Champion Creed

The Golden State Warriors casually defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers while resting players, marking another humiliating night in LeBron James' career.

Even more shameful than last time.

Because last time, you could at least claim to be a high schooler overwhelmed by the big stage. But this time, you could clearly see LeBron James trying hard.

Yet the result was no different, Roger suppressed LeBron, Roger humiliated LeBron, Roger completely defeated LeBron.

Just like a plot from a cheesy action film, with no suspense whatsoever.

This tyrant who dominates the league is not only ruling his current rivals but also his future ones.

In the eyes of some Cleveland fans, James might as well have been lost on the court, at least then he wouldn't look so incompetent, merely timid.

After all he's been through, Cleveland's Chosen One now hates Roger.

He doesn't understand why that highly decorated guy has to do this, why he has to pick on a rookie.

I just didn't meet him over the summer, fine, just once in the summer I stood him up. But is that so serious? It's just normal business behavior.

LeBron James certainly couldn't meet with Reebok people after signing with Nike.

Oh right, James admits that he did say even after signing with Nike, he would meet Roger as a sign of respect.

But setting aside the issue of going back on his word, didn't Roger have any fault?

Why does he have to be so cruel to a rookie? Doesn't he have anything else to do?

After tonight, the most humiliating games of LeBron James' rookie season, both at Roger's hands.

Even due to Michael Reed's thoughtless joke, the mockery-laden phrase "I thought I was here to assist him" spread widely, becoming LeBron James' laugh stock.

On a night that could've been great, he turned into a nobody clown because of Roger.

LeBron James struggled to control his expression at the news conference, trying not to look too downcast as he said some dismissive words to the reporters.

"Oh, this is definitely a disappointing night."

"We still have a chance to fight for a playoff spot, it's not over yet."

"Yes, Roger's defense caused me huge trouble."

"Do I consider Roger eligible to be the best defensive player? I don't know, there's no set criteria. But if he really becomes the next perimeter player after Gary Payton to win DPOY, I wouldn't be too surprised."

LeBron James' answers at the news conference remained soft and mild, he didn't strike back at Roger, nor did he say anything encouraging.

After the news conference ended, the physically and mentally exhausted LeBron James returned to the hotel with the team.

Ten minutes later, James' room door was knocked.

The visitor was one of LeBron James' core circle members, one of the future biggest agents in the NBA league, Rich Paul.

Rich Paul happened to have business to talk over in the Bay Area today and came straight to find James after wrapping up.

He thought his friend might want to talk.

"Damn, what a horrible night. Roger is just a madman, he can't stand anyone being more in the spotlight, anyone being more popular than him. He's like a feudal king, unable to tolerate anyone stepping into his territory. That damn guy, he never sees himself as just a pure defensive player in any game, but tonight he did just that, it was all aimed at you, he's just..."

"Enough, Rich, I don't want to hear that name tonight, I've heard enough. Come on, let's play 'Madden NFL 2004.'

The previously agitated Rich Paul calmed down looking at LeBron James handing the controller.

"LeBron, I didn't expect you not to care."

"Huh?"

"I didn't expect you not to care, even after being humiliated like that by Roger."

"Rich, I don't want to mention that guy."

"This can't keep going on! Do you want to know how Roger became successful? Because he dared to challenge Michael Jordan's status in his rookie season! That's him! And you didn't even dare to strike back in the news conference, didn't dare challenge his status, didn't even dare to mention his name!"

LeBron, there's more than enough backdrops for Roger, we're not here in the league to serve as new backdrops for him!

Forgot that slogan? Not to submit to greatness, but to surpass greatness!"

As one of LeBron James' best friends, Rich Paul's words carry quite some weight.

James put down the game controller, clenching his fists tightly, his emotions completely drawn out by his friend's words: "Damn, of course I care, of course!"

How could he not care? He hates that bastard, hates that murderer under the guise of purity who torments rookies, that scoundrel who always speaks the most venomous words!

Who would want such things to keep happening? LeBron James would love for every game from now on against Roger to have him lose utterly!

"If you care, then what are you afraid of? Roger will be 29 in half a year, and you? Have you ever thought that when you reach your prime, Roger won't have the slightest ability to stop you? What you need to do from now on is to confront him, not hide around like a coward!