Chapter 583 We Will Always Be Brothers

"You don't want me to go to Los Angeles, do you?"

Wade looked at James and said.

James did not answer directly, but laughed.

Seeing James's reaction, Wade knew that he must have guessed correctly.

It's just that this guess was correct, which didn't make him happy, but... embarrassed.

Yes, difficult.

In this year in history, Wade was playing with the Bulls and formed a "three-rejection" combination with Rondo and Butler.

None of the three players has stable three-point ability, causing the team's offensive space to be unprecedentedly crowded.

After only one season of cooperation, the team management had to break up the combination. Rondo left the team as a free agent, and Wade also completed a buyout with the Bulls.

But now, the situation is completely different from that in history.

Although he did not perform satisfactorily with the Heat last season, he was far from the point in history where he had to be bought out.

Moreover, he is currently signing a 2+1 contract with the Heat. The +1 is a player option. He has at least two years left on the contract.

Let's talk about the current situation of the Lakers. There is no salary space, and the middle class has been given to Curry. Even if Wade wants to go, he will get a basic salary.

This means that he will suffer a great loss financially.

So whether it is from a personal or financial perspective, he will suffer huge losses when he goes to the Lakers.

Of course, he also had reasons to go. In addition to James' factors, there is another important point:

Like Kobe, he also has the idea of ​​competing on the big stage before retiring.

Birds of a feather flock together, and he and Kobe have a lot in common in terms of their personalities as they were rivals but also good friends.

But, obviously, this is like putting a scale in your heart, and the chips on both sides of the scale are not equal.

"Dwayne, I know this will make you a little embarrassed, but you also know and don't know what methods that guy Lin used to trick Kobe into going to Brooklyn. You don't know how hard that hit me."

After seeing Wade's embarrassed expression, James said with a complicated expression, and couldn't help but sigh at the end.

His expression at this time would be most appropriate if matched with what some fans had said on social media before: Why is the whole world targeting me!

Wade looked at James' disappointed and sighing look. His expression became even more troubled and he couldn't help but sigh.

James is really a bit morally kidnapped this time.

After all, no matter what James says, it is James' own business and has nothing to do with him.

This does not mean that a good relationship between the two will make him resolute. There are too many things involved. He not only has to consider his career, but also his family.

After sighing and seeing that Wade hadn't spoken yet, James didn't intend to give up, but spoke again.

"Dwayne, do you remember our first year in New York? That was the first time we formed a team and won the championship in the first year. What an incredible and wonderful experience. It was the most unforgettable season in my life. "

It can be seen that when he comes to Miami this time, he is determined to win Wade.

But this is understandable. There are basically no capable players in the free market now.

If the Nets and the Lakers were at two ends of the scale before, Kobe's joining the Nets will tilt the balance towards the Nets. He must find a weight that can be similar to Kobe's. There is no longer a weight in the free market, then We can only start with our good brother Wade.

Wade's troubled expression changed at this time, and he began to show a look of nostalgia.

Who doesn’t miss it!

That season was the most unforgettable for James, and it was also the one that Wade missed the most.

At that time, the three of them formed a team and reached the top in the first year. As the saying goes, young people are full of high spirits. They were all ready to have a three-game dynasty like the Lakers back then.

Although the subsequent development did not go as they expected, it was precisely because of this that it became even more valuable.

Seeing that what he said worked, James continued to speak with increasing firepower:

"Those days are really nostalgic, so don't you want to do it again? Last time we were in New York, this time in Los Angeles, we accomplished great feats in the two greatest cities in the country, and what will happen after we retire? What a memorable thing!”

James said this with all emotion.

He has known Wade for so long and knows that Wade is a very emotional person, the kind of person who can give up many things for feelings, so he came.

Wade's heart was moved, and his expression was completely different from before.

At this stage of his career, Kobe wants to win another championship before retiring. Wouldn't he?

You must know that unlike in history, he only has two championships now!

This sounds good, but compared to Kobe, it is still too little!

"And Dwayne, don't you want to have one last dance with Kobe on the highest stage?"

James put down the drink in his hand, sat up directly, and said with expectant eyes.

This time, it hit Wade's heart.

"I……"

But Wade held back his words again.

It was obvious that Wade wanted to agree, but he still had concerns after all.

"Don't be in a hurry, Dwayne. I know it takes time to make this decision. As a brother, I completely understand, but I really hope to fight side by side with you again and work together for our second championship together."

When James said this, he had already stood up and reached Wade's side, reaching out and patting Wade on the shoulder.

This directly drove Wade to the point of no return.

Wade smiled awkwardly but politely, and finally nodded:

"I need to go back and talk it over with Gabrielle, you know."

"Yes, remember, we will always be brothers!"

James didn't rush him, just nodded with a smile, and then patted Wade on the shoulder.

Then he started talking about something else.

However, Wade's attention was not on those topics at this time. What he was thinking about was how to choose.

…

"Do you think Dwayne is coming?"

On the private plane to Boston, Rich Paul sat across from James, looked at James and asked.

Although James thinks Kobe Bryant's move to Brooklyn is a good thing, it is personal. For the Lakers, it is definitely not a good thing if their opponents become stronger.

So in this context, and when the free market is coming to an end, James must try his best to use his personal charm to enhance the strength of the Lakers' lineup.

"I know Dwayne, he's going to come."

James shook the red wine glass in his hand and said with a comfortable expression.

He knows Wade best.

Moreover, Wade is retiring soon.

