Pope of Basketball.

Summary

Pat Riley and Yang Rui returned to the locker room after the Lakers' championship win, feeling emotional. Shaquille O'Neal congratulated Yao Ming, while Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade exchanged awkward pleasantries. The Lakers had an impressive season, sweeping the finals and achieving a record of 39 consecutive wins. Yao Ming was named Finals MVP, leading in multiple stats, while Kobe felt overshadowed. Yang Rui reflected on Yao's career, noting that despite past criticisms, he was now recognized as the best center in the league. O'Neal acknowledged Yao's dominance, expressing frustration at defending against him. The media hailed Yao's achievements, solidifying his legacy in NBA history. The chapter also highlighted Yang Rui's efforts to uplift Scarlett Johnson's confidence, culminating in a lively championship parade. At a party, Yang Rui discussed potential coaching opportunities with Jeff Hornacek, who decided to join the Warriors despite their weak roster. Yang Rui reassured him about the Lakers' strong team dynamics.

Full content