asked Townsend if he had already signed with the Knicks.

"Tang, I've always wanted you to come and join my team. You're the best trainer in the league, and you can definitely help us."

“Jerry and I have discussed it. If you’re willing to come, our last offer is null and void. We’re willing to offer you a 5-year, $2000 million contract.”

Kupchak, on the other end, was taken aback and quickly gave him an inquiring look.

When did you discuss this with old Buss? How come I didn't know?

2000 million over 5 years! That's double the previous offer. You just decided on this contract yourself?
Jackson told him to calm down.

He was confident he could persuade Mr. Buss to offer the contract.

Unexpectedly, Tang Sen said on the other end of the phone, "Phil, I'm sorry, I've already signed with the Knicks."

Are there any breach of contract clauses?

Jackson pressed for more information.

If there's no breach of contract clause, then you can void it.

Tang Sen knew what Jackson meant, so he simply said, "Phil, the New Yorkers paid higher than you, sorry."

Then, making an excuse that he had something to do, he hung up the phone.

Jackson's eyes widened.

Are New Yorkers contributing more?
"Are you crazy? He's just a trainer. How much higher can New York be?" Kupchak on the other side was startled.

The Lakers' head trainer only earns about 300,000 to 400,000.

A salary of 2000 million over 5 years, or 400 million annually, is more than ten times that amount.

As a result, New Yorkers paid more.

Even if James Dolan is foolish and rich, he shouldn't mess things up like this and disrupt the market.

What if other trainers see that Tang Sen can earn millions a year and start demanding a price increase?

Jackson snapped out of his daze and gave a wry smile.

If only Tang Sen were just a trainer.

"Damn it!"

Jackson scratched his hair in frustration.

Should we throw more money at it?
There are few owners in the league who are willing to spend money; most are quite stingy.

Dolan happens to be one of the best among them.

Jackson figured that no matter how big a contract the Lakers offered, Dolan would accept it.

When it comes to wealth, who can New Yorkers be afraid of?
If I had known it would end like this, I should have gone to Orlando as soon as the season was over and quickly recruited Tang Sen.

Unexpectedly, this delay led to a missed opportunity.

If the Knicks win the championship next year, Jackson will be kicking himself.

"Phil, what do we do now?" Kupchak asked, frustrated.

Without Townsend, there would be no McGrady killer.

Jackson had previously suggested recruiting Tangsen and then, like the Magic, developing a McGrady killer to specifically counter McGrady in the Finals.

Now, it only exists in dreams.

Jackson was hit hard, but it didn't affect his judgment.

He immediately sat up straight and said, "The Million Club, we must get Kobe into Don's Million Club and make him even stronger."

Kobe is very strong, but not strong enough yet, and has a lot of room for growth.

Therefore, this offseason is crucial.

"I'm going to find Kobe."

Thinking of this, Jackson immediately got up, ready to go and talk to Kobe.

Then Kupchak was asked to go to Jerry Buss, explain the situation, and get Buss to agree that no matter what the final registration fee was, Kobe would pay one million, and the team would make up the difference.

Kupchak nodded.

That's just how Shaq is. With his personality, he even slacks off during the regular season. Expecting him to train during the offseason is practically impossible.

Therefore, if the Lakers want to become stronger, they can only place their hopes on Kobe.

Jackson was disappointed and frustrated by Townsend's sudden move to the Knicks.

But for one team in the league, it was like the sky had fallen.

magic!

The Magic did not have any draft picks, so they went home empty-handed in this year's draft.

However, Rivers didn't care. The Magic had already won the championship, so there were no problems with the current roster.

Rivers' only task this offseason is to retain the existing roster.

Therefore, renewing Billups' contract became the top priority.

Billups' net worth is about to skyrocket.

The top salary is definitely not enough to qualify.

He has organizational and leadership skills, and his defense is also good, but his offensive ability is still lacking.

With limited resources, there were two standout performances in the finals, but it's impossible to guarantee that such explosive performances will become the norm.

In Rivers' mind, Billups is an excellent point guard, but only at the level of the team's third option.

A contract of six to eight million is acceptable for a player of this caliber.

The problem is that the Magic's current contracts already amount to $40 million, and they simply don't have enough salary cap space to sign Billups directly.

He was traded mid-season and didn't even get early bird rights.

Then only non-bird signatures can be used.

But he only earned $248 million last season, so even with bird rights, he couldn't sign a $6 million contract.

The only ways to sign someone close to this salary level are through the mid-level exception or by trading the player to free up salary space.

Therefore, keeping Billups was not an easy task.

But compared to Townsend signing with New York, whether or not Billups can be retained is not a big deal.

When Rivers received the news, he felt like the sky had fallen.

Why do you want to leave? How much money do you want? Just tell me!

(End of this chapter)