NBA's King of Talking

Chapter 583 How are things between you and Xiao Ning?

On media day, the Clippers players seemed to be in high spirits, despite the persistent rumors that the Lakers would end their championship streak in the new season.

End of playoffs? Let's talk about that first!

Jia Fei also has no confidence in the Lakers. In order to form a Big Three, the Lakers have lost roster depth. If they go straight to the playoffs, this team is indeed very dangerous, but the 82 regular season games will teach this team with one old player and two fragile players a lesson.

Jia Fei's sneakers today are also very eye-catching; these are his new signature shoes—the Jia Fei VI!

Nike went to great lengths to create this signature shoe for him. They began designing it as early as last season, and to find inspiration, the design team even traveled to a mysterious ancient country in the far East where Jia Fei had been naturalized. They went there to seek inspiration, absorb Eastern culture, and try to incorporate it into the new signature shoe.

Nike's actions, besides boosting new shoe sales, also aim to demonstrate their strength and sincerity to Jia Fei, the league's top player. Jia Fei's contract expires at the end of this season, necessitating a renewal. He's not limited to just Nike; Adidas, Under Armour, and others have long coveted this league's best player. Securing this superstar, possessing both skill and immense popularity, would be a strategic decision for any company.

Jia Fei has so far refused to reveal his willingness to renew his contract, which has made Nike even more nervous, fearing that he might offend this big shot and simply not renew his contract, which would mean the end of Jack Nicholson's career...

Zhou Ling'an appeared at today's media open day as usual. She brought her team, and as the only reporter interviewing Jia Fei, she was like a star, the most dazzling presence among all the media professionals that evening!

Zhou Ling'an was very pleased with herself. She felt that introducing Lin Ning to Jia Fei was the best decision she had ever made in her career. Jia Fei was a sentimental person and would definitely thank her. And as long as she could be associated with Jia Fei, her career would take off (and it was already almost there).

The fact that Rich Paul, a former jersey vendor, was able to become a famous agent and start his own company by associating with a star player from the variety show "Running Man" demonstrates just how important it is to have a good personal relationship with a top star in the league.

Everyone in America knows that Zhou Ling'an and Jia Fei have a special relationship; they're very close. Otherwise, it's hard to explain why Jia Fei always gives her special treatment. Others can't get interviews, but she can. If it's just because she's Chinese, then she's not the only Chinese journalist.

There were rumors before that Jia Fei and she might have some kind of close relationship, but there was no substantial evidence to prove that the two had any contact in private.

Jia Fei is a celebrity, and his whereabouts are hard to escape the eyes of gossip reporters. If the two of them really had a secret relationship, it would be impossible to keep it a secret for so long. The truth will eventually come out; it's not hard to understand.

As for the matter between Lin Ning and Jia Fei, some gossip reporters have written about it. In fact, there's no need for gossip reporters to write about it; many people already know that Jia Fei has a close personal relationship with a beautiful Chinese woman. This woman is frequently seen at the Clippers' home arena, Staples Center, almost always in the front row. It's said that Jia Fei invited her to watch the game.

The two often meet in private, but they are rarely seen doing anything intimate, nor do they live together. They seem to be just good friends.

Jia Fei first gave a group interview to a group of reporters, and then gave an exclusive interview to Zhou Ling'an.

Zhou Ling'an was very satisfied that she could be interviewed while other reporters could not; she liked seeing the envious, jealous and hateful looks in other people's eyes.

Once everything was ready, the interview officially began.

"Jia, what are your goals for the new season?" Zhou Ling'an chuckled a few times and then smiled at Jia Fei.

"Championship!" Jia Fei's answer was decisive and direct, and consisted of only three words.

"If you win another championship, it will be a three-peat. In NBA history, only a handful of teams have achieved three consecutive championships, which can be considered establishing a dynasty. What do you think of the term 'establishing a dynasty'?" Zhou Ling'an continued to ask.

"Of course, I love it and I'll work hard to achieve it. I play basketball to win. If it weren't for winning, I wouldn't be starving for the rest of my life after I retire..." Jia Fei smiled and continued, "I think everyone feels the same way. I don't believe a true NBA player doesn't like their team building a dynasty!"

"What do you think about the rumors that the Lakers will end your championship streak next season?" Zhou Ling'an asked a very sensitive question.

Jia Fei smiled and said, "Almost every season has its favorite teams. We are the defending champions, so everyone discusses who our biggest rival is. The Lakers are certainly strong with their Big Three, but I still believe we are the strongest! I'm not afraid of anyone, no opponent!"

After asking a few more questions, Zhou Ling'an signaled the photographer to stop taking pictures. She then abandoned her professional questioning posture and tone, and looked at Jia Fei softly, asking, "How are things between you and Xiao Ning now? I asked Xiao Ning, but she won't tell me!"

The sudden change in style caught Jia Fei off guard.

"Well... it's nothing! We're just friends now, that's great!" Jia Fei found it hard to maintain his cool and composed demeanor from the competition; his face was slightly flushed, and his heart was racing.

“Your development is too slow, not to mention you’ve already become like brother and sister! Jia Fei, do you not like Xiao Ning?” Zhou Ling’an pressed.

"This..." Jia Fei's face turned even redder. Of course, he had feelings for Lin Ning, but he didn't want to say it out loud. It would be embarrassing if he said it, but since the matchmaker had asked, he couldn't just not answer.

Seeing Jia Fei's expression, Zhou Ling'an knew he couldn't possibly be completely indifferent to Lin Ning, and her anxiety subsided. Lin Ning was her nuclear weapon; if Lin Ning and Jia Fei didn't end up together, her good days might be over at any moment. Although Jia Fei would consider everyone's friendship, other reporters could always replace her. She understood this better than anyone else.

Zhou Ling'an knew she couldn't press the matter any further. If she embarrassed Jia Fei and made him furious, she would be in deep trouble.

Even if Jia Fei was shy, he couldn't forget that this man was the number one player in the NBA! This was a man who had the potential to become the greatest player in history! How could such a man make a fool of himself? Zhou Ling'an was glad that she hadn't pried into the matter.

Jia Fei really didn't like being constantly asked questions, just like in his previous life he didn't like his parents always asking him about his girlfriend.