The Way of Basketball: Never Talk Shit to Him!

The production team thought this could be a solution.

With this matter resolved, Su Wan didn't have to handle the upcoming matters because according to the competition system, it was time for "team battles" until the final champion team was decided.

Since it's the first season, Su Wan didn't arrange a complicated schedule, and it seems like this was the right decision...

Because for the upcoming matters, the production team could manage them unilaterally.

During the recording of "This Is Streetball" in Minnesota.

LeBron James called Howard: "Buddy, I think we should meet before the season starts!"

Howard agreed: "LeBron, I actually had the same thought, but I was afraid of bothering you, so I'm really thrilled to receive your call!"

Seeing Howard's enthusiasm, LeBron responded equally warmly: "Buddy, I believe we'll be the best partners!"

Howard agreed once more: "Yes, buddy, I think so too!"

About half an hour after the call, Howard met LeBron at the agreed gym. They embraced warmly upon meeting and then plunged into the training.

LeBron realized that Howard's training regimen was surprisingly similar to his own, both honing their bodies in the gym. This made him feel he had found a soulmate and further convinced him that they were destined partners!

"Buddy, how about we grab a bite to eat once our training wraps up?" LeBron suggested to Howard as they neared the end of their session.

Howard was genuinely surprised by this.

After all, he had often heard about LeBron clashing with his teammates over the years.

From Su Wan to Zhu Fangyu, then to Shaquille O'Neal and Vince Carter, and even with his longstanding brother Dwyane Wade just this past summer.

These rumors didn't paint a good picture of LeBron for Howard, making him somewhat wary.

Today's meetup was his first private meeting with LeBron since the 2008 Olympics.

Yet, LeBron's unexpected warmth surprised him.

This made him believe that all those conflicts involving LeBron James might not have been entirely LeBron's fault. Perhaps those guys also had their fair share of issues...

No!

Very likely, it was all those other guys' problems!

Anyway, Howard couldn't fathom how he could ever have a conflict with such a warm buddy!

LeBron was keenly aware of Howard's expression and was secretly satisfied, silently uttering two words to himself:

Sneaky little move, haven't I got you wrapped around my finger?

This was a special reminder from Richie Paul.

He advised LeBron to establish good relations with Howard early on.

Offer a sauna and bath-like experience, cater to his interests, and make Howard happy first.

This way, it would be easier to have personal rapport moving forward, preventing conflicts.

In fact, LeBron himself shared this mindset.

When reflecting on the past, he realized that the reason he never had genuine friends was because he placed himself too high above others. Even if he was "the King," he should learn to enjoy with others, especially when the foundation is shaky, this was even more necessary...

His biggest helper for the new season would be Howard.

Because establishing a good relationship with Howard was a must.

That afternoon, he took Howard to a bar that required signing a confidentiality agreement. They partied heartily all night and didn't leave until the early hours.

Before leaving, a drunken Howard patted LeBron on the shoulder and said: "Buddy, I believe we'll become the best partners this new season. Trust me, LeBron, no one will dare to doubt you anymore. I'll lead you to win the new season's championship, don't worry, leave it to me!"

LeBron was somewhat puzzled, what do you mean you'll lead me to win the new season's championship?

What kind of upside-down fantasy talk is this?

But considering Howard was drunk, LeBron didn't hold it against him, and had his personal bodyguard drive Howard back.

The bodyguard returned looking a bit strange.

LeBron noticed this and gave him a puzzled look.

The bodyguard quickly shook his head, indicating nothing happened.

In the following days, whenever LeBron had some free time, he'd take Howard along to "rescue" troubled women's souls.

Their relationship grew better and better!

To the point...

That they were practically inseparable!

LeBron observed Howard's constant smiling at him, further confirming that he had preliminarily tamed Howard.

On September 15, the New York Knicks' new season closed training camp opened.

From the end of July to September 15, Donnie Walsh had been quite active.

Only, somewhat regrettably...

He spent a long time waiting in the free market.

Yet didn't catch any of the high-quality big men.

For example, the Bulls' Asik; or the Nets' Chris Humphries, you know, the guy who married Kim Kardashian for just 76 days before divorcing.

Either the asking price was too high, or the other teams offered higher bids, leaving the New York Knicks without any salary space.

In the end, Donnie Walsh only managed to sign "God Bird" Karl Landry for 2 years at 4 million.

Every "Rockets Remnant" should have heard of his name.

This could be considered a signature move of that "White-skinned pig" Morey picking up a great find.

As for why he managed to snag such a deal, it's quite amusing: