Before the game against the Lakers, Hansen sat down for an exclusive interview with Carrell.
James’ struggle with his performance in the Heat this season has triggered a chain reaction, and as a result, Carrell’s fame as a "Hansen fan" & "James hater" has skyrocketed.
His articles now boast a view count on TNT that stands out from the rest.
"You’ve said before that Kobe isn’t the league’s best player. Do you still hold that view?"
"I still hold that view."
"Why? Kobe has already led the Lakers to two consecutive championships; he deserves everyone’s respect."
"I respect Kobe, but if I hadn’t been injured last season, I believe it would have been us winning the championship."
"What would it take for you to admit that Kobe is the best player in the league?"
"If he manages to lead the team to a three-peat this season, I will call him the strongest."
"Do you think he can do it?"
"Why? Do you think they can’t beat the Heat’s Three Giants?"
"No, they won’t even make it to the Finals this season."
Once this interview was exposed, it instantly provoked an uproar.
Even after leading the Lakers to two consecutive championships and still not receiving recognition, Hansen boldly claimed the Lakers wouldn’t make the Finals, instantly facing a backlash from Kobe fans.
"I remember last time before the Christmas battle, Hansen said the boss wasn’t the strongest in the league, and as a result, the Knight was thrashed by the Lakers! Believe me; the Grizzlies are about to face a crushing defeat!"
"A bit of success and there goes the mouth, sky-high. You’ve vividly demonstrated what ’a jumping clown’ means!"
"Last season there were many who thought the boss couldn’t lead the team to defend the title successfully, but he did it, silencing all doubters. That’s the boss for you!"
"Who in The West can beat the Lakers? The Spurs that are always punished by the boss? A bunch of young cubs known as the Thunders? Or maybe the setting Suns? Surely it’s not the ’soft egg’ Nowitzki leading the Mavericks, right?"
"The only obstacle for the Lakers’ championship are the Heat’s Three Giants, and I even doubt the Heat can beat the Bulls. LeBron will be missing from the Finals, just like in the past!"
"With the Heat’s top-heavy lineup, they dare to contend with the Lakers? Let me say this: this year, the boss will create a dynasty, and I want to see how your foul mouth will speak then!"
On the last practice day before the Grizzlies’ game, Hansen was pulled aside by Hollins.
"You said you’re here to win the championship for the Grizzlies, OK, I’ll let that slide, but don’t enrage Kobe by saying such things before a game. Provoking him, just like provoking MJ, won’t end well."
Hollins had witnessed Jordan as a player and Kobe as a coach; he knew too well about these two scoring guards.
Hansen frowned subconsciously. He wouldn’t comment on Jordan, being from a different era and strong enough, but Kobe he had faced, and Hollins’ words seemed to dampen his own team’s morale.
This kind of mental fear of an opponent reduces the likelihood of victory by half. Hollins, you can’t be forcefully assertive internally while submitting externally, right?
"I will guard him," Hansen assured, thumping his chest.
"I mean, don’t do the same thing next time," Hollins wanted obedience.
"I said I’ll guard him, Coach," Hansen repeated.
"You..." Hollins was getting angry.
"Lionel, he’s only 22 years old," Joerger interjected at that moment, always standing on the sidelines, Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵⁂𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮⁂𝓷𝓮𝓽
"Hot-blooded youth, if they aren’t, then they aren’t young. Let him take a hard knock; it might be good for him."
Joerger had a way with words, and after listening, Hollins had nothing more to say, glancing at Hansen before walking off.
By his demeanor, it seemed he was planning to school Hansen after the game.
"Good luck." Joerger patted Hansen on the shoulder with a smile and then followed Hollins.
"You all right? Don’t mind what that old fart said." When Joerger also left, Guy approached Hansen and cast a disdainful glance in Hollins’ direction.
"Rudy, just be yourself tonight," Hansen said, sitting down on a nearby bench.
"Huh?" Guy paused for a moment, turned his head to see Hansen sitting, and then followed suit.
"Tonight, I’m going to shut down Kobe." Human stamina is limited; if one goes to extremes, they can only excel at either offense or defense.
"Believe in yourself; Ron’s no longer the fighter he once was." Hansen then turned to look at Guy with a face full of trust.
Artest’s stats this season are a career low, especially his slow feet—old age showing. Against a slower small forward, Guy has room to shine.
Excitement briefly flickered on Guy’s face.
Although he was happy with the staggered scheduling, bullying the weak can become dull after a while; a high-intensity matchup is still quite thrilling.
That evening, FedEx Forum, not a single seat was empty.
The Grizzlies’ good performance this season, just like Cleveland’s back then, meant that though the market was small, filling a stadium with fans was no problem.
During warm-ups, Hansen was shooting baskets when Kobe approached him.
Seeing this, Guy walked up to Hansen’s side, standing tall and chest out facing Kobe.
"You’ve crossed the line with your words," Kobe said, ignoring Guy and speaking gravely to Hansen.
As before, he wasn’t concerned with being the league’s best, but Hansen claiming the Lakers weren’t up to par was a step too far.
"You should be more familiar with the Lakers’ situation than I am," Hansen replied indifferently.
"That’s none of your business. Commenting on another team’s affairs is not polite," Kobe frowned.
"I thought we were on good terms, so I wanted to give you a heads up," Hansen shrugged.