But Kobe wouldn’t listen at all. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"No," he retorted loudly. "I don’t care about all that. I’m playing in the All-Star Game, and that’s final."

’Those media guys always said last year’s championship was just me riding O’Neal’s coattails.’

’Sure, looking at the stats, I was a far cry from O’Neal.’

But Kobe wasn’t convinced. This season, he was already averaging 27 points per game, practically the same as O’Neal.

’The OK Duo isn’t just the O. There’s a K, too.’

’So I deserve some of the credit for last year’s championship.’

’And you got the MVP grand slam last year, so this year it’s my turn.’

There was no way Kobe would accept missing such an opportunity over a minor injury.

"Kobe, calm down." Pelinka, startled, hurried forward to placate him.

Kobe ignored him, shrugging off Pelinka’s hand. He looked Chen Yu straight in the eye. "Chen, I know you’re looking out for me, and I appreciate it. But this All-Star Game is too important to me. I can’t let myself sit it out, especially when I know I can play."

"Chen, even if there’s something wrong with my body, you made Hill’s swelling go down in 24 hours. Why can’t you fix me? I’m the patient. You’re supposed to heal me."

Kobe yelled, his eyes filled with defiance.

In that moment, Chen Yu saw a familiar shadow in Kobe—the shadow of McCardel, who had clamored to get back into the fight.

At first, Chen Yu hadn’t really understood that kind of behavior.

But later, after his interactions with Hill, Hardaway, and the others, and especially after that television appearance, Chen Yu had gradually come to understand.

For some people, honor was more important than physical health.

"Are you sure you want to play in the All-Star Game?" Chen Yu asked.

Kobe nodded forcefully, his expression more serious than ever. "Yes. Even if I die on the court."

Chen Yu smiled.

"Don’t be so dramatic. It’s not that serious." ’Good grief, how did we get to talking about death?’

’But this kid really is a warrior. Playing through the injury these past few days, he must have been in a lot of pain.’

After a moment of thought, Chen Yu turned to Kupchek. "How many games do you have left before the All-Star Game?"

Kupchek was in an impossible position. He could have managed one of the two, but he hadn’t expected this attitude from Kobe.

And Kobe wasn’t some rookie anymore. He was a superstar. The Lakers’ management couldn’t just dismiss his opinion. If things turned sour, it would hurt the entire team.

"Two," Kupchek said sullenly.

Chen Yu nodded and looked at Kobe. "Then sit out those two games. I have a lot to do in Phoenix, so I can’t stay in Los Angeles. Come with me to Phoenix. I can guarantee you’ll be healthy enough to play in the All-Star Game."

’If I don’t treat him, Kobe will need two to three weeks of rest.’

’But if I handle it and apply my treatments, one week will be enough.’

’Since he’s so determined to play, then let him play.’

Kobe was overjoyed and nodded eagerly.

"So, is that the plan?" Chen Yu asked, looking at Kupchek.

Kupchek wanted to cry but had no tears. He could only nod helplessly.

’Fortunately, Chen Yu would be personally handling Kobe’s situation. With his medical skills, he should be able to solve Kobe’s problem.’

’This would also be beneficial for the Lakers’ title defense this year.’

With the decision made and the league being informed, Chen Yu immediately returned to Phoenix.

He had gone alone, but on his way back, he had Kobe with him.

Pelinka was also with them, tasked with managing Kobe’s daily life in Phoenix.

However, Chen Yu planned to have Kobe admitted to the hospital.

’That way, when I go to the hospital every day to see Hardaway, I can also take care of his issue at the same time.’

’I might as well have him room with Hardaway. Isn’t Hardaway your idol? Perfect.’

The trio walked out of the airport.

It was another bright, sunny day.

In Phoenix, days that weren’t sunny were a rarity.

As the warm sun shone down, Kobe felt a pleasant warmth spread through his body. He was just about to ask Chen Yu what the plan was when a crowd of people suddenly rushed toward them.

Carrying still cameras and shoulder-mounted video cameras, they were clearly reporters.

Kobe’s expression changed. He quickly turned his head away, silently cursing. ’These reporters’ sources are too good! How did they follow me all the way to Phoenix?’

Pelinka also hurried forward to block the reporters.

Lately, the media had been paying an extraordinary amount of attention to whether Kobe would be able to play in the All-Star Game.

But to their surprise, the reporters who rushed over immediately surrounded Chen Yu.

Some reporters even shouted for the two of them to get out of the way, pushing them to the edge of the crowd.

"What’s going on?" Kobe was a little baffled.

’Aren’t these reporters here for me?’

The fact that they didn’t even glance at him made Kobe doubt his own fame for the first time.

’No way... I’m an A-lister in the US, right?’

"Chen, when is Ronnie scheduled to have his surgery?"

"What kind of surgery will Ronnie be having, and how long is the expected recovery time?"

"There were reports that Ronnie’s recovery wasn’t going well. What exactly went wrong? Was there a problem with the previous surgery?"

"Gérard Saison said in an interview that there was nothing wrong with the surgery he performed and that Ronnie doesn’t need another one. What are your thoughts on his comments?"

"Chen, will Ronnie be able to make a comeback next season?"

In an instant, a barrage of questions was thrown at Chen Yu.

Chen Yu looked at the throng of reporters with a headache and said loudly, "Sorry, I can’t answer your questions right now. Please let me through."

Chen Yu tried to leave, but he couldn’t move.

There were too many reporters. They had him surrounded, three layers deep, completely blocking his path.

Chen Yu even suspected that every reporter from Europe and Brazil had flocked to Phoenix.

Ronaldo’s influence in the world of soccer was just that immense.

Off to the side, Kobe overheard a bit of the commotion and asked Pelinka with a strange expression, "Rob, who are these reporters talking about? Ronnie? Who’s that?"

Pelinka looked just as lost, shaking his head to show he didn’t know.

’Ronnie? Never heard of him.’