"Honestly, ever since Duke University came back against Oklahoma University, I've been a Kai Chen fan!"
Los Angeles, Staples Center
On the commentary table, TNT's ace commentator Smith raised his voice: "But I didn't expect Kai to have his first nationally televised game so soon!"
"That's right, especially today, their opponent is not a weak team!"
Charles Barkley, sitting next to Smith, was equally excited: "As the Los Angeles Clippers' city rival, the Lakers' strength has greatly improved this season after LeBron James joined!"
"Everyone said today would be the best time to test Kai Chen, because their first game of the season was against the Sacramento Kings, who aren't really a strong team!"
Before facing a strong team, it was hard to evaluate Kai Chen's true strength.
Only by facing a playoff-level team could Kai's real level be tested.
"Speaking of which, the Kings' strength this season is indeed not strong; it will be difficult for them to break through the fiercely competitive Western Conference and enter the playoffs."
Smith also agreed with this view: "But today's Lakers are different; we can finally see what Kai Chen's true strength is!"
As Kai's number one fan, Smith was also very much looking forward to his performance tonight.
"In addition, there are many highlights in today's Los Angeles Derby."
Watching both teams' warm-ups near their conclusion, Charles Barkley quickly shifted the topic: "Before this game, the Los Angeles Clippers have maintained a 12-game winning streak against the Lakers!"
"That is to say, in the past three seasons, the Lakers haven't won a single game against the Clippers!"
Smith nodded repeatedly: "That's right, and this game is equally important for LeBron James!"
"After losing their season opener to the Portland Trail Blazers, the Los Angeles Lakers desperately need a victory to stabilize their fans!"
The pre-game warm-ups for both teams quickly concluded, and the starting players took the court!
The Los Angeles Lakers' starting lineup: Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Andre Ingram, JaVale McGee, and LeBron James!
The Clippers' starting lineup remained the same: Patrick Beverley, Carmelo Anthony, Jeff Green, Brook Lopez, and Kai Chen!
"Kai, you won't have much room to play in this game!"
After a simple pre-game greeting, Ingram actively approached Kai Chen for a shoulder bump: "What you need to know is that the Los Angeles Lakers are the only king here!"
Apparently, Ingram was hinting that the Lakers were the team that truly represented Los Angeles.
Even though the Clippers, as an "outsider" team, had consistently outperformed the Lakers in recent years, many Los Angeles fans still looked down on the Clippers.
After all, the Lakers' past glory was simply too dazzling.
And the Clippers, since their establishment, had never won a championship trophy.
"Buddy, the Lakers' era is about to end."
Kai Chen smiled at Ingram, who also came from Duke University: "During warm-ups before the game, I even felt more accurate than my last game!"
Hearing Kai Chen's words, Ingram also smiled.
He was already eager to battle this junior!
"Beep!"
With a whistle from the main referee, both centers stood at midcourt!
McGee, with his top-tier athleticism, won the tip-off against Brook Lopez, tipping the ball to Lonzo Ball!
Ball dribbled past half-court. On the left side, LeBron James used a screen to get open and extended his hand for the ball.
"Bang!"
With the basketball in hand, LeBron James faced his old rival Carmelo. A jab step out of the triple threat forced Carmelo to instinctively retreat half a step.
Facing that half-step of space, LeBron James would definitely not miss!
He decisively rose from beyond the three-point line!
"Swish!"
The basketball arced beautifully through the air and swished cleanly through the net!
3:0!
The Los Angeles Lakers scored the first points of the game!
"The showdown of the 2003 Golden Generation continues!"
"LeBron James's offensive performance is becoming increasingly dominant!"
"Yes, it's precisely because of LeBron James's arrival that the Los Angeles Lakers have the confidence to challenge the Golden State Warriors!"
As Smith and Barkley conversed, the Clippers' offense advanced!
Beverley directed traffic at the top of the arc, and Kai Chen on the wing used a double screen from Jeff Green and Brook Lopez to shake off Ingram's defense.
"Whoosh!"
Beverley found Kai Chen, who had cut open, with a precise pass!
Kai Chen received the pass, adjusted slightly, and launched a perfect arc from the left three-point line, sinking the ball cleanly into the net!
"Swish!"
3:3!
The Los Angeles Clippers quickly tied the score!
"Beautiful shot! This is Kai Chen—his three-pointer is never sloppy!"
Kai Chen's quick and decisive shot drew endless praise from Smith: "This is why I'm optimistic about Kai Chen; he always has absolute confidence in his offensive attempts!"
Possession changed, and LeBron James attacked again!
At the top right of the arc, LeBron James received a pass from Ball and once again faced Carmelo's defense.
Suddenly, he faked a drive with a spin, forcing Carmelo to retreat.
Following that, LeBron James executed a step-back, retreated beyond the three-point line, and launched another three-point arrow!
"Swish!"
After scoring, LeBron James didn't stand idly by.
While muttering, he made a three-point headshot celebration gesture toward his old friend Carmelo!
"Haha, LeBron James actually used his signature celebration move on Carmelo??"
"Audience, LeBron James doing this celebration move isn't to provoke Carmelo; it's just a friendly exchange between two good friends!"
LeBron James's celebration directly amused the two commentators.
They both knew that as players from the 2003 Golden Generation, there was no animosity between LeBron James and Carmelo—on the contrary, their bond was very strong.
This was also why LeBron James would use Carmelo's signature celebration move.
At the same time, back on offense, Carmelo actively extended his hand for the ball.
Receiving a pass from Beverley at the horn position, Carmelo directly faced LeBron James!
With the same simple triple threat followed by a step-back, Carmelo shot over LeBron James's defense!
"Swish!"
The basketball, like a sharp blade drawn from its sheath, delivered a fatal blow!
6:6!
The score was tied again!
"Carmelo Anthony responded to LeBron James with the same move!"
"That's right, he wasn't affected by LeBron James's celebration!"
"This Los Angeles Derby has been competitive from the very beginning—this is the game process we want to see!"
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