Ordinary players often require considerable time to fully grasp the intricacies of the Zen Master's triangle offense.
For instance, in his previous life, when Kobe recruited Ron Artest, it took Artest a significant period to truly understand the essence of the system.
After all, in terms of basketball IQ, Artest wasn't particularly gifted. His strengths lay in his physicality and his role as an enforcer on the court.
However, Lin Feng was different. Armed with a basketball god system and embodying the role of Sakuragi Hanamichi, his basketball IQ was arguably on par with elite players like Kobe and Jordan.
Kobe explained the triangle offense to him just once, and Lin Feng absorbed it completely.
Kobe himself was a master of the triangle offense. He would only pass the ball to teammates when he didn't have a clear scoring opportunity, trusting them to finish the play.
Furthermore, Kobe typically drew the opponent's toughest defender during games.
This attracted significant defensive attention, creating more open looks for his teammates.
After a full day of rigorous training, Lin Feng and Kobe remained in the same rhythm.
Lin Feng seamlessly integrated himself into the triangle offense, maintaining a close triangular spacing with Kobe regardless of their position on the court.
The Zen Master, not easily impressed, couldn't help but steal admiring glances at Lin Feng.
During a break, the Zen Master approached Kobe and asked with pleasant surprise, "Kobe, did you personally recruit this Chinese player onto the team?"
"Yeah," Kobe replied with a slight nod.
"He has a remarkably high basketball IQ. On his first day of training, he grasped my triangle offense thoroughly. It's rare to find a player like him."
The Zen Master said seriously, "Logically speaking, a player with his understanding should have been in the NBA long ago. Why haven't we seen him before?"
Kobe shook his head, indicating his own confusion. "I feel the same way. Lin is a great player. I don't know why he stayed in the NBDL Development League. I recognized his talent and brought him to the Lakers."
"Yes, Kobe, you made an excellent choice. I believe that next season, with him by your side, you will achieve extraordinary results."
"I hope so. He won't let me down."
"Okay, let's continue training. I want to keep observing this young man." The Zen Master was intrigued. Throughout his long coaching career, he had rarely encountered players he praised so readily.
Michael Jordan was one, and Kobe became another later in his career.
During their first three consecutive championships, the Zen Master still had his share of disagreements with Kobe.
Eventually, however, the two put aside their differences and developed a strong teacher-student and friend-like bond.
...
Lin Feng spent the entire day training in the facility.
His exceptional performance far exceeded the expectations of Kobe, the Zen Master, Fisher, and the others.
No one could have imagined that a Chinese kid who had just joined the team could grasp the intricate triangle offense so comprehensively.
As for the younger players like Odom and Bynum, they stared at Lin Feng with a mixture of awe and disbelief.
"Hey, man, your performance surprised us. Next season, I hope you and the Boss can take us to even greater heights," Odom said, walking over to pat Lin Feng on the shoulder with a smile.
"Man, you're a great player. We're really curious how someone like you could stay in the NBDL. Those guys must be crazy. You should have been in the NBA a long time ago," Bynum added, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Oh my god! Now that we have Lin and the Boss on our team, we're sure to win!" exclaimed one of the other players.
"Yes, Lin! Come on, we'll witness a miracle with you!" Smush Parker, Aaron McKie, and Kwame Brown chimed in.
However, a few players remained aloof, perhaps out of jealousy. Seeing an Asian player perform so well might have made them uncomfortable.
"Today's training ends here. Rest tomorrow and continue the day after tomorrow," the Zen Master announced, standing up. "During this offseason, we must train hard and strive for great results next season."
"Okay," everyone responded in unison.
Lin Feng went to the locker room, took a cold shower, changed his clothes, said goodbye to Kobe, Fisher, and the others, and prepared to head home for some rest.
It was already six o'clock in the evening when he walked out of the Lakers' official training facility.
Los Angeles was a beautiful and vibrant city. Even as the sun set at six, a streak of golden light still lingered in the western sky.
He got into his Ford Raptor and was about to drive home when his phone rang. It was Su Muqing.
"Baby, where are you? Are you free?" she asked.
"What's wrong, baby?" Lin Feng replied, a hint of suspicion in his voice.
"Baby, this is what happened. I've told Dad and Mommy about our relationship. They want to meet you. Do you have time to come to my house?"
Huh? Lin Feng was taken aback by Su Muqing's words.
In his previous life's memories, he did recall being in love with Su Muqing, but her family had remained unaware.
Su Muqing had previously mentioned that her father, Su Hongyuan, didn't particularly care who she dated.
However, Su Muqing's mother, Polina, had expressed a preference for her daughter to date a local white man rather than an Asian.
Upon returning home today, Su Muqing had finally revealed her relationship with Lin Feng to her parents.
After inquiring about Lin Feng's family background, her father, Su Hongyuan, had expressed his approval, stating that as long as his daughter was happy, he was fine with it.
Her mother, Polina, however, had initially been hesitant, hoping Su Muqing would date a white man. While her attitude wasn't overtly negative, her preference was clear.
Ultimately, both parents agreed to allow Lin Feng to visit their home, wanting to see him in person.
And so, Su Muqing had called Lin Feng, hoping he could come over if he had time.
Lin Feng considered it for a moment and replied, "Okay, baby, I'll be there right away. Is your home address still the Yorba Linda in Orange County that you told me?"
"Yes, baby, that's right."
"Okay! I'll head over immediately."
After hanging up, Lin Feng decided he should bring some gifts when meeting his future in-laws. Otherwise, it would be quite awkward.
He stopped by the mall, purchased a few presents, and drove towards the Yorba Linda neighborhood in Orange County.
Orange County had a relatively large Chinese population.
However, Yorba Linda itself had a lower concentration of Chinese residents, around 10%, with the majority being white or Black.
By the time Lin Feng drove his Ford Raptor to Yorba Linda, Orange County, it was already 7:30 in the evening.
He got out of the car, carrying a bag of gifts, and called his future girlfriend Su Muqing again.