stonecrandall Chapter 66 A New Main Quest! Lin Ze Outwits the Utah Duo!
Chapter 66 A New Main Quest! Lin Ze Outwits the Utah Duo!
Chapter 66 A New Main Quest! Lin Ze Outwits the Utah Duo!
Main Quest: Team Core!
"The host needs to become the team's second-best player before the end of the season, surpassing Pippen in both individual statistics and team impact!"
Surpassing Pippen?
After completing several missions, Lin Ze now has a basic understanding of the operating logic of this crashed system.
First, Lin Ze knew that what he needed to surpass was Pippen in the 1996-1997 season, so after receiving the task, Lin Ze immediately went to check Pippen's main statistics from that year.
场均20.2分5.9篮板4.3助攻1.7抢断0.5盖帽。
Although the system didn't say it, it's clear that the more data points you surpass, the higher your task completion rating will be!
Other factors such as All-Star selection, individual awards, contribution to the championship, and attendance rate are also likely to become one of the criteria for the system's evaluation.
However, Lin Ze knew very well that surpassing Pippen in all five statistical categories was almost an impossible task for him at his current level. Even if Kobe trained day and night until he died in the gym, it would still be unlikely.
Lin Ze's current average stats are 19.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. He just needs to maintain his block rate. If he works harder on his scoring and rebounding, he has a great chance to surpass Pippen's record. However, assists and steals are an impossible task for him.
As for the so-called role in the team, such subjective things are beyond Lin Ze's control and judgment. It all depends on the system's mood. So, all Lin Ze can do now is one thing: he must go all out and continue to work hard to improve.
Thinking of this, Lin Ze took out his phone and called Kobe.
The effort must begin now! It's that time of year again to urge Kobe to train every day and put pressure on him!
The All-Star Game is not a time for rest!
Kobe, you're so young, how can you sleep?
"What?" Kobe was still a little out of breath when he answered the phone.
"What are you doing?" Lin Ze asked back.
"train!"
"Great, keep practicing! I'm waiting for the day you can put some pressure on me defensively and stop me from dominating you so badly!" Lin Ze said and quickly hung up the phone.
Kobe probably won't be sleeping again tonight.
The call had barely ended when Lin Ze's phone rang again; this time it was his agent, Schwartz, calling.
Schwartz was primarily a genius of Quarlinze.
Wearing Shaquille O'Neal's shoes in public is a fantastic move!
All social media is talking about Lin Ze and O'Neal's remote-controlled car shoes right now. In this day and age, these things are so cool and trendy!
If O'Neal's shoe sales surge later, hehe, then I'll take all the credit for it from Lin Ze.
If there isn't a significant increase, it's because O'Neal couldn't drive sales, and it has absolutely nothing to do with Lin Ze.
As for the issue of being fined for wearing other brands of shoes in public, that's not even a problem.
His contract is so short that the fine for wearing another brand of sneakers once is negligible.
Nike might even act as if this never happened!
After all, Nike is still thinking about renewing Lin Ze's contract.
They were unwilling to fine Lin Ze for such a trivial matter, ruining their relationship and causing him to switch to another brand in a fit of anger.
Lin Ze is now an All-Star starter and the fastest rising star in the league this year. He also has the backing of the Los Angeles and Asian markets. Anyone who isn't an idiot would know how great Lin Ze's commercial potential is.
Lin Ze, whose contract is about to expire, has become a key target for several sneaker brands during the offseason, who are trying their best to acquire him!
The contract amount he can obtain will definitely be a number that would make 99% of the players in the league envious.
After chatting with Schwartz for a few more minutes, Lin Ze hung up the phone because they had arrived at their destination.
Kidd parked the car in a dark spot, turned to O'Neal, and said, "Shaq, has Jerry developed dementia? Did he forget to prepare a boat for us?"
"The girl I called will be here in five minutes at most. If you embarrass yourself later, it will be your responsibility."
"Don't worry, Jason," O'Neal waved his hand confidently. "Don't you know Jerry was the King of Darkness in Los Angeles 30 years ago? Even Chamberlain had to find ways to mess with him!"
As he spoke, O'Neal got out of the driveway first: "Come on, follow me!"
