Chapter 589: Fighting For His Dignity
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
After Osef had one successful experience in overcoming his drug cravings, a second and a third soon followed.
A basketball player who could become a famous player in the NBA naturally had strong willpower. Without it, he wouldn’t have able to gain a foothold in the NBA. The more he resisted his cravings, the easier it became to do so.
More importantly, Osef could not buy drugs in Los Angeles. The Mexican drug dealers took Dai Li’s money and said that they would not sell to Osef. The drug dealers in Los Angeles couldn’t risk offending suppliers just so they could sell to one buyer. In addition, Osef was a celebrity. He almost died as a result of an overdose. If Osef really died, the dealer who sold him the drugs would get into trouble.
Osef was forced to detoxify because he couldn’t buy drugs. After going through several days of painful withdrawal and all-day training, his physical condition improved.
In the training room, Dai Li walked over to Osef. He saw he was drenched in sweat and said, “You look very good. If you stick to it, you will be able to play on the courts again in a few months.”
“I hope so.” Osef stopped working out and said, “In fact, I already planned to go overseas. I asked my agent to contact European teams. I don’t know if the European league is willing to take me in. If Europe doesn’t want me, then I can only go to Asia. Coach Li, if I go to China to play, I will need your recommendation.”
“Go to China? Why don’t you return to the NBA? That’s the place you belong,” Dai Li said.
Osef sighed helplessly. “I have a bad record there. I don’t think any NBA team would take in someone as useless as me.”
“That may not be the case.” Dai Li smiled and said, “If you can really get back to your previous condition you’ll be fine. No, that’s not true. As long as you can get back 70% of your previous condition, you can stay in Los Angeles.”
“Do you mean to get me back on the Lakers?” asked Osef subconsciously. He shook his head. “Impossible, the Lakers won’t want me anymore.”
“The Lakers aren’t the only team in Los Angeles. Don’t forget the Clippers; their head coach is standing right in front of you,” Dai Li replied with a smile.
Osef was stupefied. He suddenly remembered Dai Li’s other job. Osef asked, “Coach Li, are you making a joke?”
“No.” Dai Li became solemn. “We really need to strengthen our frontline. I can give you this opportunity, but only if you work hard. You have to start over, like a rookie. Perform well to get a contract for yourself. The contract that you get is likely to be an unguaranteed one!”
…
The NBA offseason began and rumors of various trades were flying around. The players were looking for better teams and teams began to strengthen their manpower.
Every reporter began to try to get the latest scope, hoping to get first-hand information on player signings.
Some reporters noticed that Osef was training at Dai Li’s center.
In truth, most reporters normally don’t pay attention to ex-stars like Osef; however, his socialite wife was high profile. Every so often, she would make the news. Osef was dragged into the news by a.s.sociation. This news wasn’t positive. Most of the time they made fun of him going bald.
…
Dai Li attended the Clippers’ media meeting in person.
After the reporters asked a few questions about the summer league, a reporter finally asked about Osef.
“Coach Li, I heard that Osef is training at your center. Is he really planning to make a comeback?” A reporter asked.
“Please don’t ask questions not related to the team.” The M.C. immediately stopped the reporter’s question.
Dai Li made a gesture signaling that it was okay, picked up the microphone and replied. “Osef announced his comeback at the end of the last regular season. There were media reports at the time. This shouldn’t be considered news, right?”
“Is Osef planning to join the Clippers?” The reporter then asked.
“Why would you think that? Did Osef tell you?” Dai Li asked with a smile. He guessed that Osef had leaked the news.
“I am very sorry Coach Li. This was just my own guess. After all, Osef is training in your center; you are the head coach of the Clippers,” the reporter replied.
“The center is my personal business and does not involve my work in the Clippers. It does not affect my ability to carry out my duties as head coach. I have always separated my private and public businesses.” After he said this, he deliberately made a thoughtful expression. After thinking for a few seconds, he replied, “But what you said reminded me that the Clippers’ frontline really needs to be strengthened. If Osef recovers, I will advise our management to give him a contract.”
…
The next day, various headlines appeared on all forms of media.
“The best sixth man will return with the Clippers!”
“The Clippers are interested in signing with Osef!”
“Osef returns: a one-year veteran signing with the Clippers!”
Although Dai Li had only said it was a possibility, it became confirmed when it reached the news media. People were predicting what kind of contract he was going to get.
