The Lakers' loss to the Rockets is not big news.

However, Bryant's result of putting Harden on top of scoring in the matchup has become a hot topic.

There are many voices discussing whether Kobe Bryant can still be in the first place in the league at the point guard position. And in the first matchup between the two sides in the new season, Harden, who had the upper hand, replaced Kobe Bryant and became the best scoring guard in the league.

ESPN's answer is yes, and Bryant's comeback this season was a bit of a surprise, although it was amazing. However, the young Harden has taken his performance to the next level this season, leading the Rockets to an eye-catching record and completely establishing his status. And from the perspective of personal efficiency value and data, the 35-year-old Kobe Bryant is also inferior to Harden.

Of course, that's just ESPN's opinion. And Kobe himself will never approve of it.

In the midst of the worldwide discussion that Harden is already the No. 1 quarterback, Bryant voiced his voice through the Los Angeles Times: "At the age of 40, Michael is still the best quarterback in the league. Maybe at some point, he was at a disadvantage in the battle with some people. But can you say that there is someone better than him? In this position, there is no one in the league who is better than me. When my career is over, this best title will go to someone else, but it's definitely not that time yet. ”

Kobe Bryant's public statement that he is still the league's No. 1 quarterback fits his personality.

However, the voices of the outside world are no longer as unified as they were a few years ago, and it is clear that Kobe Bryant needs to prove that his position is still unshakable in the future.

Kobe Bryant was indifferent to ESPN's denial, but he was unceremonious in his response.

"What those guys say, I never cared. All I know is that I'm not at my best, and I'm going to shut them up. ”

Everyone knows that ESPN is the biggest Kobe Bryant, and this media has never been optimistic about Kobe. And Kobe Bryant understands this, and naturally responds without mercy, which is his consistent style of dealing with ESPN.

After all, ESPN is a very influential media in the world, and in the face of Kobe's tough answer, ESPN also responded strongly: "Kobe is a guy who doesn't admit defeat, but he has to admit that his career has come to an end." He should hand over the torch instead of stubbornly believing that he is still dominant. ”

*******

Kobe Bryant and ESPN had a war of words, of course Chu Xuan would know.

However, Chu Xuan's opinion on this matter is that Kobe Bryant wants to slap his face, and all he can do is to maintain his staying power, rather than stubbornly playing one or two good games. Because, if that were the case, it would be completely unconvincing.

And only by staying healthy, then one day, this debate, the winner will be Kobe Bryant.

After meeting with Kobe, Chu Xuan took the initiative to talk to Kobe about it.

"Kobe, I heard you're going to compete with ESPN."

In the afternoon of the next day, at the training ground in New Orleans, Chu Xuan helped Kobe Bryant pass the ball on the side, and asked questions during the period.

Kobe Bryant raised his hand, threw the ball in, nodded, and his expression was flat: "Yes, now the whole world knows about it." These guys have never done justice to me, and one day, I'll make them look good. ”

Chu Xuan smiled: "You want to slap your face?" What are you going to do? ”

Kobe Bryant smiled: "Of course it's a performance, I'll use the score to shut up these guys." ”

After a pause, Kobe tilted his head, looked at Chu Xuan, and asked, "Chu, how many points do you think my current ability can make me cut?" ”

Chu Xuan was stunned for a moment, but then replied with a smile: "Kobe, in my heart, you can still score 81 points." But you can't do that. ”

Bryant was puzzled: "Why? ”

"Kobe, do you think getting a high score can convince those guys? That can't happen, only victory, only efficiency, plus long-term stability, you can make those guys say nothing. You need to stay healthy to finish the season and you can't force yourself to do too much. You know, you're 35 years old. You need to know how to take care of it...... Look at Tim Duncan, we all have to admit that he's a very smart guy. And in the future ranking of all-time players, he will definitely be the best. ”

Kobe Bryant couldn't help frowning as he listened.

He knew his body best, and he had felt fatigue many times now, something he hadn't felt before the injury. He was never short of energy, but now he will. Like yesterday against the Rockets, he felt that if he could keep his energy packed, it wouldn't be impossible to win in the state he was in at the time.

But, in fact, his body told him that he was no longer the Kobe Bryant he was before the injury.

What Chu Xuan said to him now really made him have to think about this problem. Victorious, efficient? That may not change his belief that he is paranoid about slashing points.

However, when Chu Xuan mentioned Duncan, he finally moved Kobe.

Although the two are not in the same position, Bryant understands that Duncan's place in history in the future will not be lower than his. However, Bryant considered himself the best player of the era, and he couldn't accept Duncan at the top of his ranks. And if he doesn't want to see that situation, then all he can do is make the last few years of his career as perfect as possible.

And the easiest way to be perfect is to stay healthy.

Because, health is the ultimate perfection.

"Chu, you're right. In the future, I will not force myself to do things beyond my ability, I will put the protection of myself first. I understand what I'm going to do now. ”

Chu Xuan smiled: "What? ”

Bryant laughed: "Played 82 games." ”

******

After the game against the Rockets, the Lakers will face the New Orleans Pelicans, and the two teams will face off against each other at the New Orleans Arena.

The game took place the day after the game against the Rockets, so it was a back-to-back away game.

The Lakers wanted to win, so in the afternoon, the Lakers players all practiced early on the training ground provided by the Pelicans.

Kobe Bryant and Chu Xuan's chat took place at this time.

However, not long after the chat between the two ended, there was extremely bad news from the Lakers.

Not long ago, Lakers head coach Mike D'Anthony was in a car accident on his way back to the hotel to pick up something, and now he has been sent to the hospital with unknown conditions.

After learning the news, the Lakers were simply stunned, and some players began to be a little overwhelmed, but fortunately, Nash and Kobe Bryant quickly maintained the scene.

And Chu Xuan didn't care about the game, and rushed to the hospital as soon as possible.