LeBron James running away? He's going all in on Curry.

This "close-up attack" by the old 90s gangsters silenced Nike and LeBron James' PR teams and made the entire American internet ecstatic for weeks.

However, the online uproar and ridicule could not ultimately change the established script of this highly commercialized alliance.

In mid-April, the 2013-2014 NBA regular season officially came to a close.

Even though the second half of the regular season was filled with rumors about "leaning on the league," "intelligent groin," and "Gao Yuanyuan's rule," it did not affect the unprecedented prosperity of the Miami Heat's star player on the stat sheet.

With his relentless fast breaks and rebounding from Bosh in the paint throughout the season, LeBron James ultimately delivered a super triple-double average of 32.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game.

When the results of the various regular season awards were officially announced, LeBron James fans and his media outlets across the United States celebrated.

LeBron James was unsurprisingly named the regular season MVP!

In stark contrast is Stephen Curry, last season's MVP.

This season, Curry led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a breathtaking dominance, achieving the best record in the entire league with an astonishing 68 wins and 14 losses!

Despite such a formidable record, Curry only managed to secure a paltry 8 first-place votes in the final MVP voting!

The reasons given by the league and the media for not being selected were extremely high-sounding: "aesthetic fatigue".

"The Cavaliers' system is too strong, which diminishes Stephen Curry's individual heroism."

"Stephen's stats have declined compared to last year, while LeBron is averaging a historic triple-double. We can't ignore LeBron's lone hero performance on the Heat just because the Cavaliers are doing well."

Cleveland fans protested angrily online in response to the vote, which was clearly biased and discriminatory.

But within the Cavaliers, things were surprisingly calm, without even a ripple.

"Boss, these media outlets are completely blind! The absolute core player of a 68-win team only got 8 first-place votes? They can even come up with an excuse like 'audience fatigue'?!"

General Manager Grant was so angry in his office that he slammed his fist on the table, speaking out in defense of Curry.

"Alright, Grant, calm down. Stephen himself doesn't care, so why are you so worked up?"

Su Yang's eyes were full of disdain:

"The league needs to create a legend, Nike needs to sell shoes, and LeBron needs this fig leaf. So let's be generous and give him this plastic toy from the regular season."

Su Yang was not angry about Curry's declining stats and missing out on the MVP award; on the contrary, he was very satisfied.

Because in the final sprint of this regular season, while the Heat were still fighting tooth and nail for James' triple-double average, the Cavaliers had already switched to "restoration mode"!

In preparation for the brutal playoffs, during the last month of the regular season, none of the Cavaliers' starting five played more than 25 minutes per game!

Su Yang strictly implemented Popovich-style load management.

Curry, Davis, Leonard, Klay, Gasol – this core group clocks out in the third quarter every day, sitting on the bench enjoying the air conditioning and drinking Gatorade.

"Data is for others to see; health and physical fitness are what truly belong to us."

Su Yang stood up, his eyes gleaming with longing for the highest stage. "When the playoffs start and these tigers, who have been resting and recuperating for more than a month, are released, the whole league will know who the real monsters are."

……

A few days later, in Miami, at the American Airlines Arena.

On the eve of the start of the first round of the playoffs, the league held a grand MVP award ceremony for LeBron James.

All the spotlights were focused on the center of the court as James received the MVP trophy, the highest individual honor in the regular season, from league executives.

He held the trophy high, his eyes slightly red, as if he had finally gained the world's recognition after suffering a great injustice.

Facing tens of thousands of Heat fans chanting "MVP" and the nationally televised cameras, James began his moving acceptance speech:

"This is not only my personal honor, but also the glory of this city."

James looked at Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on the sidelines with deep emotion, his voice slightly choked with emotion:

"I want to thank my brothers, Dwyane and Chris. It is your sacrifices that have made me who I am today. We have been through the highs and the lows together."

"There are many rumors circulating about my future, but today, I want to tell everyone here—"

James patted his chest and solemnly swore:

"Miami is my home! I love the fans here, I love this team! I will never leave my brothers, I will never leave here!"

"Let's keep fighting for the championship!"

This heart-wrenching declaration of loyalty ignited the entire arena, moving countless Heat fans to tears.

Fueled by the media across the United States, LeBron James has been portrayed as the most loyal and perfect leader of this era.

however.

Just half an hour later.

In the most private VIP lounge deep inside the American Airlines Center.

The loyal king who had just sworn with tears in his eyes in front of tens of thousands of people that he would "never leave Miami" was now sitting with his legs crossed, tossing the MVP trophy onto the sofa next to him.

"Rich, how's the negotiation with the Los Angeles Clippers going?"

James took the iced water handed to him by his assistant, took a sip, and looked directly at his agent, Rich Paul, who was standing to the side.

In this secluded corner where there are no cameras, the hypocritical mask of "brotherhood basketball" has been completely torn off.

"Everything is going according to plan, LeBron."

Rich Paul smirked smugly.

"Steve Ballmer has already cleared the salary cap space for you! Kyrie Irving is still on his rookie contract, earning a few million dollars a month. Plus, they traded Howard for Kevin Love mid-season, so the Clippers' salary structure is very healthy right now."

"Ballmer has fully agreed to your 1+1 max contract framework. This summer, as soon as you announce you're opting out of your contract with the Heat, you can sign the agreement in Los Angeles anytime!"

Upon hearing this news, a glint of fervent ambition flashed in James' eyes.

With Durant, Irving, Love, and himself parachuted in to take over the organization, this young and firepower-laden super team could absolutely crush those guys in Cleveland!

"However, LeBron, we need you to put on a show regarding the salary amount."

Rich Paul unveiled their meticulously planned and shocking backroom deal:

"In order to allow the Clippers to use the remaining cap space to sign a few quality veterans on minimum contracts, and also to create a perfect persona for you of 'sacrificing for the team'."

"In the official contract, you need to voluntarily take a $100 million pay cut."

"A pay cut?" James frowned slightly. He was a shrewd businessman, and the thought of losing a million dollars made him instinctively feel a little unhappy.

"Don't worry, this is just a smokescreen for the media and fans!"

Rich Paul immediately smiled and dispelled his doubts:

"We've already prepared a massive marketing campaign across the internet! The moment you take a pay cut, the press releases will be out immediately: 'The great King sacrificed his personal interests for the team's strengthening, demonstrating noble character!'"

"This will shut up those who criticized you for leaving Miami and turn around and sing your praises!"

"As for the 100 million in salary you're missing..."

Rich Paul took a step closer, revealing a tacit understanding unique to the business world:

"Mr. Ballmer has privately promised you a personal endorsement contract worth $200 million, which he will offer you off-site through other affiliated companies under his name!"

"Not only will you not lose a single penny, but you'll actually earn an extra million! You'll gain both fame and fortune!"

Hearing this seemingly flawless "dual contract"...

James's brow unfurrowed, and he couldn't help but burst into laughter, raising his glass of ice water and clinking it heavily with Rich Paul's.

"Well done, Richie. That's real business art."

He turned his head and glanced at the MVP trophy that was casually tossed on the sofa, his eyes filled with the arrogance of someone about to start a new dynasty.

"Let the Miamis give their all for me one last time. Until the end of this season..."

"The era of royalty for Los Angeles is about to begin."

……

In this crazy April filled with scheming, backroom deals, and false loyalty.

With David Stern's retirement, new commissioner Adam Silver officially took over the reins of the league.

In Cleveland, the young wolves, who had long been preparing for battle, had already sharpened their fangs.

The 2013-2014 NBA playoffs, amidst a period of dullness and tension, have finally begun!