Kobe offered a cryptic smile, keeping his intentions veiled. "Just wait and see!"
Recruiting a player directly from the Development League to join the Los Angeles Lakers was an unprecedented move for Kobe in his career.
Normally, he wouldn't give subordinate leagues like the NBDL a second thought. However, in recent days, he had repeatedly heard whispers of a Chinese player named 'Lin Feng' who was creating an unstoppable force on the court!
He later gleaned from basketball news reports that a phenomenal talent had emerged within the Los Angeles D-Fenders, the Lakers' affiliate team.
Lin Feng's exceptional performances in scoring, rebounding, assists, and defense had piqued the interest of Kobe, who was always on the lookout for promising players.
As is well known, Kobe possessed an aloof demeanor, and few individuals warranted his genuine attention.
Once he chose and acknowledged a teammate, however, his loyalty and support were unwavering.
While O'Neal's dominance was undeniable, his training habits had often drawn Kobe's criticism.
Now, Kobe found himself lacking reliable support, with Lamar Odom being the only consistently decent player on the Lakers roster.
Andrew Bynum, who would later achieve significant success with the Lakers, was still a raw rookie finding his footing in the league.
Other players like Kwame Brown, Smush Parker, Jordan Farmar, Sammond Williams, and Aaron McGee simply couldn't provide Kobe with the consistent help he desperately needed.
It was by leading such a group of largely third-tier players that Kobe had nearly upset the formidable Phoenix Suns in the 2005-2006 season.
If Kobe had a player of Lin Feng's caliber by his side this season, a trip to the Western Conference semifinals would have been a strong possibility.
In the quiet of his living room, a smile flickered in Kobe's eyes, and he murmured to himself, "Hey! Man, you're from China, and I like Chinese people too. It's a shame Yao Ming doesn't want to team up with me. If you can come and help me, it might just be a good fit."
Kobe chuckled softly as he pulled on a T-shirt and headed towards the door.
"Baby, where are you going?" Vanessa asked, noticing his departure.
"I'm just heading out for a bit. You don't have to wait up. Go to bed if you're tired."
Kobe left the mansion without looking back, sliding into his sleek Ferrari sports car and driving towards the Lakers' official training facility.
Meanwhile, the championship celebration was still in full swing.
Lin Feng, the undisputed hero of the victory, was being showered with champagne by his jubilant teammates.
"Lin! You are incredible! We won this championship because of you. From this day forward, you are a hero in Los Angeles!"
"Lin! Please accept our deepest admiration. You carried us through those tough final games. You are the Finals MVP!"
"Lin! I love you, I love you so much! You sneaky guy, you really gave us the biggest surprise!"
In the Los Angeles D-Fenders' locker room, the accolades for Lin Feng continued to pour in.
Even the usually stoic Coach Ryan was as giddy as a child, jumping around and playfully spraying champagne on Lin Feng.
Basking in the joy of his teammates, Lin Feng felt a profound sense of happiness.
He had finally found validation for his existence as a player!
In the past, even playing in a second-tier league like the NBDL, he had often been overlooked and underestimated by his teammates and fans.
It was understandable, given the global dominance of American basketball.
People had long considered themselves the masters of the sport and often looked down on players from other countries.
To earn their respect, one had to work harder and be more exceptional than the average player. Only then could these Americans be truly won over.
"Coach Ryan, I hope you can help me make what you said to me last time a reality. Next season, I want to join the Los Angeles Lakers," Lin Feng said sincerely, approaching Ryan with a bottle of champagne in hand.
Ryan paused for a few seconds, considering his response. "Lin Feng, don't worry, I will do everything within my power to help you. However, whether Old Buss offers you a contract or not ultimately rests with fate."
"Okay," Lin Feng replied, a hint of resignation in his voice. He knew Ryan's influence over Old Buss's decisions was limited.
To join the Los Angeles Lakers, the approval of the legendary owner was essential.
In addition, gaining the endorsement of a star player like Kobe would undoubtedly smooth the way for a seamless transition to the Lakers roster.
As someone with knowledge of the future, Lin Feng knew that Kobe had a knack for recognizing and recruiting talented but sometimes troublesome players.
Players like Ron Artest and Matt Barnes came to mind.
These two were known for their volatile personalities, often getting into fights and heated exchanges on the court – quintessential troublemakers.
Both had initially been adversaries of Kobe but were eventually won over by his fierce competitive spirit and joined the Lakers to support him in his quest for championships.
Lost in his reflections, Lin Feng suddenly heard a commotion of loud footsteps and excited shouts from outside the locker room.
"OMG! Kobe, Kobe, Kobe!"
"Kobe is here! Is he here to celebrate the D-Fenders winning the championship?"
"Oh my god! I can't believe a championship in a subordinate league actually drew Kobe's attention!"
"Kobe, what are you doing here? Are you here to celebrate with us? But this is just the Development League championship; you must not be interested in it, right?"
The wave of excited fan voices startled the celebrating players in the locker room.
Suddenly, the room fell into an unusual silence, the previous exuberance vanishing without a trace.
Even Coach Ryan, who had witnessed his share of significant events, was stunned. He couldn't fathom that a championship in a minor league would warrant Kobe's presence.
Kobe already possessed three NBA championship rings; the championships of lower-level leagues would surely hold little significance for him.
Yet, tonight, Kobe had seemingly appeared in the Los Angeles D-Fenders' locker room?
How could that be possible?
Had he misheard the fans' chants?
Lin Feng, equally bewildered, asked, "Coach Ryan, what are the fans outside shouting? Is Kobe really here?"
"It... it seems so?" Ryan stammered, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Just as everyone was reeling in shock, the man who often graced Lin Feng's dreams walked into the locker room.
Dressed casually yet stylishly in black shorts, Zoom Kobe first-generation basketball shoes, and a maroon Nike shirt, Kobe Bryant entered the room with a friendly demeanor.
The moment he stepped inside, Kobe's gaze immediately locked onto the dazed Lin Feng.
He walked forward, a smile gracing his lips, and clapped Lin Feng on the shoulder. "I already know about you. Your name is Lin Feng, right?"
"Yes..." Lin Feng was so overwhelmed by Kobe's touch that his knees almost buckled.
Others might not understand the depth of his emotion, but Lin Feng knew that whether in his past life or this one, the basketball player he admired most, his unwavering idol, was Kobe Bryant.
It was because of Kobe that he had fallen in love with basketball in middle school, embracing this captivating sport.
It was because of Kobe that he had forged bonds with a group of cherished friends.
It was because of Kobe that he had found his direction in life, vowing to realize his own potential on the basketball court.
Because of Kobe...
In short, countless stories intertwined his life with basketball and Kobe. He loved the game, and his admiration for Kobe was even greater!
This man was a true role model, worthy of lifelong respect and emulation.
His "Mamba Mentality" profoundly influenced every aspect of Lin Feng's endeavors.
He aspired to shine on the basketball court with the same unwavering intensity as Kobe, illuminating the path for those still lost and hesitant to strive forward!