Chapter 13: Shooting Rhythm

Returning home.

Li Rui currently rents an apartment in a luxury complex in Los Angeles.

Three bedrooms, two living rooms, two bathrooms.

Though it couldn't compare to the villas and mansions of his teammates, it was more than enough for his current needs.

As soon as Li Rui got home, he began reviewing scouting reports and video footage of the Dallas Mavericks.

He remembered that this season, the Mavericks had secured the best record in the league, but after entering the playoffs, they were upset by the Warriors, making Dirk Nowitzki the most tragic MVP.

Dirk’s regular-season performance this year was nothing short of phenomenal. Centered around his signature “Golden Rooster” jump shot, combined with mid-range back-to-the-basket moves and three-point shooting, he had become the most versatile big man in the NBA. His true shooting percentage reached an impressive 62.7%, standing out uniquely among centers and power forwards.

With Nowitzki at the core, the Mavericks executed a variety of beautiful plays. This season, they averaged 23.4 assists per game (fifth in the league). Utilizing pick-and-rolls involving Nowitzki, Josh Howard, and Jason Terry, along with the firepower of their sharpshooters, they posted a stunning 25-5 record, proudly holding the top spot in the league.

The Lakers were viewed as the underdogs in the media when facing them.

...

By the time Li Rui finished watching the footage and reading the scouting reports, it was already midnight.

[Sound of notification] Acquired a small Shooting Form Boost Potion for Klay Thompson *1.

[Shooting Form Boost Potion: Grants a temporary 5% increase to long-range shooting attributes, with a slight overall status improvement. (Duration: 3 hours)]

Along with the Stamina Potion he had saved previously, Li Rui now held two small trump cards.

During this period, he needed to maintain consistent form to solidify his standing on the team; otherwise, relying on a 35-year-old Klay’s inconsistent performance could easily derail his still-developing career.

...

The next day, Li Rui slept until 7:30 a.m. After breakfast, he drove to the Staples Center.

Today was game day for the Lakers. Players would begin morning shooting warm-ups, then around noon, some would stay at the arena to eat, like Li Rui, Andrew Bynum, and Jordan Farmar—the young guns.

Others, such as Kobe Bryant and Kwame Brown—the veterans—would return home to have lunch with their families, take a nap, and then come back.

The morning meeting was set for 9 a.m. Li Rui drove Kobe’s Ferrari smoothly through clear roads.

He arrived a bit earlier than expected—not late, but not too early either.

At this time, Kobe looked serious and drenched in sweat, obviously having completed a rigorous training session.

Li Rui considered himself incapable of matching Kobe’s extremity; he preferred efficient training over punishing his body relentlessly.

After a while, Coach Phil Jackson entered the locker room. He spotted Li Rui immediately and said, “Li, no traffic today?”

“Hey, I was driving a Ferrari. All other cars moved aside,” Li Rui replied candidly.

“Ha ha!” The Lakers players burst into laughter at Li Rui’s words. It was this rookie’s first time driving a luxury car.

It wasn’t easy—just like when they themselves first encountered such fancy rides.

...

Coach Phil Jackson found himself warming up to this rookie more and more.

The assistant coach signaled the players to gather.

Phil delivered a pre-game speech, outlining strategies and emphasizing the toughness of tonight’s opponents, urging everyone to stay focused.

Li Rui and Bynum stood at the back, quietly chatting.

“Anpig, your hairstyle is really unique. Where did you get it done?” Li Rui asked, looking at Bynum’s massive afro.

Such an afro obviously added about three centimeters of height, intimidating opponents.

It seemed black players all liked such hairstyles.

Bynum was initially attentive but became talkative when the topic turned to hair.

“I just met a Hollywood hairstylist who did this for me. Want me to introduce you?” he offered.

“Can they do any hairstyle?”

“Of course. But I suggest you grow your hair longer first. No need to style that short buzzcut now.”

“Alright, how much for one session?”

“$5,000.”

“Forget it, can’t afford that.”

$50 was more reasonable for a haircut.

Bynum was a first-round pick with a guaranteed contract—money wasn’t an issue. Li Rui was a second-rounder on a non-guaranteed deal—money was tight.

Bynum shrugged and then stared at Li Rui’s arms.

“Li, your arms look stronger than before.”

Li Rui’s muscular definition was indeed quite noticeable.

“He’s only 19, about your age; you’re both still growing,” Walton interjected.

At 27, Walton envied these young players who could gain muscle quickly with just some food and training. He, on the other hand, had to start maintaining his body.

Li Rui shrugged. After fusing with Klay, he was definitely stronger than before; otherwise, he couldn’t have supported his improved skills.

Some attribute improvements inevitably brought physical changes.

At that moment, Phil called out the last starter’s name: “Andrew Bynum.”

“Hey, Li, do your best off the bench. I’m starting tonight,” Bynum boasted to Li Rui.

“I’ll be starting soon, too,” Li Rui said earnestly.

As long as he kept progressing, Li Rui believed his day as a starter would come eventually.

Bynum chuckled, “Coach doesn’t like using young players; I’m an exception. If you start this season, I’ll pay to get your hair done.”

“You said it,” Li Rui smiled.

...

Li Rui was confident. He even considered styling a Jimmy Butler-inspired Yagami hairstyle just to amuse and unsettle his opponents.

No one could stop him from unleashing his full power.

Although he wasn’t a starter this game, Phil emphasized during the talk, “Li, you’ll enter at the end of the first quarter. Be ready.”

“Okay, coach.”

Hearing this, Li Rui confirmed once more that he had made the rotation that his previous self had desperately wanted.

Entering the rotation meant more minutes and opportunities, giving him a chance to gain more attribute points and improve faster.

If all else failed, he could always use his trump cards.

Li Rui felt the gears of his destiny beginning to turn.

...

Staples Center.

The game was about to start.

In Sina’s text live broadcast room, Yang Yi was ready early. He opened the video link, preparing to provide real-time text commentary.

Due to current network limitations, most live broadcasts were in text form, as video streams often suffered from buffering and delays.

For stable video viewing, television was preferable.

Channels like CCTV, Shanghai Sports Channel, Guangdong Sports Channel, BJ Sports Channel, and others.

Not all NBA games were televised; they only selected matches featuring popular teams.

For example, the Rockets, Lakers, Cavaliers, Celtics, and so on.

Li Rui’s 21-point performance in the previous game had pumped up domestic commentators, who all hoped he could maintain that level and firmly establish himself in the NBA, rather than remaining precarious as before.

The Chinese national team now needed NBA-caliber guards.

“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, this is CCTV bringing you live coverage of an NBA regular-season game, where the Los Angeles Lakers host the Western Conference leaders, the Dallas Mavericks.”

“The Mavericks are a formidable team, and it won’t be easy for the Lakers to defend their home court. They will need steady scoring support from Kobe Bryant…”

Zhang Weiping’s commentary poured out rapidly, as if from a machine gun.

He was very excited, having witnessed Li Rui’s breakout in the last game, and eagerly hoped for more fireworks from him today.