Cleveland, in the team's conference room.
The big screen was showing a game between the Lakers and the Spurs.
It was a game played in Los Angeles on the same day the Cavaliers played the Bucks.
Kobe Bryant scored 43 points in this game, leading his team to victory.
The Cavaliers coaching staff always held a tactical analysis meeting for the players the day before a game.
Studying game footage of the opponent, or rather, studying Kobe Bryant, was the key issue the Cavaliers needed to address: how to limit Kobe's performance.
"Watch closely! Old Fish's defense is excellent, especially his exaggerated strength. Larry Hughes, you need to minimize one-on-one drives; your success rate will be very low!"
Larry Hughes nodded upon hearing this. If Mike Brown hadn't said it, he wouldn't have sought trouble.
In an earlier game against the Lakers, Larry Hughes had tried to drive against Old Fish.
It felt like being stuck with glue; he couldn't push through at all.
"I won't say much more about Kobe. Just try to defend. If you see an opportunity, you can double-team. I'll leave the help defense in the paint to Tang!"
Mike Brown pointed at the big screen and continued his analysis.
"The Lakers' small forward, Walton, is their weakness, and he matches up against our strength. If there's an opportunity in the game, you can go for one-on-one plays, but be mindful of your energy expenditure."
LeBron James nodded upon hearing this.
"The power forward position is also difficult to handle. Odom is known for being a versatile player, and it's hard to limit him on defense."
"Drew Gooden, try to limit his mid-range jump shots. Force him to take shots from beyond the three-point line or near the basket. His shooting percentage from three-point range isn't high, and with Tang providing help defense at the basket, he's quite imposing!"
"As for the center, Bynum, I won't say much more. Tang loves playing against players who only have physical ability but lack interior skills."
Everyone burst into laughter. Howard was once again inadvertently dragged into the discussion.
"Alright, everyone get back and rest early. Prepare well for tomorrow's game against the Lakers!"
Seeing that the analysis was almost complete, Mike Brown dismissed the players.
On the eve of the game, the NBA official media released the Player of the Month for November.
"After careful comparison by professionals and staff, we have selected the Player of the Month for November!"
"He is LeBron James from the Cleveland Cavaliers. In November, he averaged a comprehensive stat line of 29.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, fully deserving of this month's Player of the Month honor!"
"The Cavaliers' record this month was also excellent. They achieved a 9-4 record, ranking second for the month. The first place went to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference, but they did not have any particularly outstanding players."
"Furthermore, the Cleveland Cavaliers' record will only improve. They are currently on a thirteen-game winning streak, and a good team record will add points to LeBron's standing!"
"The player ranked second is Kobe Bryant from the Lakers. This month he averaged 31.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, with equally comprehensive statistics. Unfortunately, the Lakers' record this month was only 7-6, which significantly lowered Kobe's monthly score."
"The most surprising player is ranked third, and he is also from the Cleveland Cavaliers, China Tang!"
"As a player from the Dragon Country who emerged in the mid-to-late November, he has managed to rank in the top three. If he can maintain this form, he will undoubtedly win next month's Player of the Month. We look forward to his outstanding performance!"
"At the same time, the Coach of the Month also comes from the Cleveland Cavaliers, it is Coach Mike Brown. The Cavaliers have almost monopolized all of this month's honors!"
"Let's look forward to their upcoming performances!"
At this moment, the Cavaliers' official team also announced a historic moment for the Cavaliers.
"LeBron and China Tang have led the Cavaliers to a team-record thirteen-game winning streak! The record is still ongoing, and we anticipate the arrival of even greater records!"
The league sent a trophy to Cleveland the day before the game. Although it wasn't a major award, it still had a sense of ceremony.
LeBron already had countless such honors and casually placed the trophy aside.
This made other Cavaliers players envious. Players like Larry Hughes had not yet had the chance to receive such an honor!
As a result, LeBron didn't care at all; he had received so many he was numb to them!
Head coach Mike Brown also didn't take his Coach of the Month award too seriously. A person dedicated to becoming a championship coach wouldn't care about such minor accolades, would they?
After this small interlude, the Cavaliers finally arrived in Los Angeles.
Traveling to the Staples Center to challenge the current number one player in the league.
Although the game was scheduled for 8 PM local time, it was already packed before 7 PM.
One must remember that this was Los Angeles, the City of Angels!
One of the most prosperous cities in the United States!
It was home to top stars from all over the world, the Hollywood Dream Factory, and countless beautiful women and nightclubs.
This made countless star players linger here, indulging in extravagance.
You could become famous overnight here, noticed by numerous teams.
You could also spend all your money in one night, going from a rich playboy to a pauper.
And you could also meet charming beauties and live a life of decadent revelry in one night.
Tang Long had been to Los Angeles many times, but this was the first time he had garnered such high attention.
Before, he was just an unnoticed bench warmer, not to be noticed by anyone.
But now it was different. When he appeared in the player tunnel, all the reporters called out to interview Tang Long.
Tang Long naturally wouldn't refuse; it would increase his exposure, so why not?
"Tang, are you interested in joining the Lakers? They have the best backcourt in the league. You could become the next Shaq and help Kobe win a championship!"
Tang Long frowned and said slowly, "I'm sorry! I just signed a big contract with the Cavaliers and won't be considering a trade for now. Besides, I don't like being a second fiddle! I can play brotherly basketball, but supporting someone like that won't be in my vocabulary."
Saying this, he was about to leave but was forcefully stopped by a reporter.
"One last question, facing the number one player in the league, do you think the Cavaliers can continue their winning streak?"
Another very provocative question.
"Even if you made Jordan ten years younger and brought the Bulls before me, I would still believe the Cavaliers could win."
This time, Tang Long walked away without looking back.
Little did Tang Long know that he would soon be branded by the media for disrespecting his elders.
[Tang Looks Down on the 96 Bulls, Believes He Can Defeat the Strongest Team in History!]
[Shows No Respect to the League's Number One Player, Claims He Would Make Kobe Support Him if He Joined the Lakers!]
[Arrogant Youngster About to Be Humiliated!]
[Tang Claims He Can Defeat Kobe, Utterly Overconfident!]
Tang Long, who was warming up, was unaware of these headlines. He was fully focused, waiting to prove himself on the court and continue leading the Cavaliers to victory!
As for the rumors, they would be self-defeating!