EFB Chapter 526 - 160: Aix!
Chapter 526 - 160: Aix!
After winning 6 out of 7 games post-All-Star Weekend, it’s definitely an exciting performance.
On February 27, when the Lakers returned to Los Angeles, they attracted a large number of fans at the airport again. Although it wasn’t as overwhelming as during the 17-game winning streak, blocking the airport, Los Angeles fans are quite adaptable to these situations, it still made the Lakers players feel excited.
Because they also understand the nature of Los Angeles fans, this is enough to make some of the Lakers players feel elated.
This situation will make the players more confident and emotionally high.
It’s definitely beneficial; if the Lakers perform like they did during the 17-game winning streak, being emotionally high and full of confidence, they will play better.
But for the current Lakers, they indeed have a 6-game winning streak, however, of the 6 wins, except for the Rockets who are a playoffs team, the other 3 opponents combined for 5 games are all bottom three in both East and West.
On February 28, the Lakers’ last game of the month, they faced a challenge from the New York Knicks at home.
Last time at Madison Square Garden, Zhang Hao crushed them with a 60+ triple-double, pinning the Knicks to the pillar of shame; this time, they came to Los Angeles with endless motivation, a hungry desire to win, and being fully prepared...
Throughout the game, the Lakers obviously got a bit cocky, thinking that winning once meant they had a chance to win again.
As a result, the Knicks had 5 players scoring double digits, and all 5 got at least 15 points, with Ewing scoring 27 points, grabbing 8 rebounds, and dishing out 4 assists by shooting 11 for 18, including 1 for 3 in three-pointers and 4 for 5 in free throws.
Little Anthony Mason got 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists; Derek Harper scored 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists; Hubert Davis had 15 points; and the Knicks’ new player acquired post-All-Star Weekend, the 10th overall draft pick from 1988, Willie Anderson, scored 16 points...
The Lakers also had 4 players scoring double digits, but their shooting percentage was much worse, Zhang Hao had 23 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block on 8 for 20 shooting, plus free throws from 9 out of 7.
The others were Magician’s 10 points, 8 assists; Van Exel’s 16 points, 4 assists; and teammate angered by being too tanked, grabbing 7 offensive rebounds scored 11 points and 14 rebounds, Jason Williams.
The Lakers suffered a home defeat to the Knicks with a score of 99 to 114.
After losing to the Knicks, the Lakers’ record transformed into 44 wins and 11 losses. Fortunately, the SuperSonics lost two games after the All-Star Weekend as well, with a record of 42 wins and 13 losses.
Next to the Spurs with a record of 40 wins and 14 losses, the Lakers still have some advantage, not surpassed yet, continuing to rank first in the West.
...
On February 29, the last day of the month, Zhang Hao and Aprile Clark strolled in the streets of Hollywood.
Despite the difference in Eastern and Western cultures, both are in the Northern Hemisphere with similar climates; the United States is at its coldest as it is the time with most holidays. By the end of February, Los Angeles weather is getting warmer, and celebrities begin their busy work.
Walking in the streets, you can easily spot stars rushing from one gig to another.
Of course, with Aprile Clark walking together, Zhang Hao was also regarded by other tourists as one of the stars.
"I thought you’d feel down after losing the game, just like how you were moody after the Hawks’ game, but unexpectedly, you took the initiative to bring me out for fun." Aprile Clark was quite happy.
Zhang Hao smiled and shook his head, "Losing is quite normal, even the Bulls lose games, of course we would too."
"You should smile more, you really look good when you smile!"
"But I only want to smile for you."
These words made Aprile Clark so happy, after a while she looked at Zhang Hao with a side glance, "Usually you are so honest, I didn’t expect you to be a flirt, your words are sweet like honey."
For fun, the entertainment activities were simple, not to the beach, not to the nightclub, just found a place to walk.
As they walked, Aprile Clark asked, "Why did you ask me out shopping today?"
"Only once every four years is there a February 29, of course, we have to enjoy it."
"Then why come shopping here? Even though I quite like it here, and I want to perform in the grand theater here someday..."
"There’s work over dinner later."
"Hmph, I knew it, bringing me out for fun was just on the side!"
Watching Aprile Clark deliberately making a pouty expression, she was too adorable, Zhang Hao really wanted to bite her... but not in the middle of the street, he had to hold back, or it would become performance art.
Zhang Hao replied, "You got it wrong, it’s bringing you out for a walk, and work is on the side."
"That’s better..."
Aprile Clark grabbed onto Zhang Hao’s arm tightly, afraid that the passing, paparazzi wouldn’t know their relationship.
How could Zhang Hao not guess that Aprile Clark was declaring her territory? But... he’s an athlete! Quite different from those celebs afraid of being snapped by the paparazzi; take photos or not, he was just frustrated there wasn’t any social media platform back then to flaunt his relationship.
This attitude made Aprile Clark feel like she’s tasted sweetness itself...
...
In the evening, Henry Thomas and Pelinka found the two after they’d watched a stage play, bringing them to a club in Hollywood.
After more than six months of establishment, the manpower in the agency was already quite organized, no longer the initial duo doing everything. With Zhang Hao’s endorsement fees increasing and immediate funds growing, although the agency wasn’t big yet, even a small sparrow has all essential organs. They took this affair worth at least 5 million US Dollars very seriously, and everyone who could come, came.