Author: Can play the harmonica

Chapter 220

"What?!"

Old Bass's expression changed and he stood up from his chair.

"You called me all the way here just to tell us that you want to trade Lu? Are you being stupid, or am I too old?!"

Jackson Phil Jackson and Kubchak were obviously surprised. They originally thought that owner Jerry Buss would appreciate the details of the transaction they provided. After all, they believed that after this transaction, the Lakers would have the strength to win the championship.

They certainly thought Jerry Buss would be proud of the details of their trade.

But what they didn't expect was that Jerry Buss's reaction after hearing the news was obviously beyond their expectations.

Kubchak observed the words and naturally did not want to continue talking, but Phil Jackson said, "Mr. Buss, I think we should really consider this deal. Kutcher and I have been trying to discuss it.

This deal, but the appetite of the Memphis management has always daunted us, and we really don't have the bargaining chips, so we have been worried about it.

But this time, Steve Kerr did come to us to trade with sincerity. They knew our current difficulties and they wanted Lu Yusheng very much, so they decided to show more sincerity to trade with us.

"

"So, you think this deal is very profitable for us?" Old Bass said as he lit a cigar and took a puff.

"We have always needed a big center who can pass the ball. Last time we had dinner, I analyzed it with you, Mr. Bass. The reason why we failed last season was because we didn't have a center.

A big man who can pass the ball, so even though Kobe has played very well, our tactics have always been unable to work, especially in the last three games, when Luke Walton was severely restricted, our tactics struggled.

, which resulted in us being overturned while we were in the lead,

So this season, our primary goal is to find a big player who can pass the ball. We initially identified Yao Ming, but he had a very good relationship with Houston and was not willing to leave at all. Therefore, we finally considered Spain.

The big man Pau Gasol is the most suitable for our tactics and lineup. If we can get him, he will become the most important link in our triangle offense. With him and Kobe, one inside and one outside, we will

The most perfect offensive and defensive system will be formed immediately, and this is the winning lineup."

When the Zen master said these words, he was very excited, and the excitement on his face was beyond words.

But after hearing this, Old Bass had no reaction and was still smoking his cigar calmly.

Seeing that he didn't expect Old Bass's smile, the Zen Master turned around in surprise and winked at Kubchak, asking him to say something too.

Kubchak saw this, smiled, walked over and said, "Mr. Bass, you once said that too many championships have made us all a little tired. Unless it is possible to bring new championships, otherwise

Don't bother you with these trivial matters. The reason why Phil and I called you here today is because the three-party transaction we have now constructed can definitely bring us the championship. Mr. Bass, champion, Phil

He won so many championships with the Bulls, and later helped us win three consecutive championships. He is definitely experienced in this area, so he thinks this lineup can win the championship. I think there should be no problem. We have to

Believe him, right?"

Old Bass still didn't speak, just smoking his cigar silently.

Kubchak and Zen Master exchanged glances, and for a moment they couldn't figure out what Old Bass was thinking.

Old Buss pinched his cigar and then said slowly, "Maybe you are right. According to this trading plan, we may win the championship, but the problem is, don't you think this is a completely loss-making deal?"

What?"

After hearing this, the Zen master smiled slightly, leaned over and said, "We have considered this issue, and it is like this. If we only look at Lu Yusheng's current transaction value, we will suffer a slight loss in exchange for those draft picks.

Yes, but taking a step back, if we use this transaction to win a championship, from this perspective, then I think it is not a loss."

Kubchak also said, "Yes, Mr. Buss, for a wealthy club like us, the Lakers, only championships can accelerate market expansion. It is no longer time for us to make money by selling tickets. Our current box office is as high as

The record has nothing to do with it. Even if we keep losing, the Staples Center can still be filled with spectators. But what we are pursuing now is longer-term market value, which is to make the Lakers brand attract more fans and attract more fans around the world.

fans, only in this way can our other prices rise. Only winning the championship is the best solution to maximize our brand value globally."

Old Bass frowned, "Cookie, do you think I'm so old that I don't even understand these principles now?"

Kubchak hurriedly smiled and said, "No, no, you taught me these principles. How could you not understand? But I think at this time, I have to tell you that this transaction, for us,

It’s not simply about the gains and losses of the transaction itself, but about its future impact and value.”

Old Buss said, "OK, since you talked to me about the future value and influence, as well as the influence on our Lakers brand, let me ask you two, who is the most popular player in the NBA league at the moment?"

Kubchak and the Zen Master looked at each other and said nothing.

"Even my cook knows that the NBA has a very strong Chinese-American rising star this year, and he is from the Lakers." Old Buss said, "Isn't this an improvement in the influence of our Lakers brand? Now we are number one in the Western Conference. You guys

Think about it, what was our record at this time last season?

If I remember correctly, at that time, we seemed to be still lingering tenth in the Western Conference, right? At that time, many media said that we could not enter the playoffs. It was Kobe's late effort and crazy scoring that made us enter the playoffs.

of.

But in one season, without any changes in the lineup, this season, we have reached the first place in the Western Conference, and it is so easy. I don’t think I need to say more about the reason for this? He is just a first-year player.

A rookie kid can help our team achieve such achievements. You are still here thinking about trading him. I really don’t know how to describe you other than using words like stupid to describe you!"

Old Bass's loud words made the office quiet for a while.

At this time, seeing the sullen look on Old Bass's face, Kubchak no longer dared to speak.