So, more than a dozen top NBA stars followed O'Neal and Kidd forward. They hadn't gone far when a staff member in a suit approached and said, "Shaq?"
"It's us!"
"This way!" The staff member said professionally and concisely, leading the group forward until they reached a huge yacht before stopping.
Then the staff member took out a walkie-talkie and shouted, "They've arrived!"
The darkness that was barely illuminated by a few dim streetlights was immediately shattered by blinding light. The yacht was illuminated from top to bottom, allowing them to see dozens of crew members on board, as well as many more girls wearing various swimsuits.
"Wow, it's huge! It must be at least 100 meters long!" Kidd exclaimed immediately. "Fuck! How could Jerry afford a yacht that big?"
"He definitely swindled a lot of money from old Buss!"
"Of course it's rented," O'Neal said. "What would Jerry need such a big boat for?"
"But that doesn't affect my feelings for him! I love Jerry to death!" O'Neal was as excited as a 300-pound man, spreading his arms wide and saying, "I'll play for Jerry for the rest of my life! I'll play for him!"
"Get on board, guys!" Kidd excitedly stepped onto the deck first. "See that basketball hoop on the top deck? There's a fucking basketball court here!"
The players boarded the yacht, and as the DJ started playing music, laughter and screams replaced the darkness and tranquility of the night.
Kidd, arguably the best point guard in the league, once again demonstrated his court vision. Instead of immediately starting the party after boarding, he turned to a staff member and said, "Could you please go to the entrance and greet another dozen or so girls?"
"But there are already girls here." The young Nowitzki was a little puzzled. Why do you need so many?
"There are only two per person here, how is that enough?"
Lin Ze didn't rush to join the revelry; instead, he strolled around the boat by himself.
He even saw a submarine in the ship's own dock at the stern!
The happiness of the rich is truly wonderful!
Then Lin Ze asked about the staff member from earlier.
"This ship cost $1.7 million to build, and the annual maintenance cost will be around $800 million," the staff member said with a smile.
Lin Ze pondered that relying solely on contracts was out of the question for his entire life. It was 00, and the Nasdaq had apparently plummeted by 80% that year? In which month did it fall? After the crash, he'd buy up Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple at the bottom—and then in a few years, he should be able to afford them!
When the time comes, send one!
Lin Ze strolled along, occasionally greeting the players he passed.
To his surprise, he saw Nowitzki, with one in each hand, leading two girls, one in black and one in white, into a suite and locking the door.
This kid, wasn't he just shyly asking why there were so many people?
Then Lin Ze heard Mutombo's signature voice.
"Who wants to sleep with Mutombo?"
Then several girls immediately surrounded them.
Elsewhere, some people were diving, some were swimming, some were singing and drinking, while Lin Ze looked at the open-air basketball court with some regret.
If only my Nokia were a smartphone!
Then I could film a video of myself playing basketball and show it to Kobe.
Look at me! I practice my ball skills for two hours before I even start drinking!
Lin Ze wandered aimlessly around the boat, then strolled into the cabin and arrived at a room on the yacht.
A casino!
Although the room wasn't large, it was fully equipped with all kinds of gambling equipment and tables. However, the most eye-catching thing was the several sexy dealers wearing bikinis.
There are already several players at the betting table.
Shaquille O'Neal was there, but judging from his expression and the sweat already forming on his forehead, he wasn't having a good day.
Sitting at the gambling table with O'Neal were Malone, Garnett, Robinson, Iverson, and Miller.
Almost all of the most high-profile people tonight are here.
"Hey kid, sit down and play a couple of rounds." As soon as Garnett saw Lin Ze coming over, he immediately greeted him smugly. Judging from his expression, he had won quite a bit this time.
"Do you have enough money?" Lin Ze asked after sitting down. "I don't play cards with poor people or trash who owe money and won't pay."
"I hope you'll still be this arrogant when you lose!" Garnett glared at Lin Ze. He was having a lucky night, winning all the time. He was going to make Lin Ze lose everything!
When Ma Long and the others saw Lin Ze sit down, they all showed excited expressions.
