Basketball Legend: When Pride Still Matters

Chapter 798 798 515 Kevin Durant Cant But Kobe

?Chapter 798: Chapter 515 Kevin Durant Can’t, But Kobe Durant Can_4 Chapter 798: Chapter 515 Kevin Durant Can’t, But Kobe Durant Can_4 Kobe predicted the move, but Durant was too tall, and all he could do was interfere.

The goddess of luck was on Durant’s side, as the ball bounced several times on the rim before finally falling into the net.

The Supersonics forced the Lakers Team into their first timeout with a 7 to 0 start.

With the Zen Master’s patience, he usually wouldn’t call a timeout so quickly.

But now was different, he saw that the Supersonics were pushing on defense, hence the Lakers needed to shift the focus of their offense.

“Tonight’s officiating leans toward defense, let’s go inside!” Jackson said to James, “LeBron, be more decisive on the offense. You should know that no one can stop your face-up game!”

On the other side, Yu Fei and Durant were discussing offensive tactics: “That shot of yours was a bit forced.”

Durant admitted sheepishly, “As long as it goes in, it’s fine.”

“Luck won’t always be on your side.” Yu Fei said, “You have to play smart.”

Durant asked humbly, “Was there a better option just now?”

“I didn’t see you initiate any physical contact with Kobe, and he’s not LeBron, what are you afraid of?” Yu Fei said, “Next time he sticks to you like that, just lean into him boldly. Don’t forget, this is our home court!”

When the timeout was over, James’s offense was much more resolute than before.

He was ready to deal with the difficulty, after all, he was also someone who played in the previous era. It was all about getting used to it.

However, DeAndre Jordan and Chris Bosh seemed to be paying more attention to him.

They watched their own man while always ready to double-team, and that clear defensive intent disrupted James’s judgment.

He wanted to create opportunities but feared being trapped in a position where he couldn’t pass the ball, and the mental burden of worrying about the consequences made him pass the ball to Kobe halfway through his drive.

Such a pass posed no threat.

He knew it, so he rushed out to the perimeter wanting to take the ball and organize again.

But Kobe had already decided to go solo.

Sometimes, James envied Kobe; number 24 dreamed of being like Jordan, yet Jordan would never prioritize offense as he did. Kobe often seemed “forced,” a feeling Jordan never conveyed.

Only superior decision-making and stronger positional dominance could give that impression.

James envied Kobe because, at 32, Kobe often acted like a hot-blooded youth, facing life and death with indifference and always ready to fight; yet, as someone burdened with the Lakers Team’s offensive and defensive responsibilities, he had to contemplate too much.

Within a dozen seconds, Kobe didn’t pass the ball.

He backed Durant down and at the last second, spun around for a jump shot.

He scored off the backboard!

This shot broke the Lakers’ scoring drought that had lasted three minutes since the beginning of the game.

“You’re not thinking about a comeback, are you?” Yu Fei asked.

Durant said earnestly, “Kevin Durant wouldn’t, but Kobe Durant would.”

“Hmph,” every time Durant showed that stubbornness of a future superstar, Yu Fei would mock him with amusement, “Go post up.”

James was still guarding Yu Fei.

This arrangement could only mean the Lakers internally also wanted to see how Kobe and Durant would match up.

Yu Fei waited for Durant to get into position and then, dribbling the ball, sarcastically asked James, “How does it feel to be protected under Kobe’s wing?”

“What I do is none of your business.” James responded coldly.

“It seems like you’ve resigned yourself to fate.” Yu Fei said, and then passed the ball to Durant. “That’s why KD would rather step up to challenge Kobe than face you.”

When Durant caught the ball, he clearly felt Kobe’s hand resting on him; his opponent was too aggressive, a style of defense easy to exploit.

Suddenly, Durant had a flash of inspiration, he turned with the ball, his hands circling it across his chest in a wrap-around motion, dragging Kobe’s hand along for a full turn, then, he went up for the shot, and the referee’s whistle followed.

“Whistle!!!”

Kobe yelled, “WTF?!!!”

The historic wrap-around move debuted tonight, with Kobe as its first victim.

Like everyone else, Kobe didn’t react in time and Durant scored a 2+1 above him.

Kobe loudly complained to the referee, but the decision was irreversible.

Durant, excited, clenched his fist; recalling Yu Fei’s advice just then, he felt a profound sense of realization. Frye was Frye; every word he said held meaning.

While Durant was getting further insight into the art of offense and feeling elated, Yu Fei continued to ridicule James, “See that? You’re just not on the same level.”

“Even Kevin doesn’t want to waste his time on you.”

James, holding back his anger, said, “Shut up!”

“If you can’t even accept this,” Yu Fei scoffed, “then you’re in for a tough night.”