"Agreed, but we'll have to wait for our lawyers to arrive."
"LeBron, please don't interfere with our official duties. Otherwise, even if you're an NBA star, we can still charge you with obstruction of justice."
"I'm not afraid of you."
James said, pulling out his phone to call his lawyer. At the same time, he turned to Drew and said, "Drew, notify the boss, tell him to send a lawyer too."
"I'll go right now."
Drew Gooden hurried back to the training facility.
The faces of the three men turned grim. If this continued, they could form a legal team in no time.
Just then, the supervisor looked at Tang Long and patiently said, "Tang, I don't think we need to make this so complicated."
"What do you mean not complicated? You just said I was only assisting with the investigation. I can also choose not to assist you," Tang Long said calmly. "Unless you have a written document, it's best to wait for my lawyer."
Bill Duffy expressed his displeasure, "We should also complain about him. They brought out handcuffs just for us to assist with an investigation. This is a violation of police regulations."
"No, this might be a misunderstanding."
The supervisor glared at the uniformed officer, signaling him to put away the handcuffs. He then softened his tone, "Tang, it's just assisting with the investigation. We've already asked Swift and Scarlett and the others. This matter is quite serious. If you insist that I apply for a court order, I can, but I don't think we'll be so polite then."
Hmm?
Tang Long raised an eyebrow slightly.
Swift and the others were involved too?
Tang Long understood. It must be related to the incident at the farm.
After thinking it over, Tang Long checked the time. If they were fast enough, they might still make it to the game tomorrow night.
"Alright, I'll go with you."
"I'm going too."
James put his arm around Tang Long's shoulder.
"Who told us to be brothers."
Larry Hughes also stepped forward, looking expectantly at the two: "If you both go, I'll be too bored to stay in the training facility by myself. I'm going too."
"Aren't you afraid the coach will suspend you?"
"What's there to be afraid of?" Larry Hughes said carelessly. "You two are the stars of the team. If you both get suspended, there's no point for me to play anyway."
"I never knew you were so clever."
James patted Larry Hughes on the shoulder and looked at the supervisor, "So, can we all go together?"
The supervisor's forehead creased, and after a moment's thought, he nodded. "Yes."
"Then, alright, get in my car."
James pulled Tang Long into his car. Bill Duffy also got in. Tang Long waved, "Bill, bring the lawyers to meet me later."
"And my lawyer."
James added, "And the team's lawyer."
...
"Cavaliers versus Grizzlies, the odds are 1.85. This is like them giving us money."
"The Cavaliers have won 30 consecutive games. Even teams like the Hornets and Spurs couldn't stop them. How could a bottom-dwelling Grizzlies team be a match for the Cavaliers? I'm betting ten thousand on the Cavaliers to beat the Grizzlies."
"You'll never get rich like that. Why bet so little? I'm different. This time, I've put in all my savings, two hundred thousand, all on the Cavaliers."
"Tens of thousands, two hundred thousand, and you're bragging? I bet five hundred thousand on the Cavaliers. After tonight, I'll have nine hundred thousand."
In the underground bookmaking houses of the United States, money flowed like water.
Compared to the odds of 1.85 from official channels, underground bookmakers offered odds of 2.16 for a Cavaliers win, doubling the payout. This led many people to place their bets at these illegal operations.
The Cavaliers had already achieved a 30-game winning streak, with each game breaking records. Against a last-place Grizzlies team, there was no reason to expect a loss. Consequently, many people from the betting world were drawn in, placing bets on the Cavaliers.
Of course, some people felt the odds were too good to be true. These institutions weren't charities; why would they offer such favorable odds?
It was practically like giving money away.
Thus, some people did bet on the Grizzlies, but not in large amounts, given the significant disparity in team strength and morale.
The people of the United States were in a frenzy, money circulating like a torrent.
Meanwhile, Tang Long, James, and Larry Hughes were still at the police station.
After assisting with the investigation, they were about to leave, but Tang Long was called back. James, naturally, objected. Furthermore, during the car ride, illegal substances were found, meaning they were not going anywhere.
It wasn't until the lawyers arrived and sorted everything out that it was the afternoon of the next day. By then, even if they had taken a rocket to Memphis, the game would likely be over.
Emerging from the police station, Tang Long and the others had grim expressions.
Swift, on the other hand, hung her head in guilt. If she and Scarlett hadn't invited Tang Long to the farm, none of this would have happened. Tang Long had only pulled the man off his horse to save them.
"These police officers must be giving us a hard time. We should complain about them and expose them."
Gail Gardo said indignantly.
Tang Long didn't respond, instead looking at James.
They exchanged glances and sighed helplessly.
These were secondary concerns. The critical issue was the game against the Grizzlies.
With three out of the Cavaliers' starting five unable to play, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas struggling to anchor the inside game against Marc Gasol, they were all worried about this match.
"Gentlemen, my phone has been ringing off the hook with calls from the coach. What about yours?"
Tang Long and James looked at their phones, seeing dozens of missed calls.
"I'm sorry, it's all my fault."
Swift's eyes welled up, and she looked timidly at Tang Long.
If it weren't for her, Tang Long would have missed this game.
"It's okay, no one wanted this to happen."
"Exactly, it's not our fault," James added in agreement.
At this moment, no one was aware of what was happening on the court.
The Grizzlies' home arena, which usually had low attendance, was packed today. All these people were bettors who had wagered on the Cavaliers. Upon seeing the starting lineup, they were stunned.
Tang Long, James, and Larry Hughes unable to play?
These angry fans immediately became agitated.
The arena had to deploy several times the usual number of security personnel to barely ensure the game could start.
Without Tang Long's presence in the paint and their star player James, the Cavaliers were at a significant disadvantage. The game turned into a showcase for Pau Gasol, who dominated both offensive and defensive rebounds and scoring, single-handedly challenging the Cavaliers' entire defense.
Ultimately, the Grizzlies won at home with a score of 105-86, ending the Cavaliers' 30-game winning streak.
"Gasol is exactly the player we need."
Inside the arena, a man in a suit was on the phone.
He was an internal staff member of the Lakers.
Ever since Shaquille O'Neal left Los Angeles, the Lakers had been lacking a dominant presence in the paint. Gasol's performance in this game had clearly impressed the Lakers' scouts!