589 Fighting For His Dignity (1/2)

After Osef had one successful experience in overcoming his drug cravings, a second and a third soon followed.

A basketball player who could become a famous player in the NBA naturally had strong willpower. Without it, he wouldn't have able to gain a foothold in the NBA. The more he resisted his cravings, the easier it became to do so.

More importantly, Osef could not buy drugs in Los Angeles. The Mexican drug dealers took Dai Li's money and said that they would not sell to Osef. The drug dealers in Los Angeles couldn't risk offending suppliers just so they could sell to one buyer. In addition, Osef was a celebrity. He almost died as a result of an overdose. If Osef really died, the dealer who sold him the drugs would get into trouble.

Osef was forced to detoxify because he couldn't buy drugs. After going through several days of painful withdrawal and all-day training, his physical condition improved.

In the training room, Dai Li walked over to Osef. He saw he was drenched in sweat and said, ”You look very good. If you stick to it, you will be able to play on the courts again in a few months.”

”I hope so.” Osef stopped working out and said, ”In fact, I already planned to go overseas. I asked my agent to contact European teams. I don't know if the European league is willing to take me in. If Europe doesn't want me, then I can only go to Asia. Coach Li, if I go to China to play, I will need your recommendation.”

”Go to China? Why don't you return to the NBA? That's the place you belong,” Dai Li said.

Osef sighed helplessly. ”I have a bad record there. I don't think any NBA team would take in someone as useless as me.”

”That may not be the case.” Dai Li smiled and said, ”If you can really get back to your previous condition you'll be fine. No, that's not true. As long as you can get back 70% of your previous condition, you can stay in Los Angeles.”

”Do you mean to get me back on the Lakers?” asked Osef subconsciously. He shook his head. ”Impossible, the Lakers won't want me anymore.”

”The Lakers aren't the only team in Los Angeles. Don't forget the Clippers; their head coach is standing right in front of you,” Dai Li replied with a smile.

Osef was stupefied. He suddenly remembered Dai Li's other job. Osef asked, ”Coach Li, are you making a joke?”

”No.” Dai Li became solemn. ”We really need to strengthen our frontline. I can give you this opportunity, but only if you work hard. You have to start over, like a rookie. Perform well to get a contract for yourself. The contract that you get is likely to be an unguaranteed one!”

...

The NBA offseason began and rumors of various trades were flying around. The players were looking for better teams and teams began to strengthen their manpower.

Every reporter began to try to get the latest scope, hoping to get first-hand information on player signings.

Some reporters noticed that Osef was training at Dai Li's center.

In truth, most reporters normally don't pay attention to ex-stars like Osef; however, his socialite wife was high profile. Every so often, she would make the news. Osef was dragged into the news by association. This news wasn't positive. Most of the time they made fun of him going bald.

...

Dai Li attended the Clippers' media meeting in person.

After the reporters asked a few questions about the summer league, a reporter finally asked about Osef.

”Coach Li, I heard that Osef is training at your center. Is he really planning to make a comeback?” A reporter asked.

”Please don't ask questions not related to the team.” The M.C. immediately stopped the reporter's question.

Dai Li made a gesture signaling that it was okay, picked up the microphone and replied. ”Osef announced his comeback at the end of the last regular season. There were media reports at the time. This shouldn't be considered news, right?”

”Is Osef planning to join the Clippers?” The reporter then asked.

”Why would you think that? Did Osef tell you?” Dai Li asked with a smile. He guessed that Osef had leaked the news.

”I am very sorry Coach Li. This was just my own guess. After all, Osef is training in your center; you are the head coach of the Clippers,” the reporter replied.

”The center is my personal business and does not involve my work in the Clippers. It does not affect my ability to carry out my duties as head coach. I have always separated my private and public businesses.” After he said this, he deliberately made a thoughtful expression. After thinking for a few seconds, he replied, ”But what you said reminded me that the Clippers' frontline really needs to be strengthened. If Osef recovers, I will advise our management to give him a contract.”

...

The next day, various headlines appeared on all forms of media.

”The best sixth man will return with the Clippers!”

”The Clippers are interested in signing with Osef!”