"Didn't expect you'd end up playing for the Lakers. How's the beach city treating you?"
"I went to high school here."
"...You're not a very endearing rookie."
Moning said this but exceptionally smiled at his opponent before the game, patted Zhang Hao on the shoulder, and then returned to the Heat's bench.
Only two sentences were exchanged, but that was already quite something; Moning rarely talks during games, even less so with opponents.
Today was one of those days he greeted the Magician before the game and had a couple of exchanges with Zhang Hao.
Zhang Hao was even less talkative, only saying one sentence.
Moning returned to his bench, looking at the quiet rookie across the court, feeling a bit regretful, but also relieved.
Following Pat Riley's advice to get on good terms with stars from other teams was never something Moning wanted to do.