But the Zen master had his own ideas, and he still said, "Mr. Bass, we have never underestimated the strength of this kid Lu Yusheng, and we also know very well that trading him like this, purely based on this transaction, will not be good for us.

It is indeed a loss, but the problem is that when we build a championship lineup, we do not blindly look at the personal strength of the players, but also whether they fit our lineup and meet our tactical requirements. In 2004,

On the basis of having Kobe and O'Neal, we introduced Karl Malone and Gary Payton. This lineup was already strong enough on paper, but in the finals, we still lost to Detroit..."

Before he could finish his words, Old Bass stopped him with a referee's pause gesture.

"Phil, I know you are a smart man, but please don't use this method of changing concepts in front of me. There were other reasons for the defeat in 2004, and it was not because any of our players did not adapt to our situation.

It was caused by tactics. This is completely different from the current situation. Of course, if you have to compare it with the situation in 2004, I think the biggest gain I gained from that year is that you should not sacrifice your future to get stars in order to win the championship.

line-up,

How many draft picks did we sacrifice that year to trade for two old players who were on the verge of retirement? As a result, we didn't win the championship and they left. What was the direct result for us? We are still wiping our ass for the trade that year.

If there hadn’t been such a reluctant trade that year, why were we still unable to find a good helper for Kobe until this year? We consumed the future and sacrificed so many draft picks, and what did we get in exchange?”

"But the problem is, Pau Gasol, he is not Karl Malone, nor Gary Payton, he is still very young, he will be the future of our Lakers." Kubchak also agreed.

"No matter how young he is, how young is Lu Yusheng?" Old Buss said, "He will be the future of the Lakers in the future? But I think Lu Yusheng is our future now."

"Mr. Bass, it's like this. Maybe you didn't listen carefully to what we just said. Lu Yusheng is indeed very good, but he is not suitable for our lineup. Besides, he is just a rookie anyway. We

If I want to win the championship this year and rely on him, I think... I'm afraid it's a bit unrealistic..."

"If you don't win the championship this year, then next year!" Mr. Buss said with wide eyes, "Besides, you just said he doesn't fit our lineup? What do you mean? He doesn't fit our lineup, and he can still lead the team to the Western Conference.

one?"

"I mean……"

"That's enough! Shut up!" Bass stood up angrily, "I really don't know what your brains are made of. To be able to select such a player is because I have done too much for the league and basketball.

, the reward God gave me, you are actually considering how to trade him, it is simply ridiculous! Kobe will not agree to this, right?"

"He doesn't know about this yet."

"Then don't let more people know, lest it reaches Lu Yusheng's ears," Old Buss said seriously, "Go back and tell Steve Kerr, don't think that he is the smartest in the world and everyone else is stupid.

Like a pig, I say it again, no one can bring up the matter of trading Lu Yusheng with me in the future!"

With that said, Old Bass stood up and walked outside. He remembered something again and turned back to Kubchak and said, "Kutch, your business ability is good, but I think your vision is worse than that old guy."

, it’s really too far apart.”

Kubchak knew without asking that Buss was talking about his predecessor, Jerry West.

"Also, let me reiterate again, Lu Yusheng and Kobe will be the two most dazzling big names of our Los Angeles Lakers in the future. If you are given two stars of this level and you can't lead them to win the championship, then I definitely won't

I will doubt the player's ability, and I will doubt your ability.

Don’t think that what I said today is too harsh. Let me tell you, if Magic Johnson were here today, he would definitely point his nose at you and scold you. Of course, these are not the most important.

The most frightening thing is that after you make such a deal, the curse from the Los Angeles Lakers fans will be unbearable for you."

After saying that, Jerry Buss opened the door and walked out.

Kubchak sighed, took out a cigarette from the drawer, lit one, took a puff and said, "I really didn't expect that Mr. Bass would have such an attitude. I thought he didn't even think about it."

I don’t care about what happens on the field, I only care about the championship.”

"It seems there is no good way to persuade him?" the Zen master asked.

"Oh, Phil, don't you understand now? This deal is completely impossible now. If even your boss doesn't agree, you think too much, no matter how much you say, or how much you do, it won't work at all.

What's the use? Of course, I know you are stubborn about wanting the Spanish big man. I understand you very well, Phil, but it is of no use. If you still insist on completing this deal, I have only one condition."

Kubchak said.

"What conditions?" Phil Jackson asked.

"Don't take me with you," Kubchak said. "Don't take me with you. Didn't you hear what Mr. Bass said just now? He said that my vision is not as good as Jerry West's. I

Knowing Mr. Bass, he is already warning me in disguise. If I do something against him again with you, I feel that I cannot afford the consequences."

The Zen Master sighed after hearing this, "It seems that we may have to adjust our tactical direction..."

"Adjust tactical direction?"

"Yeah, when we can't get that Spanish big man, if we want to win the championship, I'm afraid we have to adjust our tactics." Master Zen frowned slightly, "It's a pity, we have planned for so long, and I have already laid the groundwork for Kobe.

It's been so long, I thought it was foolproof, but who knew... Sigh... Tell me about Mr. Bass, why is he so stubborn?"

"Okay, stop complaining now, who is the boss," Kubchak said, "I think you should think about it carefully now, if the Spanish big man comes or not, what will happen to us this season?"

Is there still hope of winning the championship? No matter what, we are at least number one in the Western Conference."

"I think... the hope is very slim." The Zen master shook his head and said.
Chapter completed!