Chapter 9: The Second-Round Pick Who Scored 21 Points—Kobe’s Ferrari.

Before tonight, a second-round draft pick averaging less than one point, one rebound, and one assist per game has already exploded for 16 points in this match.

From the perspective of fans and commentators, Li Rui is clearly performing above expectations.

However, his playing style hardly resembles that of a traditional point guard. Not only does he rarely organize the offense in the frontcourt, but he seldom even dribbles past half-court.

Often, before crossing half-court, he passes the ball to Kobe or Odom. His style is more akin to that of a top-tier shooter.

Of course, neither the fans nor the commentators doubt Li Rui’s ability to bring the ball past half-court.

Who would believe it otherwise?

A point guard in the NBA struggling to dribble past half-court?

The Houston Rockets don’t buy it either, so they don’t apply much defensive pressure on Li Rui’s ball-handling.

For the next stretch, when left unguarded, Li Rui dribbles forward himself; when closely guarded, he immediately looks for his teammates.

Kobe rarely receives the ball in the backcourt; he prefers to position himself early near the low post on the opposite side, so Li Rui mostly feeds the ball to Odom.

Odom, truly the “Left-Handed Magician,” commands trust with his playmaking, orchestrating the Lakers’ offense with finesse.

Both Kobe and Bynum have scored inside from his assists.

When offensive opportunities are scarce, Li Rui’s main task shifts to defense, primarily guarding Alston.

Though Klay’s defense has declined from his peak, he manages well enough against Alston.

On the Rockets’ side, Yao Ming continues battling in the post, but fatigue is taking its toll, reducing his efficiency. Under double teams, Yao commits consecutive turnovers, allowing the Lakers to launch fast breaks and gradually seize the lead.

During this period, Li Rui had a chance to shoot a three-pointer but missed. Subsequently, he became a decoy, lingering in the corner as Kobe battled two or three defenders single-handedly.

Milan’s young sharpshooter is having a good day, sinking all manner of difficult shots.

With 3 minutes and 12 seconds remaining, Odom reinitiates the offense while Li Rui drifts along the right side, guarded by Alston.

Li Rui feints a backward cut, then seizes an opening to drive inside, with Alston closely trailing.

Bynum sets a screen to block Alston. Yao’s waning stamina leaves him unable to keep pace, and when Li Rui reaches the 60-degree spot on the right, a gap opens.

At that moment, McGrady notices Li Rui’s open position and rushes over to help defend.

Odom passes the ball back to Li Rui.

On receiving, Li Rui executes a fake move that sends McGrady lunging past him.

Next, Li Rui shifts sideways a step.

He launches a jump shot—a textbook perfect release.

Swish!

That three-pointer stretches the lead to double digits.

The crowd erupts again; this 60th pick rookie is playing superbly tonight.

Domestic fans are beyond thrilled.

“Li Rui is finally shining.”

“Amazing, amazing!”

“If he keeps this up, a starting spot is within reach.”

“I’m so satisfied with today’s Chinese derby.”

Buzz!

As the electronic buzzer sounds, the scoreboard settles at 100 to 92, with the Lakers besting the Houston Rockets by eight points.

Kobe, who poured in 32 points, naturally draws much attention, but another figure captures media and fan interest.

Li Rui, who set a career high with an efficient 21 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals in just 17 minutes, is the Lakers’ other hero. His explosive third quarter helped the team overturn the deficit, and his scoring in the fourth quarter sealed the victory.

After the game, Li Rui returns to the locker room, noticing teammates more willing to engage with him and staff wearing bright smiles.

Li Rui accompanies Kobe to the press conference with Coach Phil Jackson.

It’s Li Rui’s first postgame press conference, and he sits upright, slightly nervous.

Click, click, click!

The vast Los Angeles media flashbulbs nearly blind him.

Li Rui and Kobe flank Phil Jackson on either side.

Compared to Li Rui, Kobe leans back casually with a self-assured expression, radiating supreme confidence.

Kobe knows that if Li Rui is nervous, he’d probably mock him.

Back in the “Eagle County incident” days, Kobe never flinched despite constant reporter attacks—this is a small scene for him.

“Li, you delivered your best career performance tonight, shooting eight times from beyond the arc and making five threes. Why so many three-point attempts tonight?”

“Uh!” Li Rui ponders briefly, then replies, “Those were all good opportunities, so I took the shots. I’ve always considered myself an excellent shooter.”

The reporter frowns, “Excellent shooter? Aren’t you a point guard?”

“Being a point guard and an excellent shooter aren’t mutually exclusive, right?” Li Rui responds.

Isn’t that just like Curry?

Rare and strange...

Indeed, there’s no conflict. The reporters fall silent for a moment.

They clearly feel Li Rui’s point guard play is somewhat problematic, but can’t quite pinpoint why.

Is the problem that the point guard touches the ball as much as a center?

Seems like point guard matters less for the Lakers.

Doesn’t really matter.

The reporters quickly move on, then ask, “You were late to practice today. Did Kobe scold you?”

Li Rui glances at Kobe, who shrugs and gestures for him to say whatever he wants.

Li Rui admits, “Well, yes…”

At these words, Coach Jackson quickly kicks Li Rui under the table.

Clearly, it’s not the moment for divisive comments.

If internal conflicts were aired publicly, the Lakers’ cohesion would be under fire again.

Li Rui winks at the reporters and continues, “That’s fake news. You must have misheard. Kobe just told me he has a lot of sports cars and offered to lend me one so I wouldn’t be late. He’s a very caring leader.”

The reporters look at Kobe.

Kobe nods helplessly.

Though unfazed by rumors, Kobe prefers to keep the peace. These journalists swarm like flies, always starting with a sensational line and filling in the rest with fiction.

The reporters eye Li Rui and Kobe suspiciously, convinced these two struck some kind of deal here.

...

After the press conference, Kobe pulls a set of car keys from his backpack and tosses them to Li Rui.

“This Ferrari’s in the parking lot. Find it yourself. Consider it yours for a month.”

“How are you getting home?”

“Rookie, I’ve got three cars in the lot and five at home. When you get your max contract, you won’t ask these questions anymore,” Kobe teases.

Hmph!

So cocky.

A max contract.

So enviable.

Li Rui accepts the keys without hesitation. Now, until he buys his own car, he has a ride.

A Ferrari?

Never driven one before.

Time to really push the pedal.

At the parking lot, after searching around, he finds Kobe’s 360 Modena.

He gets in, settles in the seat, but can’t start the engine.

Google to the rescue.

Ignition on, he presses the accelerator hard and drives home.

...