Pope of Basketball.

Summary

Yang Rui called a meeting with Kupchak, Ba Si, and Ke Bi to discuss tactics. He explained that Ke Bi's chaotic playing style was affecting the team and that he needed to reduce his shots and share ball control. Yang Rui mentioned that this would make it easier to re-sign Mi Er Sa Pu and Ao Duo Mu in the summer. Ba Si felt that Yang Rui's approach was beneath him and that he should resolve the issue internally. Yang Rui gave Ke Bi a second chance to correct his behavior, warning him that if he continued to ignore the tactics, he would take it as a sign that Ke Bi wanted him to leave the Lakers. Ke Bi was upset and felt that Yang Rui was saying he couldn't surpass Jordan. Ba Si thought that Yang Rui wouldn't renew his contract with the Lakers after the season and that their goal was to strive for the championship and part ways amicably. Ke Bi told Little Bass that Yang Rui wouldn't renew his contract, and Little Bass told Kobe. Kobe felt emboldened to resist Yang Rui's tactics and refused to cooperate. He believed that since Yang Rui was leaving, he should play the way he liked. Kobe saw himself as the leader and symbol of the Lakers and believed the coach should accommodate him. Yang Rui stopped seeking individual communication with Kobe, knowing it wouldn't make a difference. Kobe's goal was to compete for the scoring title. The Lakers lost games against weak teams, with Kobe taking many shots and Yao Ming and Mi Er Sa Pu shooting well but not getting the ball.

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