Chapter 851: Unprecedented Lack of Chemistry

Chapter 851: Chapter 265: Unprecedented Lack of Chemistry

For the third consecutive year, a rookie making the All-Star starting lineup is truly a first in the modern basketball era.

The title of All-Star player is very important. Being elected and having All-Star ability are two different things. Once chosen as an All-Star, you are an All-Star. This is beneficial when negotiating contract renewals with the team or discussing endorsement fees with sponsors.

Iverson being selected for the All-Star starting lineup in his rookie year brought him more attention, but undoubtedly, it also subjected him to the same treatment as O’Neal, Grant Hill, and Zhang Hao in their rookie seasons—becoming a target for other superstars.

The public opinion generally believes Iverson will face tough times in upcoming games because his rookie season performance significantly lags behind that of O’Neal, Grant Hill, and Zhang Hao.

…

After the Lakers finished their game against the Heat, they had a two-day rest.

The three players being elected to the All-Star starting lineup, although overshadowed by Jordan’s lead in votes and Iverson’s rookie All-Star start, still garnered significant attention.

However, while some celebrated, others were concerned.

Kenny Anderson was a bit downhearted. He was once an All-Star starter too! Though back then, his selection was due to Jordan and Isaiah Thomas both retiring, he was popular at the time.

But it’s okay; he only made the All-Star once, and missing out is just missing out.

O’Neal, on the other hand, was genuinely upset.

He had been an All-Star starter in the first four years of his career, but upon moving to the West in his first year, Olajuwon outperformed him.

On February 2nd, the Lakers hosted a game against the Washington Bullets.

Before the All-Star weekend, the Lakers had three more home games, with this Bullets game being the first of the home back-to-back.

At 6:10 p.m., after both teams warmed up and entered the court, Zhang Hao saw O’Neal’s gloomy face and was speechless.

What’s the big deal? It’s just missing out on the All-Star starting lineup, isn’t it?

Zhang Hao planned to comfort Big Fatty and approached O’Neal, asking, “Mr. O’Neal, how does it feel not being selected for the All-Star starting lineup?”

FU…!

O’Neal was about to lose it on the spot.

Truly, Zhang Hao really wanted to console O’Neal. Preparing for tonight’s game, he had seen O’Neal’s gloomy face all morning.

But when he got near O’Neal, Zhang Hao just blurted out the question.

Because, when he entered the NBA, he was an All-Star starter. He doesn’t know what missing feels like…

O’Neal felt like squeezing the head of this sophomore punk until it popped!

However, thinking he still relied on this guy for effortless wins, he tolerated it.

That aside, his worries weren’t just about missing the All-Star starting lineup. Unfortunately, during the crucial voting period, he was injured, and coincidentally, Olajuwon performed well in December and January, averaging 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. As the most accomplished center in the league, he accepted it.

His bigger worry was possibly missing out on the All-Star game entirely!

Seeing Big Fatty unresponsive, Zhang Hao felt he might have gone too far…

Thinking quickly, Zhang Hao soon deduced the source of O’Neal’s anxiety and said, “Ahem, I think Mr. O’Neal, you don’t need to worry about missing the All-Star. Even if you’ve only played around 30 games, your performance remains the best among all centers in the league.”

Finally speaking like a human! O’Neal felt significantly better.

Indeed, Zhang Hao’s praise meant a lot to O’Neal. In his mind, Zhang Hao was enough to be his competitor hence he looked at Zhang Hao with disdain, much like he did with Anfernee Hardaway.

But he still didn’t want to engage with this guy because this guy made the All-Star starting lineup!

Zhang Hao was helpless; he had made efforts to console, but when the other party didn’t engage, he let it be.

Actually, this isn’t too bad. When the playoffs come, seeing those All-Star starters might drive O’Neal to play more vigorously.

Soon enough, at 6:30 p.m., the Lakers versus Bullets game kicked off.

In their last face-off, Weber, Juwan Howard, and Rod Strickland rampaged, the Lakers took a beating.

That loss was partly due to the Lakers’ mediocre condition, combined with facing a team that wasn’t particularly strong or a rival, resulting in a bit of looseness. The Lakers lost, and the players held a grudge.

This time, it was the Lakers’ turn to rampage collectively!

O’Neal is indeed a spectacular player. Over a week ago, while adjusting to his weight reaching 140 kilograms, by this morning, Zhang Hao noticed O’Neal’s weight had reverted to 134 kilograms.

Returning to agile play, and motivated by the need to vent frustrations from missing the All-Star start, O’Neal played energetically, spending 17 first-half minutes, making 9 out of 9 field goals, hitting 10 out of 6 free throws, utterly dominating 231cm tall, 137kg Gheorghe Muresan, and scoring a stunning 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks in the half!

Under O’Neal’s leadership, the Lakers led the Bullets by 21 points at halftime with a score of 71 to 50.

In the second half, O’Neal rested the entire half. Zhang Hao and Kenny Anderson played a bit in the third quarter before resting too, while Barkley and Magician enjoyed themselves on the court until they gradually rested in the fourth quarter.

After scoring 71 points in the first half, the Lakers scored 58 in the second half, outscoring 58 to 48.

Ultimately, powered by O’Neal’s 24 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, Zhang Hao’s 16 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 3 blocks, the Magician’s 8 points, 5 assists, Barkley’s 26 points, Kenny Anderson’s 11 points, 7 assists… The Lakers thrashed the Bullets 129 to 98, accomplishing revenge!