Chapter 52: Li the Madman Continues to Shock the World!
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The reporter asked, “Kobe, Li has exploded in five consecutive games and nailed the game-winner tonight. What do you have to say about that?”
Leaning back in his chair with a smile, Kobe turned to look at the still somewhat youthful face of Li and said firmly, “He’s going to become a genuine All-Star very soon. He’s doing an excellent job.”
Kobe truly felt Li’s ability to change the course of a game.
Li’s performance was far from a mere hot streak.
The reporter then shifted to several questions about Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe’s expression returned to a serious demeanor as he answered.
Finally, the reporters turned their attention to Li.
A blonde woman, appearing to be in her thirties with a mature and alluring figure—someone Cao Ze admired—stood up to interview him.
“Li, 26 points, a game-winner—congratulations on yet another incredible performance,” the blonde reporter smiled, showering Li with praise right from the start.
She had witnessed Li’s breakout from the first game to tonight’s buzzer-beater.
Watching Li rise from a fringe player to the Lakers’ second scoring option.
Such sustained efficiency over so many games was no mere stroke of luck.
He was undoubtedly a rising star.
Li felt a bit embarrassed. “Thank you.”
Rookies are often shy, and Li’s demeanor matched the media’s perception of him.
“What was your feeling after the game-winner?”
“It felt great. It’s like a dream coming true.”
“What was the meaning behind your final celebration?”
“Good night, Miami. I hope everyone has a peaceful Christmas.”
The celebration was inspired by Stephen Curry. Li felt it perfectly captured the moment’s emotion, so he used it.
He secretly thought that if Curry used it again in the future, he’d have to charge him royalties.
From now on, that move would be Li’s signature.
“Many fans believe you will be the Lakers’ second-leading star. What’s your take on that?”
The Lakers’ second star?
Wasn’t that a title for the future alongside Kobe?
Li wasn’t ready for that responsibility yet.
He rested his chin on his hand before relaxing. “Oh, I really appreciate everyone’s support, but I think it’s a bit premature to say that. I’m just a rookie. My talent isn’t exceptional. There’s still a lot for me to learn and improve on. I’ll grow quickly and meet everyone’s expectations.”
By emphasizing his rookie status, he hoped fans and media would be more forgiving of any mistakes—just like when Kobe’s shots didn’t fall early in his career.
No one criticized Kobe for his missed shots back then; instead, his performances turned those moments into stories.
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If Li were immediately put on that level, any bad game would have led to endless simulated trades late at night. Li didn’t want to face daily questions about which team he’d prefer to be traded to.
After all, his skills hadn’t fully matured yet; much of his success came from momentum.
Otherwise, a 35-year-old Clay Thompson would be inconsistent at best.
The blonde reporter continued, “Li, your ‘Li Madness’ has become an inspirational phenomenon, causing a sensation worldwide. Many feel your NBA journey is truly motivational. What do you think about this?”
Li’s explosive streak over five games had excited fans following the “Li Madness” saga, especially with tonight’s game-winner. The media believed this would take the phenomenon to new heights.
Wasn’t this reminiscent of the original “Linsanity”?
Li understood the phenomenon and quickly responded, “If my experience can inspire those going through difficult times, I would feel very proud. I will work hard in every game.”
The reporter asked again, “What’s your response to Dwyane Wade’s 9-point rating of you?”
Li smiled, “Why not let him try giving a score himself?”
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“9 points!”
At the Heat’s press conference wrapping up, a colleague reminded reporters to ask Wade about the rating again.
“That rookie’s performance was flawless. When he hit the game-winner, I even wanted to smash the locker room. But I stand by my opinion—his ball handling is poor, and he barely has any ability to penetrate,” Wade puffed out his cheeks amid the reporters.
Losing to a buzzer-beater was frustrating, but Wade didn’t want to contradict himself.
On the court, he lost, that’s fine.
But at the press conference, he won.
He just refused to admit defeat!
Wade knew his “9 points” would be mocked, but he wouldn’t change his stance.
He took pride in his stubbornness.
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Live Broadcast News: “The Los Angeles Lakers clinched a Christmas Day road victory with a buzzer-beater over the Miami Heat. Kobe scored 50 points, Wade had 38, and Li contributed 26 points plus the game-winning shot. This marks Li’s fifth explosive game in a row.”
“Awesome! I declare Li the No. 1 Asian guard.”
“Kobe’s 50 points showed signs of decline, while Li’s 26 points and game-winner displayed great prowess!”
“That game-winner got me so excited. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a Chinese player dominate like this.”
“Yao’s games are always steady, but Li’s are full of passion.”
“Everyone at my school who watches basketball went crazy and bought out all the Li posters nearby.”
“Wade is shameless. He’s lost fans and insists on his ‘9-point theory.’”
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“Li only earns $300,000 a year as a second-round pick. Wade is judging him by superstar standards—no wonder he’s getting flamed.”
“If Li could handle the ball and penetrate, he’d be due for a max contract.”
“Because of the Arenas Clause, Li can’t get a max deal.”
“The Lakers won the game, but Wade won the press conference by being stubborn.”
After this game, global media and fans elevated their adulation for “Li Madness” to new heights.
While many NBA players average over 20 points per game, none have risen to prominence as quickly as Li.
Some fans who don’t even follow the NBA know Li’s name.
Five consecutive games!
Explosive performances every time!
Stealing the spotlight in the Christmas Day battle, overshadowing the OK duo’s rivalry with a game-winner that made headlines.
This kind of fame transcends boundaries; it doesn’t just represent basketball but embodies the story of a grassroots rise to prominence.
Li’s dazzling on-court feats made the “madness” even more intense.
A 19-year-old Lakers starter.
A recent average of 26.8 points per game, including six three-pointers per game.
And a game-winner on Christmas Day.
There has never been a second-round pick in NBA history with such a wild performance streak.
News about Li was everywhere.
The New York Times once again featured him on the front page: “Li Madness seals Christmas Day game-winner; the Zen Master cultivates a super prodigy!”
The term “prodigy” usually refers to young players with extraordinary talent and skill, often underrated but showing maturity and creativity beyond their years. Now the New York Times called Li a prodigy—an apt description.
The Los Angeles Sports Gazette: “The Zen Master is the clear favorite for December’s Coach of the Month!”
According to inside sources from the Gazette, the Zen Master’s candidacy isn’t just about wins but his outstanding work developing rookies.
In plain terms, he has cultivated Li, whose ability rivals that of All-Stars.
Of course, the main reason is the tremendous impact of “Li Madness,” which the league hopes to further promote.
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