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"Okay, newbie, looks like besides taking away the victory, I can also take away a big bag of US dollars."

Although the $500,000 exceeded his expectations, Kobe, as the best player in the league today, did not show any fear.

The game continues on the field.

After Kobe scored, the Lakers' lead returned to six points.

With the Clippers in possession, Zhou Yi continued his marathon-like running around the court.

Although each of the Clippers' interior players has their own weaknesses—Kaman is slow and short, Camby is too thin, and DeAndre Jordan is still a bit inexperienced—they are all different.

Fortunately, these players are all fairly large, so they can provide decent screen quality.

On the field, they were like wooden stakes driven into the field, constantly providing cover for Zhou Yi.

Zhou Yi's feet never stopped moving; he kept running.

Zhou Yi even incorporated a lot of sudden stops and starts into his running to generate more physical exertion for Kobe, who was on defense.

On the Lakers' bench, Phil Jackson's previously calm expression showed a slight change.

Watching Zhou Yi's actions, he was reminded of the finals five years ago.

Back then, the Pistons also used the same tactic against the Lakers, with Hamilton running away from home and Kobe playing the entire game.

"Phil, do you think we should switch Ron to defend against Zhou Yi?"

Beside the Zen Master, his chief assistant coach Brian Shaw, watching the scene unfold, offered the Zen Master some advice.

"No, that's it. Besides, Ron and Luke Walton can't keep up with Zhou Yi."

The Zen master shook his head as he spoke, making no move to change his tactics.

There was just one thing he didn't say to Brian Shaw.

Kobe's pride wouldn't allow him to choose to abandon his defense against Zhou Yi at this moment; such an arrangement would be worse than killing him.

Looking at the Clippers on the court, the shrewd Phil Jackson was no longer focused on the regular season.

With Gasol's return from injury, the Lakers have firmly secured a top-four position in the Western Conference, and may even finish the season as the first or second seed in the West.

The Clippers, who have a chance to be in the lower half of the Western Conference's top eight, will be one of the Lakers' potential rivals.

Phil Jackson doesn't care how many times the Clippers lose to the regular season; on the contrary, he hopes the Clippers will reveal all their cards when facing the Lakers in the regular season.

If this is possible, then when the Lakers face the Clippers in the playoffs, Phil Jackson can develop more targeted tactics.

No one knows the Zen Master's hidden strategy yet, but Barkley and Kenny Smith on the commentary desk have already noticed the clues on the field.

"The Clippers seem to be trying to replicate the 04 Finals, using relentless running to wear down Kobe."

Kenny Smith shook his head as he spoke, expressing his disapproval of the Clippers' strategy.

"Although Kobe is already 32 years old, he still has extremely strong physical strength. Zhou Yi is indeed younger, but this is Kobe Bryant, the best player in the league right now."

"The Clippers' move may not work."

Kenny's words were broadcast live across the United States by TNT, and they reflected the thoughts of most of the viewers watching the game at that moment.

At LeBron James's residence in Cleveland, James is watching the game with his agent, Leon Rose.

Of course, they had more important things to discuss.

"Don't worry, LeBron. I've conveyed your message to the Cavaliers. Gilbert assured me that the team will find more shooters to create space for you."

After listening to his agent's words, James nodded.

The reason he directly confronted the team owner this time was because...

Watching Zhou Yi battling Kobe on the court on the screen, it was all because of this rookie.

James sensed a threat from Zhou Yi.

His home victory was taken away, his record was taken away, and deep down, James always felt that this rookie would take everything away from him.

So he arranged for his agent to pressure the Cavaliers owner, because James needed more help.

......

The second quarter of the Clippers vs. Lakers game at Staples Center has ended, and halftime is approaching.

The score was 49-45, with the Lakers leading by four points.

In the second quarter, Zhou Yi perfectly executed the tactic of wearing down Kobe's stamina.

Although Kobe still scored 10 points in this quarter, Zhou Yi could feel that the old blacksmith's stamina was rapidly depleting.

On the court, Kobe's defensive footwork was no longer a rigid follow-up, and his movements began to slow down slightly.

When the final whistle blew at the end of the second quarter, Zhou Yi saw Kobe, covered in sweat, clutching his stomach.

Zhou Yi, who possessed Hamilton's endurance talent, was only slightly out of breath at this moment.

The halftime break ended quickly, and the players from both sides returned to the field.

At the start of the third quarter, Phil Jackson chose to rest Kobe Bryant on the bench.

On the court was Odom leading a reserve lineup, while the Clippers fielded a semi-starting lineup of Zhou Yi, Harden, and DeAndre Jordan.

Because of El Thornton's appearance, Roundface Harden was basically rested in the second quarter.

So as soon as he stepped onto the court, round-faced Deng showed his offensive talent.

Facing Shannon Brown's defense, the round-faced Deng easily made a mid-range shot, and then assisted Zhou Yi on the three-point line in the next offensive possession.

When Zhou Yi sank the three-pointer, the Clippers finally took the lead against the Lakers for the first time in the game.

"Zhou! Zhou! Zhou!"

The Clippers fans on the sidelines cheered for this moment, waving their large Zhou Yi-themed support signs wildly.

On the Lakers' bench, when he saw the score being surpassed, Kobe took off his sweat-absorbing towel.

"Phil, let me play."

Kobe said through gritted teeth while staring intently at the I Ching that was looking at him.

He knew it was a provocation from that rookie.

After a moment of silence, the Zen Master nodded; he chose not to stop Kobe.

The Zen Master, who looks like Colonel Sanders, is a master of psychological manipulation. He knew that Kobe wouldn't listen to him until he was dealt a blow.

So in the next Lakers offensive possession, Kobe was substituted back into the game, and once again he stood opposite Zhou Yi.

However, Kobe made a big mistake as soon as he came back on the court. Facing the double-team of Zhou Yi and Deng, Kobe's fadeaway jump shot went completely airball.

This is a sign that Kobe's stamina has started to decline at 32 years old.

"Kobe, keep it up, if you don't want the victory and the $500,000 to be mine."

Looking at Kobe, Zhou Yi decided to continue to provoke him. After speaking, he used Hamilton's endurance talent to start running all over the court again.

"Fuck!"

Clutching his back, Kobe cursed angrily, but his pride prevented him from giving up at that moment.

However, as the third quarter progressed, Kobe's pace became increasingly sluggish.

On the defensive end, his footwork was clearly not keeping up with the constantly running Zhou Yi; on the offensive end, Kobe's jump shot accuracy began to decline.

After running for two quarters, Zhou Yi also began to pant heavily, but his younger body and endurance talent supported him.

1 points, 3 points, 5 points.

The Clippers' lead was widening with difficulty, and Kobe Bryant was clearly showing signs of fatigue on the court.

Until the end of the third quarter, Kobe stood with his hands on his hips.

His face turned ashen, and he bit his lip hard.

When the final whistle blew, Kobe didn't go to the bench, but instead walked quickly towards the player tunnel.

Before he had even fully entered the player tunnel, Kobe bent over and leaned against the wall.

On the commentary stage, Kenny once again widened his eyes and made an exaggerated expression.

"Kobe... Kobe looks like he threw up."