Chapter 13: The Underdog

According to pre-game predictions, the Clippers have a handicap of +10.5 points.

That said, the Clippers have a very good chance of finishing the opener with a big win.

Unless, of course, its players are really bad.

And in fact, the situation is indeed so bloody.

In the entire first quarter, the Clippers completed just six field goals. On the other hand, the Lakers, on the other hand, scored 32 points in a single quarter, announcing their return to the new season with a devastating attitude.

Of course, the good times didn't last long, and in the second quarter, the Clippers played a single quarter 24-17. Although their offense felt a little bad, they used their tough defense to contain the Lakers' offensive boom, allowing Kobe Bryant to score only 17 points.

But even so, the Lakers still led by six points at halftime, 49:43.

For Chu Xuan, this was a situation he was extremely happy to see, and it was also a rather unexpected result. However, to his disappointment, Whiteside, whom he highly recommends to the Lakers, did not get a chance to play.

This made Chu Xuan understand that D'Antoni was more willing to use Jordan Hill in the use of center forwards, even Thackeray was in a higher position than Whiteside in D'Antoni's tactical book.

Looking at the entire half, sitting on the bench with a sad and joyless look on Whiteside, Chu Xuan was actually a little helpless in his heart. However, as a scout, he can't influence the coaching staff when it comes to the use of Lakers players.

Of course, he can do it too. After all, this scout's game report will still be used as a reference by the coaching staff.

Thinking of this, Chu Xuan didn't have the intention of appreciating the cheerleaders' hot dance and the halftime show, but with a pensive face, he took out his mobile phone and typed something on the notepad.

******

"I have to say that the Lakers showed a surprising performance in the first half. I don't know if to describe these guys as good defensively or as the Clippers feeling bad. But it must be admitted that the Lakers entered the second half with the advantage......"

As the commentator signed by Time Warner, Kenny Smith said with emotion.

And beside him, sitting is not his old partner Barkley, Reggie Miller and others, but James Worthy, the latest addition to the TNT family.

As a Lakers celebrity, Worthy is definitely on the side of the Lakers: "Kenny, I think you should describe it as good defensively. Really, as long as these guys can keep going, I think they can win. ”

Kenny Smith turned his head and questioned, "Do you think the Lakers are the Clippers' opponent?" James, I think Chris will find a solution soon. As long as they can find some offensive touch, then the Lakers have no hope of winning this game, after all, Kobe's performance is so bad......"

As Kenny Smith spoke, Kobe's performance in the first half flashed on the screen.

He shot 0-of-7 and scored 2 points from the free-throw line alone.

"Hehe, Kenny, at least the Lakers are better than the Clippers in this game. And, if Kobe Bryant had played better, the lead wouldn't have been that much. However, he also has four rebounds and three assists, and he can still contribute to the team in other areas. ”

"James, I knew you were going to defend the Lakers. I'd love to join you in supporting the Lakers, but I'm really sorry, I really feel that this game will be a milestone for Kobe Bryant's comeback. ”

Worthy raised his eyebrows and shook his head: "No, no, no, Kenny, the Lakers will win." I think they've figured out how to deal with the Clippers, and besides, Kobe Bryant hasn't played yet. Guys of his calibre, you really can't believe he's going to be silent for 48 minutes. ”

Smith's face was also unconvinced: "Then we'll see, I think the loser can enjoy 10 corn hot dogs at a time." ”

James froze, but then returned to normal: "Kenny, if you're going to use this method to eat a corn dog, I think I'd be more than happy to do it." ”

Smith smiled, "I don't like this thing, but I know you're obsessed with it." You have to understand that I did it to fulfill you. ”

"Huh? Then we'll see, I believe in Kobe Bryant, and I believe in the Lakers. ”

"Believe Kobe? Then you're definitely going to eat a corn hot dog this time. ”

******

As professionally hired narrators, they will always make use of some tidbits to add to the highlights, or to show their presence. And these guys who retired from players have a talent for gambling, so even in front of fans across the United States, they are only a little restrained, but they can't completely refuse to gamble.

Like Kenny Smith, many people are not optimistic that Kobe Bryant will be able to play well in the first game of his comeback. Therefore, there are not a few people who look down on the Lakers in this game.

Even now that the Lakers are holding the lead at halftime, they still feel that this is only temporary. It won't be long before the Clippers are able to find the feel of the game and turn it around.

After all, the Clippers have two superstars, Chris Paul and Griffin, who can make a difference in crunch time. And what about the Lakers? I don't know how much Kobe Bryant has returned from injury? Or Gasol, known as a soft egg? Or the old Nash who is about to lose the ball?

Really, no matter how you think about it, it's hard to believe that the Lakers have a chance to win the game.

However, when the game reached the third quarter, everyone's minds began to slowly change.

Kobe, who played just over 8 minutes in the first half, finally stepped up and performed.

Under the gaze of countless eyes, the focus of the world is on the home of Zijin under the shadow of magnesium lights.

Bryant completed the back single in style, and scored 2 points with a signature turnaround mid-range jumper.

On the big screen above the court, the picture changed, giving Kobe Bryant a close-up.

The huge purple gold No. 24 appeared in everyone's sight, and immediately after, it was a replay of Kobe's goal.

"What a wonderful goal, elegant, and only Kobe Bryant can do that."

Chu Xuan's eyes were scorching, revealing joy. The Lakers played beyond expectations this time, and it was hard for him to suppress his excitement.

"Kobe Bryant's feeling is coming? In that case, the chances of the Lakers winning this game are extremely high. Ronald Hamlin shook his fist with a look of excitement when Kobe Bryant scored. Immediately afterward, he sighed.

"Yes. In the second half, star players had to step up to fend off the opposition's counterattack. Kobe Bryant is undoubtedly that person. Chu Xuan nodded, noncommittal.