…
“Coach, this is a perfect move. Deliberately saying that you want to give a contract to Osef. Ronny must be anxious now.” Ca.s.sel pointed to the headline of a sports magazine.
“You’re not thinking that I planted journalists there to ask that question, right?” Dai Li asked.
“Isn’t that the case?” Ca.s.sel was surprised.
“Of course not!” Dai Li shook his head.
Ca.s.sel’s eyes widened. “Aren’t you using the situation with Osef to put pressure on Ronny so we can be in a better position as we negotiate Ronny’s contract renewal?”
Dai Li shook his head again. “You think too much. If Osef really can get back to his previous condition, do we really need Ronny? On the surface, Ronny’s scoring average is higher than Osef. However, Ronny is a key player and Osef is the sixth man. Really, in terms of offensive techniques and offensive efficiency, Osef is better than Ronny. Osef has organizational skills. Among the NBA’s teams, there aren’t a lot of subst.i.tutes who can get triple-doubles…”
“Wait,” Ca.s.sel interrupted Dai Li. “Coach, you aren’t thinking of actually offering Osef a contract? That guy only cares about drugs and women. He’s useless!”
Dai Li shook his head in disapproval and said confidently, “Don’t forget, he is training in my training center. The athletes I train all come out jumping higher, running faster, and being stronger!”
…
Ever since he demanded $125 million for five years for his contract, Ronny had been ignored.
He initially thought that when the Clippers said that they would consider it, it meant that the management was leaning towards agreeing. They would eventually accept the $125 million for five years that he proposed. He did not expect that he wouldn’t hear from them again.
Ronny finally got impatient. He asked his agent to ask the Clippers on the progress of their “consideration.” The reply from the management was that they were still in consideration.
Gradually, Ronny felt that the Clippers were deliberately stalling, so he began to release that he was willing to consider other teams’ offers. No teams had approached him so far. After all, the teams knew that Ronny’s asking price was not low and the Clippers were likely to match the offer of the other teams.
Over time, many of the free agents got new contracts. Many of them received high-salary contracts. Each high-salary contract that the teams signed ate up more of the money the teams had for new players. Several teams had already crossed the luxury tax threshold. They could not afford to sign new contracts. The number of teams that could offer a high-salary contract to Ronny became lower and lower.
The Clippers were still in consideration and Ronny’s patience was being worn out.
Ronny finally saw the news about Osef.
“What? Osef made a comeback! He is also joining the Clippers!” Ronny looked at the news in total confusion.
As a frontline player who could play in any position, players like Osef were definitely in demand by all teams. If the Clippers really signed him, they would be able to reduce Ronny’s playing time. If Osef returned to his previous condition, the Clippers might not even need Ronny anymore.
Ronny called his agent immediately.
“Don’t worry. This is just a way for the Clippers to reduce the price. Osef is useless. He almost died from a drug overdose last year. How could he return to the court now? Don’t forget that he is still taking drugs. Of all the drug addicts I know, none of them were able to quit. You don’t need to worry at all. Don’t fall for the Clippers’ tricks.” The agent tried to comfort him.
“But there are fewer and fewer teams that can give me high salary contracts now, I am worried…”
“Don’t worry,” the agent interrupted Ronny. “I will talk to the Clippers. Don’t forget, they have given you a contract of $100 million for five years. I think this is definitely not their bottom line. We can definitely make the Clippers increase their pay!”
…
At the physical fitness training center, Osef was training like crazy.
“Osef has been training very hard recently. I have some concerns about whether his body can withstand such high-intensity training,” Payton reported to Dai Li.
Dai Li nodded in satisfaction. “It seems that he is really the prodigal son.”
“I talked to him in between his training session. He really wants to return to the NBA. He said that you promised the Clippers would give him a chance to return, so he does not want to disappoint you.” Payton changed his tone and went on to say, “I grew up in a family of gangsters. I have seen a lot of addicts. I have seen many people who died because of drugs. The number of people who have successfully quit is very low. Coach Li, you are perhaps the only person in this world who has the ability to change a person.”
“Don’t flatter me. I just gave him hope. In the end, it depends on him.” Dai Li looked at Osef and sighed. He said, “Osef has experienced so many bad things. His wife is openly demeaning and mocking him. He has become a laughing stock. His pride has been damaged. He needs to regain his dignity as a man. He is now fighting for his dignity!”