On the phone, Kupchek chuckled and said, "A reporter mentioned that after the game tonight, you were having a great chat with him on the sidelines?"
Having a great chat?
If nearly getting into a fight counts as having a great chat, then in Kobe's view, he and Qin Yue indeed had a great chat.
After a pause, on the phone, Kupchek continued, "Kobe... I want to discuss something with you."
Seeing this, knowing what Kupchek wanted to say, Kobe replied, "Mickey, I won't allow the team to tank."
"But, if we could secure a higher draft pick by tanking..."
"Mickey, do you really think I don't know Lamar's abilities?
Trust me, based on Qin's current performance, even if you offer ten Lamar Odoms, they still won't agree to trade with you."
On the phone, after a long sigh, Kupchek said, "I think you're right, Kobe, I was indeed being naive before."
That night, the Lakers and Kupchek completely gave up on the plan to rebuild through Qin Yue.
Because, just as Kobe said...
