Staples.

Three days after the end of the regular season, the Lakers began preparing for the playoffs.

"It's momentum, momentum like never before." Kobe Bryant squinted his eyes slightly, and his expression was a little cold and arrogant.

Referring to ESPN's ranking of him outside the top 10, Kobe Bryant definitely couldn't calm down in his heart.

You know, he worked hard for a season and endured how many unbearable pains and sufferings to play such a perfect comeback season.

However, ESPN dared to comment on him in front of fans all over the world?

Could it be that he really doesn't deserve the TOP5?

"Kobe, you don't need to care about anyone's opinion anymore, you are who you are, and all the achievements you have achieved now cannot be offset by a few words. I believe that on the day you leave the Alliance, everything will be revealed. Chu Xuan smiled slightly, like a spring breeze: "Actually, you should understand that if one person has 10,000 people who like him, there may be another 10,000 people who hate him." It's hard to reconcile, and you don't need anyone's approval anymore. Admittedly, I'd love to use that to motivate you and make you explode in the playoffs. However, that is really not necessary, the great Wings do not need to be urged by anyone. So, Kobe, take it easy, a good attitude will make you more sober and efficient in the game. ”

Kobe nodded, what Chu Xuan said was indeed right, the playoffs test the mentality, which he is naturally very aware of in the league for eighteen years.

"Chu, don't worry, I know how to play well in the playoffs."

Chu Xuan smiled lightly, Kobe Bryant is his biggest hole card, this guy's killer instinct makes him feel extremely relieved in his heart, and at the same time, he has a little dependence.

"Well, Kobe, I believe in you, you are in such good shape now, I think this is our opportunity, we must take advantage of it." Chu Xuan opened his mouth and said.

If it is placed at the beginning of the season, Kobe's physical competitive state will definitely not be good. But now that a season has passed, Bryant's body has fully adapted to the Achilles tendon injury, and he has found another way to play, which makes him still dangerous and lethal.

And, more importantly, Bryant was well rested not long ago, which gave him plenty of energy to deal with the intense confrontation in the playoffs.

Therefore, with Kobe Bryant in perfect condition, the Lakers want to make a difference in the playoffs, and this moment is definitely the biggest opportunity.

"That's right, Chu, there's nothing more gratifying than the health of all the staff." Kobe Bryant sighed slightly: "Actually, I really didn't expect that I would be able to play to such an extent this season, and my attendance and personal performance completely exceeded my expectations." ”

Chu Xuan couldn't help but sigh slightly, why shouldn't he.

You must know that Kobe, who returned from a major injury this season, has played 74 games under his coaching, which is completely unimaginable. More importantly, Kobe Bryant averaged 33.5 minutes per game, averaging 22.4 points, 5.5 boards, 4.2 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.5 blocks per game, shooting 44.3% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range, which is a personal season high since the 08~09 season.

This kind of performance is completely all-star level.

However, on the surface, Chu Xuan did not show this kind of mentality: "Kobe, you have to be confident in yourself. Even if no one can play after healing from an Achilles tendon injury, you have to believe that you can. And in fact, you did. You've played five minutes less than last season and your individual performance has been phenomenal. Actually, I've been coaching you this season and I've always felt like you're going to be able to play 82 games. Hehe, so you're missing eight games, and I hope you can make up for those eight games in the playoffs. ”

Kobe Bryant laughed, why didn't he want to play eight more games in the playoffs: "Chu, I'll let you get your wish." I know too many people are cherishing every game I play, so I know what to do. ”

Chu Xuan also smiled happily: "Yes, everyone is cherishing, and I am also cherishing." ”

After a pause, Chu Xuan spoke: "I have already figured out how to deal with the Kings, but your role on the offensive end will be weakened. Kobe, I think I need to talk to you in advance. If you don't have a problem, we're going to start executing that in the first round. ”

Kobe Bryant couldn't help but be slightly stunned, weakening his offensive role, so who will the team's offense be handed over? You know, the offense was originally the Lakers' shortcoming, and they were able to achieve 59 wins entirely because of the league's No. 1 rebounding ability and excellent team defense.

"Chu, I think you need to convince me first, I have to understand who can take on the task on the offensive end. As you said, this playoff is our best chance, and I'm not willing to take any risks and gamble. ”

Chu Xuan's face remained unchanged, Kobe's reaction was completely expected by him.

If Kobe Bryant can accept the coach's arrangement casually and unconditionally, then he is not Kobe.

However, since Chu Xuan wanted to do this, he must have the confidence to convince Kobe.

"Everybody knows that the team's offense depends on you, and the Kings will definitely guard you, and I don't want you to put too much defensive pressure in the first round of the playoffs. You know, the playoffs are so competitive, and there's too much risk for a veteran like you. I hope that you will be able to bring all your strength to a higher level of stage in good health. ”

Kobe Bryant listened and couldn't help but nod. The Lakers' threat on the offensive end is nothing more than him, and if the Kings really stalk him, then he really won't deal with it too easily.

"My idea is to be unprepared, play a twin-tower strategy, have Norris and Hassan as the main point of attack at the same time, and the three of you at the same time to threaten on the offensive end." Chu Xuan said what he really thought.

When Kobe Bryant heard this, he couldn't help but be slightly stunned, twin towers + quarterback, which is indeed a bit interesting: "Similar to our style of play in 08? It's just that if you really want to use the twin towers, wouldn't Norris be more suitable to partner with Paul? You know, judging from the regular season, Hassan's bench effect has been very good. ”

"It's not a triangle offense, you should remember the Rockets in the 93~95 season, Olajuwon, Otis Thorpe, Drexler...... We're not inferior to them, and the important thing is that we also have a master of the court like Steve Nash, who also has great shooting ability. Chu Xuan shook his head slightly: "Hassan is an inside monster, it turns out that Steve can completely activate him, and the role he played at that time was no less than Paul's." And the reason why I had Paul on the bench was because of his autonomy, his ability to attack, his ability to defend, his ability to organize, and he was a player who has been a leader of a team. Even though he's 34 now, I don't think he's a problem as a leader on the bench. He's going to bring up a really horrible bench lineup. ”

"Houston Rockets? It was a very good and legendary team. I'm confident I can beat Drexler. It's just that who can play the role of a big dream? That guy is a monster. Bryant laughed.

Seeing this, Chu Xuan couldn't help but relax in his heart. Judging from the emotions shown by Kobe, he should have approved of Chu Xuan's tactical arrangement.

"No one can play the role of big dreams. However, we will have a rare combination of twin towers. Just like Ralph Sampson and Big Dream back then, if they had a Drexler partner at the beginning, I don't think the initial battle for the Magic Bird and the later Jordan dynasty would have been so easy. Of course, the Lakers roster may not be as mature as the championship Rockets, but there are so many players we can contribute to the team. ”

Kobe nodded: "So you think we can get the Kings by playing like this?" ”

Chu Xuan smiled and was noncommittal: "There is nothing difficult. The Kings' threat is simply DeMarcus Cousins, and our twin towers will embarrass him. The important thing is that I will try to polish our bench and the depth of it will determine our final height. ”

It is true that, as Chu Xuan said, if you want to make a difference in the playoffs, you need to have strange tricks and strength. But squad depth is the most important thing.

"Chu, then how did you decide to arrange the starters? Steve, me, Norris, Hassan, who else? Draymond? Bryant asked.

Chu Xuan shook his head: "No, Draymond is not suitable to start, my choice is, Reggie!" (To be continued.) )