The host chatted casually with Chen Yilun for a while before turning the focus to CJ and LaVine. After all, while Chen Yilun might be the man in charge, no one had the patience to hear about a working man's daily routine. The two rising stars of the league clearly had more buzz.
"CJ, how would you evaluate your performance this season?" the female host asked.
CJ took a moment to think before answering. "I think the progress I've made this season is entirely thanks to Chen and the coach." He glanced gratefully at Chen Yilun. "They've both been great mentors in my life, giving me their full trust.
I also want to thank my teammates. Since offseason training began, they've been encouraging me non-stop—telling me to take my shots with confidence. A big part of my progress comes from the opportunities they've created for me."
As he finished, Chen Yilun nodded repeatedly. That's right—this is how you show loyalty.
By now, the male host had shifted his attention to LaVine.
"Manager Chen, I heard that picking LaVine was your first decision made against the consensus. From what we can see now, he's doing great on the team and has been holding his spot in the rookie rankings for a long time. Could you share your thought process when you chose LaVine?"
The moment the question was asked, not only the two hosts but even LaVine looked at Chen Yilun with curiosity.
Wait a second, this question wasn't in the script. Chen's mind raced, but when he looked up, he saw the male host grinning at him. This kid definitely threw that one in on the spot!
Of course, he couldn't exactly say, Well, I have a crystal ball and I knew he'd have huge potential.
"Ahem." He gave a tactical cough. "Well, we've actually been following LaVine for quite a while. His playing style and his overall demeanor both fit perfectly with our team-building philosophy."
"And what is the Kings' team-building philosophy?" The male host immediately latched onto the key point.
Chen Yilun smiled. "It's actually quite simple. My mentor, Popovich, taught me that a mature team must have its own identity. The Spurs, for example, are all about team basketball—always looking for that 'one more pass.' Of course, the Kings still have a long way to go. Right now, what we need most is to build a winning culture.
Only with a winning culture will the team have the drive to improve, instead of just going through the motions and treating basketball like a nine-to-five job. You have to have a hunger for glory." As he spoke, Chen glanced at his two protégés.
"CJ, I want you to take home this year's Most Improved Player award. I believe in you. LaVine, you're still a rookie, so it's not quite the time for major accolades yet—but you will be playing in both the All-Star Rookie Game and the Slam Dunk Contest this year. Those are rare opportunities to showcase your talent—don't waste them."
Before anyone could respond, Chen suddenly switched gears. "Speaking of the All-Star Game, voting has already started. CJ and Cousins both have a shot at making the roster."
As he spoke, he somehow pulled out two posters—one of Cousins, one of CJ—and grinned at the camera. "Fans, do me a favor and vote for my two guys, okay? Much appreciated!"
The sudden promo stunned not only the on-site staff but also the livestream viewers.
By this point, the livestream had already drawn over a million viewers and the number was still climbing. For a moment, the chat blew up with "??????"
"Wow, Chen is really dedicated—still campaigning for his players at a time like this."
"Looks like an ad to me. I have proof!"
"What do you call dedication? Chen is so wholesome—I'm crying over here."
Seeing the atmosphere heating up, the deputy general manager of Bleacher Report, who was monitoring backstage, quickly signaled the host through her earpiece to play along.
The female host picked it up immediately. "Manager Chen really is devoted to his players. Everyone watching, you can go vote for the two of them now and support our own."
The male host chimed in, "We just got word—since we want to support Manager Chen's work and give our fans a treat—Manager Chen, how about we make a little trade?"
Chen raised an eyebrow. "What kind of trade?"
"Well, we've been chatting for quite a while now. Maybe the fans want to see the two players show off a bit. Here's the deal—starting tomorrow, we'll pin the All-Star voting channel to the top of Bleacher Report's homepage and send traffic toward Cousins and CJ. But in return… I just heard LaVine is entering the Slam Dunk Contest. How about giving our livestream fans a little preview?"
Before LaVine could even respond, Chen Yilun sprang to his feet. "Of course! Deal! You guys are in for a treat tonight!" Without a thought for LaVine's opinion, he grabbed him and started hauling him toward the court.
"Hey! No! Boss, I haven't even warmed up yet!" LaVine, taller by half a head and far more built than Chen, was still dragged along like an eagle carrying off a chick.
"Warmed up? Come on, it's not like you're playing a full game—just do a couple of stretches. Now go give them a dunk!" If people didn't know he was the GM, no one would believe a GM could pull something like this. He was only a breath away from saying, "If you've got money, support with money—if not, show up in person!"
In the information age, what grabs the most attention? Pulling stunts.
And what's even better? Official stunts.
The viewer count shot up again. By the time LaVine finished warming up, it had passed 1.5 million.
"Don't miss this! You're getting an All-Star Slam Dunk Contest preview tonight!" Chen leaned into the camera like an overexcited baboon. "And after you watch, go vote for my guys—I'm watching you!"
Nearby, CJ lowered his head, looking like he'd just remembered something unpleasant, refusing to face the camera. Across the court, LaVine turned his back as he stretched, unwilling to accept reality.
"All right, all right, enough stalling—let's go!" Chen shouted toward LaVine. The livestream camera moved to the side of the court.
LaVine took a deep breath, clearing his mind. Cradling the ball, he suddenly accelerated from beyond the three-point line.
Just as his foot landed inside the free-throw line, he took off—exploding upward like a cannonball, gliding gracefully toward the hoop. Time seemed to slow as he swung his arms wide, soaring toward the rim.
"Bang!" The ball slammed through the net.
A one-step windmill dunk from inside the free-throw line!
The chat went dead silent. Seconds later, it exploded again with "??????"
"Is that even humanly possible?"
"Mom, I just saw someone fly!"
"We're watching this for free?!"
Even the usually talkative male host was stunned into silence, needing a moment before reacting.
"My God, that's insane! He's going straight for the championship!"
"That's right!" At some point, Chen Yilun had walked up beside him. "Why else would we be entering if not to win?"
He flashed a peace sign at the camera. "Everyone, remember to vote for CJ and Cousins from my team. And keep an eye on LaVine during the All-Star—because we're going for the title!"
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