Tang Long felt as if he had entered the system's world, with a dazzling array of goods presented before his eyes.
Of course, everything was related to basketball.
The cabinets on the left were filled with jerseys, each bearing different teams and names.
The most prominent was LeBron James's jersey, priced at 200 points.
The display card above the jersey detailed the buffs it provided.
[Wearing LeBron James's jersey grants +5 Speed, +5 Strength. Can use the 'Bull Rush Layup' three times per game!]
Bull Rush Layup!
It was almost James's signature finishing move!
Leveraging his incredible physical prowess, he would simply overpower defenders and force his way to the basket!
While Tang Long had fused with Murasakibara Atsushi and possessed explosive physical abilities, his strength was more in low-post dominance and static confrontation.
James, on the other hand, excelled in dynamic physical contests, which perfectly complemented Tang Long's current self.
Tang Long couldn't help but feel tempted and continued to look.
Another LeBron James jersey appeared, this one from his time with the Lakers.
Priced at 300 points.
[Wearing the Lakers LeBron James jersey grants +5 Passing, +5 Vision. Possesses 'God's Eye' during the game, allowing you to see the positioning of every teammate.]
Lakers era LeBron?
Tang Long's excitement surged again!
It seemed this system transcended time!
Not only could he access abilities of past and present players, but also those of future players!
This system was truly incredible!
It appeared that as long as he kept winning, he could acquire more and more skills!
Tang Long calmed his excited mood and continued to browse.
More and more jerseys appeared – Carter's death-defying dunks, McGrady's effortless pull-ups, Kobe's fadeaways…
It encompassed the signature moves of almost every star player!
However, the prices also increased accordingly.
After browsing various items for a while, Tang Long noticed a red 'X' in front of him, behind which was a counter displaying various bottles and jars.
Four large characters were written above the red 'X'.
Tier 2 Mall!
It seemed he couldn't access the Tier 2 Mall yet, and Tang Long shook his head regretfully.
These potions looked like they could provide buffs or healing, so he needed to earn points quickly.
Tang Long opened the point details again and studied them carefully.
Winning a regular-season game granted 5 points, and achieving certain stats during a game also awarded points.
For example, triple-doubles or scoring in double digits.
Facing tough opponents like the Celtics' Big Three or Kobe's Lakers would yield additional rewards.
Tang Long nodded to himself, thoroughly understanding the system's rules.
His current goal was to level up as soon as possible!
By the time Tang Long emerged from the system, news of his contract renewal with the Cavaliers was already circulating.
[Chinese Prodigy Center Tang Long Renews Contract with Cavaliers! Teaming Up with LeBron to Contend for a Championship!]
[1+1 Mid-Level Exception Contract, Total Value Sixteen Million! Cavaliers Show Respect to China Tang!]
[Tang Long's Renewal Boosts Cavaliers' Strength, Aiming for the Championship!]
[The LeBron-Tang Combination is Officially Formed!]
Most media outlets were optimistic about this pairing, given Tang Long's explosive performances in recent games!
Of course, there were also dissenting voices.
As an established NBA media outlet, FOX was not convinced by the Chinese prodigy center.
Jefferson, a well-known media personality from FOX, openly voiced his skepticism on Twitter.
"Yes, China Tang's recent performance has been impressive, but it's only been a few games. Kevin Garnett of the Celtics isn't known for his defense against such a physically imposing big man."
"As for 'Fatty' Perkins, we all know he's not exactly an elite center."
"Therefore, China Tang has never truly proven himself. A sixteen-million-dollar contract is simply too much of an overpayment!"
"I can't help but question the judgment of the Cavaliers' owner. If it were me, I wouldn't have signed such a player."
"I know China Tang is currently in the spotlight. It's fine, he'll show his true colors in the next game! The Cleveland Cavaliers will be traveling to Orlando next! Let's see how he fares against 'Superman' Howard!"
That's right, the Cavaliers would be facing the Orlando Magic on the road in their next game.
And the Magic boasted one of the league's premier centers!
Shaq was aging, and the era of the Four Big Centers had passed.
The best traditional big man now was 'Superman'!
Dwight Howard!
Without a doubt, this would be the ultimate test of Tang Long's strength!
"While I'm optimistic about Tang Long, facing Howard is another story!"
"Everyone knows Howard's game is raw. If you want to go head-to-head physically, you'd better pray Shaq is in his prime!"
"Howard isn't Perkins. I can't imagine anyone being able to dominate him!"
After Jefferson's inflammatory remarks, the online sentiment quickly shifted.
It was unavoidable, considering Tang Long's next opponent was the prime 'Superman'!
...
Inside the Cavaliers' training facility.
The Cavaliers players, about to start their practice, gathered around Tang Long, looking at him with concern.
They were all aware of the upcoming schedule and had heard the media's taunts.
Undeniably, the Magic were a team that the Cavaliers struggled against.
LeBron James in his 'Point Forward' era, hadn't developed his excellent shooting and passing yet, with most of his scoring coming from fast breaks and drives.
Therefore, he was vulnerable to dominant centers of this caliber.
Drew Gooden was completely outmatched by Howard, making the Magic a persistent thorn in the Cavaliers' side.
However, the players were more concerned about Tang Long.
He had just renewed his contract, and now he was facing such a formidable opponent.
And as a young man of twenty, facing such media criticism, they worried about whether Tang Long could handle the pressure.
"Tang, you're facing the Magic next. Relax, don't let the media get to you. Dwight is just another player!"
LeBron James was the first to offer words of comfort, concerned that Tang Long might be psychologically affected.
However, when Tang Long turned around, LeBron noticed a happy smile on his face.
This kid?
Had he lost his mind?
Why was he suddenly grinning foolishly?
Tang Long casually waved his hand and told LeBron and the others, "Don't worry about me, I'm doing great!"
Of course, he was happy. This was a golden opportunity to earn points!
Facing an opponent like Howard, the system would surely grant more point rewards.
This way, he could purchase items from the point mall even faster!
He really longed to wear those jerseys!
LeBron frowned, looking at the peculiar Tang Long.
But then again, this kid was always a bit eccentric, so he decided to assume he was truly fine.
"Don't worry, everyone! I'm really okay! I have no psychological burden at all!"
Tang Long saw everyone still observing him and waved his hands helplessly.
"As for Howard, that guy... just dominate him!"