184: Chapter 184 The Biggest Joke in the World!

Kobe's sigh, filled with complex meaning, was like a stone thrown into a calm lake.

Inside the bus, everyone was stunned into silence by those words for a long time.

They looked at Lin Feng, the emotions in their eyes no longer describable by simple shock.

It was a complex mix of awe, envy, and even a hint of fear.

Howard opened his mouth, wanting to say something witty to liven up the atmosphere.

But in the end, he silently closed his mouth.

He was afraid that as soon as he spoke, he would expose the jealousy coming from the depths of his soul.

In such an eerie silence, the team bus slowly drove toward the airport... That night.

While the Los Angeles Lakers' chartered plane was flying ten thousand meters above the ground toward Oklahoma.

On the ground.

Social networks across the entire world were completely ignited by a piece of explosive news!

The popularity of this news was climbing frantically at a terrifying speed!

Within just one hour, it surpassed all political news, entertainment gossip, and social events!

Even the hype for the upcoming, highly anticipated NBA Playoff Game 7...

Was easily suppressed by it!

The headline was simple and crude, yet filled with an impact that left much to the imagination!

[Three Queens, One King: Lin Feng's Harem War!]

And the accompanying photo.

Was exactly that god-tier photo captured by a reporter on the scene, a legendary shot of them all in the same frame!

In the photo.

Lin Feng stood right in the middle.

On his left was Yoona, guarding him gently like an angel next door.

On his right was Taylor Swift, like a flame queen, boldly declaring her love.

And directly in front of him.

That peerless Black Widow, Scarlett Johansson, was leaning against a car, giving him that meaningful, playful smile.

This photo set the globe on fire!

...The next day.

The Los Angeles Lakers' management felt unprecedented pressure.

The team's phones were nearly ringing off the hook!

The league office, major sponsors, and even the Los Angeles Mayor's office!

Everyone had only one question.

What exactly was going on with the relationship between Lin Feng and those three women?!

Team General Manager Mitch Kupchak had a massive headache.

Before the team departed for Oklahoma, he found Lin Feng for a brief conversation.

In Kupchak's office.

He poured a glass of water for Lin Feng, a professional yet tired smile on his face.

"Lin, first of all, I want to congratulate you. We made it to Game 7."

"Your performance in this series has been historic."

Lin Feng nodded without speaking, waiting for him to continue.

Kupchak cleared his throat, his tone becoming more tactful.

"Of course, the team won't interfere in a player's private life."

"But..."

"The impact of what happened last night might be much larger than you imagine."

"The Commissioner's office personally called to inquire about the situation."

"Our biggest sponsors have also expressed their 'concern'."

"I hope you understand that you aren't just a player now; you are the face of the Los Angeles Lakers, and even one of the future faces of the entire league."

"Any negative news could cause immeasurable losses to the team and the league."

Lin Feng listened calmly.

He picked up the water glass and took a sip.

"I understand."

"My focus will always be on the court."

"I will win Game 7."

His tone was flat, yet it carried a powerful confidence that left no room for doubt.

Kupchak looked at this young man who was almost frighteningly calm both on and off the court, and in the end, he could only sigh helplessly.

"Alright."

"I believe you."

"Go then, go get that damn victory."

...In the hallway of the training facility.

Just as Lin Feng came out of the GM's office, he bumped into Kobe, who was heading to warm up.

Kobe sized him up.

"Mitch looked for you?"

"Yeah."

"Were those guys in suits nagging you about that sponsor bullshit again?"

Lin Feng smiled, neither confirming nor denying.

Kobe smiled too, stepped forward, and slapped Lin Feng heavily on the shoulder.

"Kid, good job."

"Don't pay attention to that bullshit."

Kobe's eyes suddenly became incredibly sharp, like two unsheathed daggers!

"But remember this!"

"If you win Game 7, you'll be the coolest bastard in the world! A legend every man wants to be!"

"Those women will become the most dazzling jewels in your crown!"

"But!"

Kobe's voice suddenly dropped, becoming cold and cruel!

"If you lose..."

"You will become the world's biggest joke!"

"All your previous victories and miraculous performances will be forgotten!"

"People will only remember that you were an idiot who was obsessed with women before the most crucial game!"

"Those three women will also become the greatest evidence of your guilt, nailed to your pillar of shame!"

"When that time comes, everything you have now will turn into the poison that destroys you!"

"Do you understand?!"

The outside noise and management pressure seemed so insignificant in the face of Kobe's words.

This was the truest, most cruel law of competitive sports!

Winners have everything!

Losers have nothing!

Looking into Kobe's eyes, which were burning with black flames, Lin Feng nodded solemnly.

"I understand."

...On the plane to Oklahoma.

In the cabin, teammates were still excitedly whispering about last night's 'Showdown of the Century'.

Nick Young was even vividly imitating Taylor Swift's queenly demeanor for a few trainers who hadn't seen it in person.

But none of this noise had anything to do with Lin Feng anymore.

He put on his headphones, isolating himself from all external sounds.

He leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes.

His heart was more peaceful than ever before.

Kobe's words were like a key that unlocked the final shackle in his heart.

He knew that all the flowers, praise, scandals, and doubts... ultimately, only victory on the court would provide the final answer.

If he won, he was the king who had everything.

If he lost, he was a fraud who had nothing.

The figures of those three women were no longer in his mind.

They were replaced by Westbrook's unreasonable driving lanes.

Durant's unsolvable pull-up jumpers, like the scythe of the Grim Reaper.

Ibaka's sky-covering blocks.

Every situation and every possibility that might arise in Game 7!

Yoona's tenderness.

Taylor's passion.

Scarlett's provocation.

None of this became a burden for him.

Instead, it was like three different types of top-grade fuel!

All of it was poured into his engine named 'Desire to Win'!

He needed this victory.

To respond to Yoona's clumsy waiting from across the ocean.

To match Taylor's queenly love, hot as fire.

To complete the duel between him and Scarlett, like two chess players who hadn't yet decided a winner!

He had no way back.

Only victory!

The plane began to descend slowly.

There was a slight bump in the fuselage.

Lin Feng opened his eyes and looked out the window.

The city, hailed as the most terrifying home court in the league, had already appeared in his field of vision.

Finally.

The plane landed smoothly at the Oklahoma City airport.

The moment the cabin door opened.

A wave of sound filled with malice and hatred hit them like a literal tsunami!

Coming straight at them!

"F**K YOU! Lakers!"

"Go back to Los Angeles! Fraud!"

Countless reporters and Thunder fans wearing blue T-shirts, who had been waiting for a long time, completely blocked the exit!

They held up various signs filled with insulting words.

Cursing every Lakers player who stepped out of the cabin with the most vicious language!

The final battlefield of Game 7.

Had arrived.