They were all seasoned card players, confident in their gambling skills. Since Lin Ze, this newbie, dared to sit down, they were determined that he wouldn't leave until he lost tens of thousands of dollars!
After all, if you look closely, apart from O'Neal, who was sweating from the loss, and Miller, who was sitting there groaning, everyone else at this table had a grudge against Lin Ze!
Regardless of whether it's a new grudge or an old one, the way these people looked at Lin Ze was as if they wanted to devour him!
"What do we play? Texas Hold'em or Texas Hold'em?" Lin Ze quickly got into the rhythm after sitting down.
"Texas!" Garnett said fiercely, "Nobody plays on our table without at least $20,000! You got the money, kid?"
"No." Lin Ze shook his head without even thinking. His confident demeanor made the old rogue Miller sitting next to him look up at him.
Who just said they wouldn't owe anyone anything?
Is this kid really that shameless?
"Shaq, how much do you have? How about lending me 20,000?" Lin Ze completely ignored the mocking and disdainful looks from the others and borrowed money on the spot.
"Here you go!" O'Neal was naturally wealthy and generous.
Seeing that Lin Ze had his chips ready, Garnett waved to signal the dealer to deal the cards.
"Raise." Miller, in first position, glanced at his cards and decisively raised.
Iverson and Robinson then followed suit, indicating they would also place bets.
When the cards reached Lin Ze, he carefully picked up two cards, glanced at them, then looked left and right, hesitated for a long time before saying, "Discard."
"Ha." Garnett, who was not far away, burst out laughing: "Kid, you didn't even dare to look at the community cards? You folded already?"
""
"You'll lose everything!"
"Do you even know how to play cards?" Lin Ze glanced at Garnett. "If you don't know how, shut up and watch how your dad plays!"
"Hmph!" Garnett snorted and then ignored Lin Ze.
In this hand, Garnett had the best luck in the end. He used his two cards with the three community cards to get a flush and win the hand.
In the next seven or eight hands, Lin Ze either folded immediately after receiving his cards or folded after seeing two community cards. Only in one hand did he manage to hold on until the end, and then he tried to bluff, but Ma Long saw through him and successfully defeated him.
However, because Lin Ze kept folding, although he didn't win a single hand, he didn't lose much either, except for the last hand where he lost $2000.
But by this point, everyone had realized that Lin Ze didn't know how to play cards at all.
His skills are as rudimentary as a high school student's. Sitting among this group of seasoned veterans, this guy is just here to throw money away.
"Go down for a drink and a dance, kid. The adult world isn't for you," Miller, who hadn't said much until now, suddenly said.
Miller's words were harsh, but he was clearly trying to save face for Lin Ze, telling him to stop losing money. This foul-mouthed senior was actually a decent person.
"It's okay, I've just started to get into the swing of things!" Lin Ze said confidently. "I'm going to crush them!"
Seeing that Lin Ze wouldn't listen to advice, Miller was too lazy to bother with him anymore and could only shrug his shoulders, indicating that it was up to him.
You can't reason with a damned devil. If this kid won't listen to advice, then let him be.
Less than 20 hands later ————
"Shaq, lend me another 5!" Lin Ze said, his eyes red, as he turned to look at O'Neal.
"No!" This time, O'Neal showed his true friend side: "You need to go grab a drink, Lin, and then find a girl to dance with. I can go with you. Calm down, Lin, you need to calm down!"
"Never mind me, I have my own pace!" Lin Ze almost roughly slapped O'Neal's hand away again, staring at him and saying, "You're not worried about not being able to pay me back, are you? I can give you my car keys or watch!"
The others had fallen silent, watching Lin Ze's performance with schadenfreude. They even hoped the two would have a big argument and then turn on each other.
Unfortunately, less than two seconds later, O'Neal simply sighed, then counted out a wad of US dollars from his bag and handed it to Lin Ze.
But O'Neal's expression was quite bad at this moment. He stood up and left the room.
The game continues.
In the next few rounds, Lin Ze won quite a few. Just when the others started to have some doubts about Lin Ze, he started losing again. Then, in another round, an uncontrollable smile appeared on Lin Ze's face.
This guy must have a really strong hand!
Then, Robinson was the first to fold.
