Kupchek immediately, after urgent communication with Jerry Buss, matched the King's offer with lightning speed.
"Mickey, don't worry about the luxury tax. As long as we can win the championship in the new season, I'll pay any luxury tax!"
By keeping Ellis, the super sixth man, the Lakers showcased their determination to compete for the championship to the world.
In Cleveland, upon learning that Qin Yue was out for the season, James, who initially thought it was a joke, immediately became excited.
Although on the surface, James expressed regret for Qin Yue in an interview: "You know, none of us want to see him get hurt. We hope he can pull through."
But privately, feeling divinely assisted, James immediately had Rich Paul, who had officially become his agent, press the Cavaliers management.
"I knew he would get injured," James said. "Who told him to play so recklessly?"
Before the regular season began, the Cavaliers made two trades.
