Basketball Legend: When Pride Still Matters

Chapter 1136: Chapter 628 A Year of Discord

“Frye will have one of the most exciting careers over the next twenty years,” said Paul Taylor, the head of NBC’s reality show. “Whether it’s business, entertainment, or any branding venture, he has surpassed all expectations.”

These accolades from outside the basketball community once again sparked discussions about the potential concerns over the GOAT’s retirement at the end of the season.

The bigger concern is whether this seemingly endless future is really as reliable as it sounds.

Some observers believe that the GOAT’s chances of success in the media are as big as his chances of failure, because he puts too much trust in the people around him.

And not all of these people necessarily possess top-notch professionalism. Some of them are in high positions merely because of their close relationship with the GOAT.

Yu Fei has never been influenced by this narrative.

In his view, taking care of those around him is about ‘optimal utilization’.

They do what they’re suited for.

Nevertheless, such concerns always exist.

When Yu Fei arrived in New Orleans for the All-Star Weekend, similar comments started to increase.

Magic Johnson attends the NBA’s All-Star events every year.

Moreover, as he is now the president of the Lakers Team, he has even more reasons to capitalize on the heat of the All-Star Weekend.

As a role model athlete capitalist, over the years, Magic has been committed to helping players avoid financial ruin.

He emphasized a basic rule: when players call Johnson for advice, if they mention any business plans—whether it’s a record company, car wash, or production company—that involve friends or family, he would stop them ruthlessly.

“It’s fatal,” Magic would always say.

He added that the reason he became the CEO of a billion-dollar enterprise group was because he rejected friends and family and chose to work with those shiny-suited people sitting courtside at Lakers games.

“They hire these people not because of their professional skills, but because they are friends. As a result, they will fail.”

It can be fairly said that Yu Fei runs counter to Magic in this regard. His business empire has been built, and those friends who have followed him since high school are also in high positions. Therefore, a question hangs in the air: isn’t he worried about the tilt between personal friendship and professional experience?

“I didn’t turn into the person you see from my first day in professional basketball; everyone grows,” Yu Fei said, “I choose to grow with them. I’m not worried about failing, because everyone can fail, but what matters is who you fail with. If I have to fail, I’m willing to do it with them.”

More and more people started to talk about Yu Fei’s post-retirement life, and even Yu Fei himself sometimes felt as if he was supposed to retire after the season ended.

He didn’t like being led by public opinion.

Perhaps he needed to do something to let people know he had no desire to retire yet.

However, every star player has their own agenda during the All-Star Weekend.

Yu Fei, as the face of the League, bears a heavy responsibility.

His time can be divided into three parts: one for the League, where he needs to accompany commissioner Adam Silver to various events; one for the sponsors; and one for society.

Sports are an extremely important part of American society, serving as a window for shaping the American Dream for those at the bottom. As a Chosen One who came from Kent Town, Yu Fei’s story itself is very inspiring. Now, he needs to use his celebrity influence to share success and help this city, which was once hit by a hurricane and still has unfinished rebuilding work.

Of course, this sharing is more verbal.

Through various charitable activities, he publicizes his story, making ordinary kids feel, “When I grow up, I can be someone like Frye.” Such dreams intoxicate them and also temporarily alleviate their dissatisfaction with reality.

After completing the above tasks, Yu Fei could participate in the All-Star Game.

Yes, the so-called holiday of All-Star Weekend actually does not include any time for oneself.

Aside from sleeping and eating, all of Yu Fei’s time is not his own.

Yu Fei doesn’t like the All-Star Weekend; he needs rest, but the activities during this period only make him more tired.

However, it is good to see Kobe at the All-Star Game in 2017.

Unfortunately, his good friend Anthony missed the All-Star Game due to injury.

“How many points away from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?” Yu Fei asked pointedly.

Kobe does not admit that he continues to play because he has not broken Jabbar’s record.

However, with his total score surpassing Karl Malone early in the season, there is only one person in NBA history who has scored more than him.

Kobe is not yet 39 years old, but time has taken away most of his talent.

Fortunately, the arrival of the Space Basketball era is advantageous for players like him who are skilled in various techniques.

He can score easily in open spaces and doesn’t have to grind out positions like Jordan did during his time with the Wizards.

After Anthony was traded, Kobe got the green light to shoot at will, and this 38-year-old veteran is still averaging 24 points per game this season.

At this rate, he could break Jabbar’s record before the age of 40.

“I don’t play basketball just to break a particular record,” Kobe said seriously, “just like you wouldn’t play until you’re 40 just to break some record.”

“You’re wrong there,” Yu Fei laughed, “I’m willing to play until I’m 36 just to become the person with the most championships in NBA history.”