"He's nervous." Stockton, who had somehow appeared behind Malone, said in Utah slang that only Malone could hear and that most others probably wouldn't understand: "His hands are constantly rubbing the table."
Hearing his partner's words, Ma Long also looked at Lin Ze's hand, and sure enough!
His hand movements were quite unnatural, clearly indicating nervousness.
So Malone called!
"Kid, trying to bluff again? You can't fool me! You were still wearing diapers when I was playing cards! I'll make you give back everything you won last hand!"
Malone's harsh words made Iverson and Garnett, who were originally preparing to fold, hesitate for a moment, and then both of them chose to follow suit.
Miller then looked at Lin Ze, then at Malone, hesitated for a moment, and then also chose to fold.
After Stockton's reminder, Malone, who had been keeping a close eye on Lin Ze's wrist, became increasingly confident.
This kid is definitely bluffing!
By this time, Iverson and Garnett had already run away. These two guys weren't too cocky. Although they also thought Lin Ze was bluffing, the problem was that the cards weren't just theirs and Lin Ze's; there was also Malone!
They're older than Lin Ze, but that's useless; they need to be older than Ma Long.
After thinking it over, they all chose to fold.
Ma Long was the first to reveal his cards.
It's four!
This hand is indeed very strong; only a straight flush can beat it.
But Lin Ze happened to have a straight flush!
He was clearly making fun of Malone.
"Are you kidding me?" Malone wasn't stupid; he slammed his fist on the table in anger.
"Can't accept defeat!" Lin Ze's tone was extremely sarcastic, and his contemptuous expression made Ma Long want to have a fight with him on the spot.
"Calm down, Karl," Stockton said, pulling up a chair and sitting down next to Malone. "It's just a game of cards."
"This kid isn't nervous because he's trying to bluff, but because he's afraid you won't follow."
Stockton whispered in Malone's ear, explaining that such behavior of spectators interfering at the betting table was very rude, and if anyone else did it, they would definitely be despised and ridiculed.
But Stockton and Malone, these two like-minded guys, have been doing this for over a decade, and everyone's gotten used to it, so nobody says anything about them.
But just because everyone else is used to it doesn't mean Lin Ze is.
"Why are you, you two-faced jerk, not playing cards but just talking nonstop? What, if you help Carl win money, will Carl favor you at night and give you fulfilling pleasure?"
"What did you say?" Stockton glared at Lin Ze. It had been a long time since anyone had dared to speak to him like that!
It's been at least two years.
"I'm telling you, either shut your stinking mouth and watch quietly, or pull up a chair and sit down and lose with me. What are you doing right now? What, are intersex people a disadvantaged group who get special privileges?"
As Lin Ze continued ranting, he stood up and gathered a large amount of US dollars in front of him.
He certainly wouldn't give Stockton and Malone a friendly look. The Bulls and Jazz met twice in the Finals, and although there was no public fight, all sorts of dirty tricks, dirty tactics, and underhanded elbows and kicks were flying everywhere.
Lin Ze himself didn't receive much preferential treatment due to his limited playing time, but his good teammates on the Bulls, such as Wennington, Kukoc, and Rodman, suffered quite a bit.
Not to mention Salt Lake City's crude, vulgar, and shameless trash-talking style. Even though Lin Ze didn't play much in the finals, his dislike for the Utah Jazz was genuine.
Lin Ze didn't need to give either of them any face.
"Kid, you better pray you never see me on the court again!" Malone glared at Lin Ze and said viciously, "I'll make you regret being born."
"You really are a coward!" Lin Ze said. "If I were humiliated like this, I would immediately jump onto the table and fight him head-on, instead of talking about what will happen in the future."
"What did you say?" Ma Long stood up abruptly this time, glaring at Lin Ze.
"Sit down, Carl, sit down!" Miller finally spoke. "Don't give the impression that you're a sore loser! After the game, once you're off the ship, you two can do whatever you want, but right now, don't spoil everyone's fun!"
"And you, kid," Miller said, glaring at Lin Ze. "Play your cards properly! Don't think I don't know what you're up to!"
Lin Ze shrugged, giving Miller some face.
