Chapter 905 276: Spear and Shield

After arriving in Miami, the Lakers held two training sessions in the afternoon.

After a night's rest, on the morning of March 19th, the Lakers returned to the American Airlines Center.

This time, the team's Vice President of Business Operations, Jeanie Buss, also accompanied the team to the away game.

Before the morning pre-game meeting started, Jeanie Buss arrived at the guest team's conference room as well.

"We are already 51 wins and 15 losses. Whether it's our management, coaching staff, or the fans, everyone is very satisfied with this record. There are 16 games left, and we're not demanding any specific record. Of course, we can't slack off because of this. I've discussed with the owner; if we can achieve 60 wins, the team will give a bonus equal to the league's bonus..."

After talking for a while, Jeanie Buss essentially wanted the team to reach 60 wins and started using financial incentives to motivate the players.

But this indeed had an effect. Money, who doesn't like it?

And now that the goal of 60 wins was set, naturally some players wanted to achieve it.

Who wouldn't want a better record?

Achieving 60 wins in a season might happen for just one or two teams, or even none at all some seasons.

The Logo Man accompanying the team wanted to vent—Isn't the owner your dad? He listens to your words on operational matters; isn't this just a matter of your word?

But it was indeed quite appealing.

After the rivalry of Demon Bird began, NBA revenues skyrocketed. In the 70s and 80s, many players signed particularly long contracts, like the Magician, who signed a 25-year $25 million contract with one point, later applying to the league in 1984 to re-sign to a 10-year $25 million contract lasting until the 1993-1994 season.

But not every player could have the Magician's treatment, entering the NBA with a $1 million annual salary for 25 years. Back then, minimum salary contracts were usually $30k-$50k a year, with salaries of $100k-$200k being those of main players, yet they were signed for incredibly long durations.

So the league set up a bonus pool in the 82-83 season, taking a sum from last season's total revenue to distribute to playoff teams, those advancing in playoffs, and finally the championship team.

The first year's total bonus pool was $1.7 million, with the 82-83 champions Philadelphia 76ers receiving $470k in bonuses, which was distributed among the team's 29 players, coaches, and key staff, netting over $10k each—considered decent at the time.

By last season, the total bonus pool reached $6.1 million, with the Bulls ultimately receiving $1.68 million.

This season's confirmed bonus pool is $6.44 million, and the bonuses for regular-season leaders in the East and West are the same. If the Lakers ultimately secure first in the West and enter the playoffs, they could earn 5% of the bonus pool, tens of thousands of dollars, with each person getting roughly $10k if doubled. Advancing to the second round, third round... If they really win the championship, the Lakers could receive $1.78 million, doubling, with each person earning tens of thousands...

Their goal is certainly the championship. At this stage, they aim for a better ranking in the regular season with an additional bonus... The key is, it's not very difficult!

Winning 9 out of the remaining 16 games is sufficient.

Moreover, the Lakers players' goal isn't limited to just 60 wins… If they can win more, they certainly will!

...

At 5:40 PM, after finishing warm-ups, Zhang Hao and his teammates entered the court.

Upon entering, he saw the '92 top pick and runner-up two big centers exchanging pleasantries, and the Magician and Barkley chatting and laughing with the opposing stars. Zhang Hao took a look at the opponent's player ratings… Defense was really strong, just as good as the New York Knicks...

This trip to Miami, Moning did not invite him for a meal but did call.

The reason for not inviting was because the Heat just had a game two days ago, took a break yesterday morning, and prepared for the game in the afternoon.

After All-Star Weekend, every team's schedule is tight. Zhang Hao understood, and his Lakers were busy yesterday too, with O'Neal just returning from injury and immediately facing top-tier teams like the Heat, Kenny Anderson still on injury leave, creating a lot of pressure.

The key is they had previously lost to the Heat once. If they lose again, they would be swept in the regular season!

Zhang Hao didn't see the Heat making it to the finals, but others didn't share this view.

Also, Zhang Hao didn't want to be swept, even in the regular season. He wanted to win, feeling considerable pressure.

However, as Lu Xun once said—Without pressure, there is no motivation.

Though the pressure was high, when it was time for the game, Zhang Hao took this pressure as motivation.

His career is just beginning, and he will face more in the future. His core teammates might miss several games due to minor injuries, which he certainly will encounter many times later, and must adjust accordingly...

Putting aside all distractions, as Zhang Hao immersed himself in the game mode, a system prompt appeared...

"How about using one's own spear against one's own shield? As the special contracted player, Zhang Hao, and Shaq O'Neal form the strongest offensive inside duo, they will face off against the league's strongest defensive team, the Heat. Task: Spear and Shield Trigger."

"Spear and Shield:

Objective: Zhang Hao needs to help the Lakers achieve over 100 total points against the Heat.

Reward: 1 Silver Lottery Draw Opportunity."

This task is simple and straightforward.

The task rewards are quite generous, offering a Silver Lottery Draw Opportunity right off the bat.