Chapter 193: Continuously Getting Stronger, Kobe's Skill Package!
The third day of All-Star Weekend began with separate practice sessions for the Eastern and Western Conference teams. The main game was scheduled for the evening, but in the morning, the Western stars gathered for their shootaround and team drills.
Chen Yan, ever punctual, arrived half an hour early. When he stepped into the gym, the first thing he saw was Kobe Bryant already on the court, casually spinning a ball on his finger.
"Hey, Kobe!" Chen called out, his tone cheerful and full of energy.
Kobe turned, grinning. "Hey! Young man, congratulations on that Rookie Game MVP. That's something you'll remember for a long time."
The two exchanged a firm handshake. Though fierce competitors on the court, off the hardwood, their relationship was built on mutual respect. Kobe had publicly praised Chen several times, calling him "one of the most driven young players" in the league.
Chen smirked. "How about a one-on-one? First to twenty-one."
Kobe's smile froze for half a second before he shook his head. "Not today."
Chen laughed, teasing. "What's the matter, afraid I'll embarrass you? Don't worry, I'll take it easy."
Kobe let out a sharp laugh. "Me? Afraid? Kid, I don't play one-on-one with children. It's not fair to you."
Chen grinned. "Then stop talking and prove it." He tossed the ball toward Kobe.
Kobe caught it easily but didn't move toward the hoop. Instead, he raised his right hand — his index finger tightly wrapped in protective gear.
Before the weekend, he had torn a ligament in that finger. The Lakers had requested he sit out the All-Star Game, but the league denied the request. According to NBA rules, if a player participated in his team's final game before All-Star Weekend, he was required to suit up for the All-Star Game or face a suspension afterward.
So, Kobe had no choice but to play — even if he could barely grip the ball properly.
Chen sighed, half-joking. "Man, that's a shame. Guess you'll have to watch me take the spotlight tonight."
Kobe chuckled. "Then don't mess it up, rookie." He gave Chen a light slap on the shoulder.
Chen smirked. "In that case, how about you teach me a few things instead?"
Kobe raised a brow. "You serious?"
"Completely," Chen said. "Especially your post-up footwork. I've been studying it for months."
Kobe nodded thoughtfully, clearly amused by Chen's sincerity. "Alright. You want to learn the post game, start with the basics. Catch the ball deep, and the instant your feet hit the ground, pivot strong. Use both feet to find balance, and use your core to drive the movement. Then—" he gestured with his hands, mimicking a motion "—shake your shoulders. Keep your right foot angled outward to create space for a fake or fade. Always know where the defender's weight is. Feel him with your legs, not your eyes."
Chen listened intently, soaking in every detail.
"Also," Kobe added, his voice firm, "always protect the ball with your off-hand. Don't give defenders a chance to swipe it away. Your off-hand is your shield — learn to use it."
As Kobe continued explaining, his tone shifted from casual to focused. His eyes sharpened — the legendary Mamba mentality coming through even in a casual practice.
Chen followed his lead, mimicking each movement with precision. He wasn't the type to waste opportunities. When it was time to fight, he was aggressive; when it was time to learn, he was humble.
From the sidelines, Dirk Nowitzki walked in, looking confused at the sight of the two. "Are they… playing one-on-one?"
Ray Allen squinted. "No, man. That's not a duel — that's a masterclass."
Chris Paul joined them, laughing. "If I were Kobe, I'd still be mad. Didn't Chen drop, what, fifty on him in the regular season? I'd have made him take a cab home instead of teaching him moves!"
The group burst into laughter.
Then a calm, gravelly voice spoke from behind them. "You guys don't get it. He's different."
They turned to see Allen Iverson, hands in his pockets, watching quietly. "He's obsessed with getting better. You can see it in the way he listens. That kid's got something special."
Kobe continued the impromptu lesson, guiding Chen through every nuance — the foot pivots, the balance shifts, the transition into fadeaways. Each time Chen executed the move, Kobe would nod or correct him with surgical precision.
Finally, after a particularly clean spin and jumper, Kobe clapped his hands. "That's it! That's the rhythm. You've got the touch. Keep repeating that until it's second nature."
At that moment, a familiar sound chimed in Chen's mind:
"Ding! Through Kobe's patient instruction, you've learned the skill — Mamba Dance (Lv. 1)!"
[Mamba Dance Lv.1]: When facing a defender inside the free-throw line, the chance of shaking them off increases by 15%. After successfully creating separation, shot accuracy increases by 8% for the next 5 seconds.
Chen's eyes widened. Whoa… that's insane!
But the system wasn't done.
"Ding! Through Kobe's guidance, you've mastered the skill — Post-Up Technique (Kobe) Lv.1!"
[Post-Up Technique Lv.1]: Increases shot success after contact by 8%, improves turnaround efficiency by 5%, reduces block chance by 10%, and lowers the risk of being stripped while posting up by 8%.
Chen's jaw nearly dropped. Two skills at once? Are you kidding me?
He had come to All-Star Weekend expecting fun and publicity — but this? This was a jackpot.
While most players saw All-Star as a break, Chen was walking away stronger — literally gaining skills from one of the greatest to ever do it.
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