Winning money is more important!
After winning this round, Lin Ze has become the person who has won the most money in the game. Although he doesn't win many times, he can win 10,000 to 20,000 dollars in each round, which is mainly based on efficiency!
Lin Ze continued at his current pace for the rest of the time, which annoyed the bastards present.
What annoyed these bastards even more was O'Neal's return.
When the fat guy returned, he not only had a big smile on his face and didn't seem annoyed at all by his little brother's angry rebuke, but he even brought Lin Ze a glass of whiskey.
"How is it?"
"A resounding victory! Just as I told you in private!" Lin Ze laughed, handing a pile of money back to O'Neal, saying, "This is for you!"
"Then these—"
O'Neal looked at the pile of US dollars on Lin Ze's table, which was about 70,000 to 80,000 dollars. In less than an hour since he left, Lin Ze had won almost 100,000 dollars.
As for why Lin Ze and these seasoned veterans can win money playing cards?
There are two—
1. This made them think they were newbies, and the $2 given away in the early stages reinforced this idea.
2. Technology! Before Lin Ze transmigrated here, he once asked the AI in his spare time to calculate the odds of winning with which hands in Texas Hold'em and which hands were worth fighting for.
Lin Ze couldn't remember the specific answer the AI gave him; he just searched it casually when he had nothing else to do.
He could barely remember the basic win rates, such as how AA had an 85% win rate, A and J had a 55% win rate, and how low the win rate was when he got non-connected cards of different suits.
That's enough!
If you can't remember something, it's probably not important, so just fold.
Anyway, it's not like I'm participating in some World Texas Hold'em Grand Prix. Playing against a few black guys who haven't had much schooling is enough!
Lin Ze was certain that as the game progressed, the people opposite him would become more and more reckless, their rationality would diminish, and they would lose more and more to him!
Lin Ze is now in control of the entire poker game!
"I'm done playing, you guys keep playing." Just then, someone stood up and left the gambling table.
Reggie Miller!
This guy isn't just scared; he's not even afraid of Jordan.
Why did he suddenly give up?
While Lin Ze was pondering, the next game had already begun!
Miller had only lost a few thousand dollars so far, and he looked relaxed, chatting quietly with Mutombo, who looked satisfied and had just been released.
In addition, players like Kidd and Webber are also here. Most of the players who attended the party tonight are here.
"Jason, shut the hell up!" Malone had lost the most, nearly $3. He was already in a bad mood, and now Kidd was kissing his female companion without a care in the world, making strange noises, which made him even more upset.
Kidd grinned and chuckled, "None of your business, Karl! Just focus on giving money to the rookies, that's none of your concern!"
Marlon scoffed, "I thought you wouldn't dare go out anymore after getting married, Jason. After all, you can't handle your wife! I remember you got beaten up by her? That's hilarious. It must be because you couldn't satisfy her that she beat you up, right?"
"Seriously, I can be a good guy this once and help you satisfy your wife. I promise she won't beat you up again. How about it?"
"Fuck you! Brother Ni! What the hell did you say?" Kidd's eyes widened instantly. Malone's trash talk had clearly crossed the line: "You believe it or not—"
"I don't believe it." Malone shook his head directly, his tone full of disdain and mockery towards Kidd.
"Alright Jason, let him off the hook." Lin Ze had once again decisively chosen to fold: "He might lose everything tonight, and you're still provoking him. Be careful he doesn't blame you for his losses and make you pay for them."
"After all, Karl's inability to accept defeat and his lack of responsibility are well-known."
"What did you say, 'kid'?"
"Look, another disabled person, not only stupid but also deaf." Lin Ze said, then looked at Robinson next to Malone and said, "David, when you receive your Purple Heart, take him with you. He needs one too."
"You lost this round! What's there to be proud of!" Robinson snorted.
"Only two hundred dollars." Lin Ze shrugged. "At this rate, you'd have to win at least 500 games in a row before I start losing money."
"So, what are you so smug about?"
The game wasn't affected by a few trash words and continued in an orderly manner. However, everyone was relatively calm at this point, waiting to get good cards and win big.
Soon, another opportunity presented itself at the poker table!
