"Furthermore, you've ruined such a big business for them, they definitely won't let you go. Your safety will also be an issue. I don't recommend you report it now."
"I'm not afraid!"
Although Lin Xiaotian's cheeks still carried a youthful innocence, his gaze was firm and shone brightly.
When he set out to gather this information, he had already considered this possibility, but his professional duty had made him forget the danger.
"Since you've come to me, I can't let this happen."
Tang Long patted Lin Xiaotian on the shoulder.
"Here's what you do: take the materials and find these two people. While your report might not attract as much traffic, your safety will at least be guaranteed, and you'll earn some respect at the station."
Lin Xiaotian looked at Tang Long with confusion.
Tang Long didn't rush to explain, but instead wrote down two phone numbers for Lin Xiaotian.
"This is the number for Commissioner Stern of the league, and the other is for Mr. William, the owner of an institution that's been around for a hundred years. Go find these two people. They'll handle this matter and tell you what can and cannot be reported. This way, your safety will also be assured!"
Lin Xiaotian didn't reach out to take the numbers, instead, he stared at Tang Long.
"This is the United States. If these people don't want certain things to appear in the newspapers, then the report won't be published. Instead of making a futile sacrifice, it's better to grow yourself first."
"Once you establish yourself at the station, and even win a Pulitzer Prize, the station will naturally support you, and you'll be able to report on relevant content. Otherwise, your news piece won't even make it to print; it'll be rejected by the editor-in-chief the moment it's submitted!"
"Okay, I understand. Thank you, Tang Long."
This time, Lin Xiaotian didn't refuse and accepted Tang Long's kindness.
"In that case, you mentioned someone was watching you, right? I'll find someone to escort you to see Stern."
Tang Long picked up the hotel phone and spoke briefly. Soon after, two bodyguards in suits, wearing earpieces, appeared at the hotel entrance.
At the same time, Tang Long's phone rang.
"Tang, the men you requested have been dispatched. They are our company's most capable security personnel."
"Thanks, boss. I promise, when I jump ship, I'll bring back a hefty transfer fee for you."
"Damn it, I don't believe anyone can offer a higher salary than me! Tang, you scoundrel, you're going to retire in Cleveland!"
Gilbert didn't ask Tang Long why he needed two security guards. The moment he received Tang Long's call, he immediately dispatched the men.
These two guys were clearly also Cavaliers fans.
They were very excited to see Tang Long, but their high level of professionalism kept them restrained.
"Hey, guys, please protect him for me. When you get back, I'll treat you all to a team dinner for the NBA Finals in Cleveland."
The eyes of the two bodyguards grew even more eager.
Tang Long's powerful aura told them that the Cavaliers had to make it to the NBA Finals this year.
If the Cavaliers could win the championship this year, it would be the first time they would lift the O'Brien Cup in the league!
After seeing Lin Xiaotian out of the room, Tang Long went to LeBron's room. The two of them conferred for a while, then summoned their teammates to Mike Brown's room.
Soon, everyone knew that someone did not want the Cavaliers to win this game.
As everyone was buzzing with strategies, Tang Long received a call from Stern.
He had initially planned to step out to take the call, but when Stern heard that Tang Long and the other players were in a meeting to strategize, he asked Tang Long to put the call on speakerphone.
"Tang, you handled this very well. Also, everyone doesn't need to worry. The league has already started investigating this game, and the original officiating crew will be replaced."
"Additionally, the league will dispatch investigators to the game venue. Please rest assured, the league has a zero-tolerance policy for such matters!"
Stern's words immediately brought relief to the entire Cavaliers team.
As long as they played a legitimate game without the distraction of off-court factors, sweeping the Magic 4-0 would be a piece of cake.
"Tang, the league owes you a favor. If you have time after the game, you can come to New York, and I'll treat you to a meal."
Hearing Stern say this, the Cavaliers players all felt a pang of envy and started clamoring for Tang Long to treat them.
Tang Long naturally did not refuse, which further strengthened the team's camaraderie.
In the locker room, Tang Long almost enjoyed the same treatment as LeBron.
With a harmonious atmosphere, the Cavaliers headed to the Amway Center for the fourth game against the Magic!
Because the officiating crew had been replaced before the game, and some unidentified league staff had been present, the keen reporters smelled something unusual.
However, the entire Cavaliers team remained tight-lipped, and the reporters couldn't get anything out of them, so they could only ask pre-prepared questions.
From the beginning of the game, the Cavaliers disrupted the Magic's rhythm, and Lewis's shooting percentage was abysmal.
He scored ten points in the entire game, shooting 5-of-14 from the field, and missing all four of his three-point attempts.
By the end of the first two quarters, Tang Long already had 20 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 blocks.
LeBron also scored a game-high 40 points in this game!
4-0, the Cavaliers swept the Magic with ease and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals!
Meanwhile, the Celtics encountered the increasingly formidable Pistons.
Chauncey Billups scored 28 points individually, while Wallace and Prince each contributed 17 points. With their outstanding performances, the Pistons tied the Celtics at 2-2.
This meant that the Celtics would need at least two more games to defeat the Pistons, but the Pistons had played exceptionally well in both home games.
The final spot for the Eastern Conference was deviating somewhat from people's predictions.
The Western Conference was also quite dramatic. After the Hornets defeated the Spurs at home 2-0, they were given the same treatment back in San Antonio, and the series was tied at 2-2.
The Lakers also lost two away games to the Jazz after leading by two games, and the series was also tied at 2-2.
Among the eight teams in the playoffs, only the Cavaliers had swept their opponent 4-0, giving them an advantage in terms of player stamina.
The continuous victories in the playoffs also earned Tang Long a large number of points. Apart from exchanging two bottles of stamina-replenishing potions last time, Tang Long had been saving his points during this period.
He had originally planned to exchange for some items, but when Mike Brown gave the team a day off, Tang Long received a call from Guo Qiang.
Since the Cavaliers had already advanced, the team would be resting. Guo Qiang invited Tang Long to Salt Lake City to watch the Lakers' game and to meet his teammate Sun Yue.
Tang Long thought about it and agreed.
Firstly, it was to meet his national teammates. Secondly, if the Cavaliers were to advance to the NBA Finals, their opponent would likely be the Lakers.
Having more knowledge of the Lakers now would make the game easier.