In this crucial Finals matchup, ESPN didn't spend much time discussing which female singer a prospect was dating.
It was only briefly mentioned; the focus remained on the Lakers and Celtics.
However, the super-high ratings of the final still caused an uproar among television viewers.
For traditional basketball fans, players' penchant for flirting with female celebrities is seen as a sign of neglecting their professional duties.
However, everyone remembered this 'special' prospect.
In fact, by this time, Snoopy's fame had far surpassed that of Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley. Despite some negative comments from basketball media, many NBA fans were still looking forward to seeing how this multifaceted, height-adjusted, and self-proclaimed point guard center would perform in the NBA.
For public figures, there is no such thing as bad news; the worst news is the absence of news.
...
Back at home, the Lakers changed their offensive strategy. Phil Jackson constantly had players penetrate to the baseline to draw Kevin Garnett's defense and create space for Kobe Bryant at the top of the arc, allowing him to open up one-on-one situations.
This tactic effectively neutralized half of the Celtics' weaknesses.
But the tenacious Celtics maintained a steady output, keeping the score close.
With five minutes left in the game, Kobe Bryant dictated the pace, going on a 7-0 run to seal the victory!
When the game ended, the Staples Center was packed with people chanting "MVP!"
Kobe Bryant raised his hands high, welcoming everyone's adoration, like the supreme king of this arena.
Snoopy watched with envy, his heart filled with longing: When can I become a team leader and city hero like him?
"We meet again, Snoopy."
While he was lost in thought, a tall white man in a suit walked over and shook his hand.
Snoopy thought for a moment; they had met at the Orlando athletic camp.
"I'm Danny Ainge, the general manager of the Celtics," Danny Ainge introduced himself again.
"After watching today's game, I think Boston really needs you," Ainge said bluntly. "We need a player in the low post who can box out and block shots, and your ability to protect the rim is just what can stop the opponent's constant penetration of the baseline."
He is very honest and sincere.
So Snoopy honestly told him, "I'm here tonight because the Lakers invited me to a tryout, and they even gave me a front-row VIP ticket. So... please forgive me for not being able to discuss anything about the draft with you tonight."
Danny Angie smiled and nodded to show his understanding, and emphasized that Boston would not let public opinion affect its judgment of him before leaving.
...
The Lakers' tryout was very simple. Phil Jackson led Snoopy into the video room, followed by Kupchak, Winter Sr., and Kobe Bryant.
First, Jackson showed Snoopy highlights of his time at UCLA, pausing frequently to ask Snoopy why he did those things.
Then, Jackson showed Snoopy the videotape of the triangle offense and asked him for his thoughts.
Finally, Jackson pulled out a video of Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Lakers and the Celtics and asked him to comment on it.
In the first round, Snoopy's answers satisfied everyone. Every explanation he gave was convincing, proving that he was a smart player.
In the second segment, Snoopy emphasized his ability to play in the triangle offense, stating that he can facilitate in the high and low post and complete second passes. However, he admitted he doesn't actually like the triangle offense system, believing it relies too heavily on one-on-one isolation plays, which he considers inefficient and overly dependent on a dominant scorer.
Phil Jackson neither confirmed nor denied the allegations.
In the third segment, Snoopy frankly stated that the Boston team displayed stronger morale and a higher level of enthusiasm for winning the championship, and also had superior roster depth and court experience compared to the Lakers. The Lakers' problem, he argued, lay in their lack of toughness on defense, making them unable to mount a strong challenge against Boston…
Then Phil Jackson asked Snoopy how to solve the problem.
Snoopy replied, "I don't know."
But deep down, he already has an answer: either wait for the Big Three to age, or strengthen the team next season by bringing in players with a tough playing style. In any case, this season is out of the question.
Phil Jackson stood up and announced the end of the tryout.
Snoopy couldn't understand what the Zen master was thinking; this was the strangest trial he had ever experienced.
After he left, Phil Jackson told Kupchak, "You can draft him. He'll be a great point guard."
"Point guard??" Kupchak felt a bit ridiculous. Wasn't this a joke that the entire basketball world was making fun of him?
"Yes, point guard. If we only consider him an inside player, we are underestimating him. It's not hard to see from his conversations that he thinks like a point guard who dominates the whole court. And I've watched video clips of his first game to his last game, and his improvement is very obvious. He is a player who can improve his ball-handling skills."
At this point, Phil Jackson changed the subject: "But he's actually not a good fit for the Lakers. We drafted him as a reserve talent, just like we did with Andrew Bynum, to give him enough time to grow."
"Why?" Kupchak asked.
"First, the triangle offense doesn't need a point guard who tries to dominate everything. Second, the current Kobe Bryant doesn't need a teammate with such a strong sense of autonomy." Phil Jackson raised his eyebrows and smiled at Kupchak.
He gave the choice to Kupchak.
After our conversation, he's convinced Snoopy has the potential to become a star. However, he's not a good fit for the Lakers, at least not the current Lakers. The current Lakers will only use him as a backup center, and Phil Jackson won't even give him any offensive runs from the free-throw line to the baseline; he'll just have him stick to the paint.
Snoopy, with his independent thinking, might not always obey. Once he's capable of playing point guard, he'll definitely try to change positions. That's when conflict will arise.
Kupchak has to make a choice.
...
Snoopy walked out of Staples Center and let out a long sigh of relief.
The moment he saw the triangle tactic, he already had an idea.
The Lakers will definitely not give themselves much freedom, perhaps even less than Orlando.
The Magic at least hoped he could facilitate in the high and low post, but in the Lakers' triangle system, that's the job of Pau Gasol or Lamar Odom.
Next, he wants to talk to Don Nelson of the Golden State Warriors.
In terms of tactical freedom, the Golden State Warriors have the highest, their "mad scientist" can tolerate any 'weird' tactics. The only downside is that they only have the 14th overall pick in the first round.