After the three community cards—the Ace of Spades, the 4 of Spades, and the 8 of Diamonds—were revealed, only three players remained who had not yet folded.
Lin Ze, Malone, and Iverson.
After so many hands of cards, Lin Ze had basically figured out these people's tactics and habits.
Ma Long is a cunning player who likes to play dumb when he has a strong hand, and he'll yell and scream when he has a bad hand.
There's not much to say about Iverson's style; he plays like a sucker, without any strategy or rhythm. He just bets and calls relentlessly whenever he gets a feel for it. He's a pure luck player.
Iverson, who is laughing happily right now, probably has some pretty good cards in his hand, while Malone, who is making a lot of noise and shouting things like "You're finished" and "I'll kill you this round," is almost certainly bluffing and trying to steal a win.
Lin Ze glanced at the cards in his hand and said, "3000 dollars."
Iverson immediately retorted sarcastically, "At a time like this, aren't you running? Shaq, hurry up and take your kid away, make sure he goes back to kindergarten!"
"30,000!" Iverson's hand was clearly quite strong, and he was incredibly smug. He immediately raised the bet tenfold: "If you don't have the guts to call, then fold and get out of here!"
"Ahem." Malone coughed and then glanced at his cards. Lin Ze could tell he was hesitant; Iverson's 3 made him want to fold.
"You're right, Allen." For the first time in his life, Lin Ze and Iverson were on the same page: "Cowards who can't back up should get lost. Don't waste your time here and make yourselves a laughingstock. 3, I'll bet!"
As he spoke, Lin Ze handed over cash.
"It's not your turn yet, kid!" Garnett snorted as he folded, reminding Lin Ze to take the lead.
Lin Ze shrugged: "No matter what Malone chooses, I'll add it anyway. Even if it's just to give Karl a back door, let him have his way. He likes having back doors opened for him anyway."
"Shut up, kid!" Malone cursed, then glanced at his cards again before finally folding them.
"Yeah, Karl, be smart." Lin Ze wasn't about to let the guy off the hook yet: "If you had been this smart earlier and joined the Bulls, you could have become part of our dynasty. Dennis would have been happy to have another backup."
"It's just one hand, Carl, calm down." Malone's good partner Stockton was right behind him, patting his shoulder. He had obviously seen Malone's hand and knew that Malone's chances of winning were slim, so there was no need for him to force it.
Seeing that Malone was about to be persuaded, Lin Ze continued, "Listen to Carl. One hand of cards can't turn a sissy into a man, nor can it make you grow something you didn't originally have, but it will make you lose tens of thousands of dollars. That's enough for you to live in your rat's nest for 10 years."
"Fuck you!" Malone finally lost his temper, throwing down 3 dollars and yelling, "I don't believe your hand is bigger than mine!"
Stockton sighed behind him. He knew he couldn't persuade him anymore. At the same time, he had heard people call Malone a "sissy" more times tonight than he had ever heard it in his entire life.
In the next two rounds, a Heart Ace and a Spade Five were dealt from the deck.
The three of them stopped spouting trash talk. Lin Ze bet another 3, and after the other two followed suit, in the final round, Lin Ze directly bet 5 dollars!
Including the chips from previous rounds and those left by others, the total stakes for this hand have exceeded 35!
This was the biggest hand of the night. Even though many of the people in the room were multi-millionaires, a hand of several hundred thousand dollars is still very rare.
At this moment, the entire room fell silent, and everyone focused on the card table, wanting to see what would happen.
Malone couldn't wait and immediately turned over his cards after completing the final round of betting.
It consists of two 5s, plus a community 5 and two Aces, forming a full house.
"I'm going to win!" Ma Long said with red eyes. He was really lucky. The last 5 he got turned his hand around.
If he was initially hesitant about whether he could win with just one pair, now this gourd has given him full confidence!
"Kid! What makes you think you can beat me?" Ma Long stared at Lin Ze with immense smugness.
Before Lin Ze could speak, Iverson interrupted him: "Old man, have you forgotten that we're a three-man game?"
"I have four As!"
Iverson flashed two aces in his hand, looking at Malone with disdain: "You think there's only one person in the world who would stab you?"