For players of their level, they have already made enough money, and they will work together as business partners after retiring.

It won’t take long to make back the millions of dollars lost in buyouts.

And even putting that aside, Wade is far from the age of retirement. If he signs with the Lakers for one year, if he wins, he can renew his contract next season.

Seeing James' confident expression, Rich Paul felt relieved now.

Now Kobe is not as strong as Wade because he has retired.

If this wave of recruitment is successful, the Lakers' strength will be even higher.

And their target for this trip to the East is not just Wade.

This time when they went to Boston, they were looking for a sad person.

After the two drank and took a nap on the plane, the plane landed in Boston for a few scenes.

After the two got off the plane, someone was already waiting for them and took them all the way to the outskirts of Boston.

In a private apartment in the suburbs, James and Rich Paul met the second person on their eastern trip.

Isaiah Thomas.

More accurately, it should be called Isaiah Thomas Jr., to distinguish him from the previous "Smiling Assassin" Thomas.

Thomas had done well in the Green Army before, but unlike in history, the Celtics did not have a good record. In addition, Thomas, who is less than 1.75 meters tall, was very difficult on the defensive end. A huge disadvantage makes his current situation even more embarrassing than Curry's.

In a sense, he is a bit like Bunchy Wells back in the day.

Although he did not say the classic "Angie will deliver a truckload of money to my door" as he did in history, he still had high expectations for his own psychological price.

Because although his record is not good, statistically speaking, he has not been bad with the Celtics in the past few years.

But as mentioned before, his height disadvantage is too great.

Boykins and Nate Robinson also made great achievements back then, but they never received a big contract in their careers.

So now Thomas is really Bunch Wells second, wanting money, but no one is giving him money.

"Isaiah, we are missing our first point guard. The Lakers next season will be a big stage, where you will get what you want."

James really understands the point of speaking.

Lobbying Wade was playing the emotional card, while lobbying Thomas was playing the interest card.

All Thomas wants is nothing more than money.

In the current situation, it is no longer realistic for Thomas to get money at this time, because to put it bluntly, he has not proven himself on a higher stage.

This is completely different from when he scored 53 points in a single game in the playoffs.

So he will need a bigger stage.

"And don't worry, I have already communicated with Coach McMillan. He very much recognizes your ability and will give you enough playing time in the new season."

James said the iron was hot and then stepped up the offensive.

Although he knew that what he said was actually nonsense, he was not sure that Thomas would go to the Lakers, so how could he mention this to McMillan.

But this is lobbying ability. It is impossible for Thomas to come to the Lakers and then ask McMillan to confirm such a thing, right?

So this kind of empty promise can be done in any way you want.

Sure enough, after these two rounds of interest cards were played, Thomas basically nodded without much hesitation.

In fact, he doesn't have much choice. After all, he can't get better in the contract. The only one with a bigger stage than the Lakers is the Nets, but the Nets didn't want him.

"Welcome to the Lakers, brother!"

James saw little Thomas nod, reached out and pulled him up from the sofa, and then gave him a big hug.

…

Coming out of Little Thomas's house, James felt like he was almost floating.

This wave of Wade + Thomas are all joining with basic salaries. The Lakers' strength next season will be unprecedented.

He even feels that McMillan will have "happy troubles" over whether Wade or Curry will be the starting shooting guard next season!

And his journey to the east is not over yet.

Next stop, he will return to the city he is very familiar with: Cleveland!

James has properties in many places in North America, including Cleveland.

Of course, because of the two previous unpleasant experiences, he is not as popular here as before.

They went to Cleveland's Villas without fanfare.

Here, they met the third and final person they were going to meet on this trip to the East: Anderson Varejao!

Varejao spent most of his time with the Cavaliers and followed James to the Warriors last season.

It's just that he was laid off before the season ended and is now basically in a semi-retired state.

However, this did not prevent James from coming to him.

Because this wave of his is following the example of the Celtics looking for PJ Brown.

The Lakers need an experienced interior bench, but also a locker room leader and someone to speak on his behalf.

Shumpert was originally the best player, but he has a contract with the Cavaliers, so among the remaining players, Varejao is undoubtedly the best candidate.

Varejao was surprised by James' invitation, but he accepted it directly.

Because no one wanted him after he was waived by the Warriors, and he had already planned to retire.

Now James suddenly came to offer him a job, how could he refuse!

And with James backing him, he will also have a strong say in the Lakers. He likes this kind of role so much.

…

By the time he got on the plane back to Los Angeles from Cleveland, James felt as if he had just finished a sauna and was so comfortable.

Now that the Lakers have everything ready, they are completely worthy of the Nets.

Are Lin Ying, Durant, Rose, Kobe Bryant, and Carter very strong?

Well, a little bit, but the Lakers are also very strong, right?

Look at the Lakers, he, Davis, Paul, Wade, Chandler, Thomas Jr., they are all good from the front, side and back!

"Richie, I think my life will take a real turn here!"

Sipping red wine again, James' face seemed to be flushed.

"Will do."

Rich Paul nodded and said firmly.

James has been carrying this much in recent years, even if it's his turn, it's his turn!

…

Three days later, the curtain on the free market has truly come down.

At this time, James received a reply from Wade:

"I'm sorry LeBron, you know I really want to go to Los Angeles and play alongside you, but Gabriel doesn't want me to do that, so come on, we will always be brothers!"

ps: Today’s condition is not very good. I owe more yesterday. I will try to make up for it tomorrow.