As the sponsor of the slam dunk contest, Coca-Cola is also eagerly anticipating Paul and James teaming up to "revive" the dying slam dunk contest.

Without a doubt.

This is definitely the greatest pressure James has faced since entering the league.

Because compared to the past, when he only had to deal with fans hoping he would participate in the slam dunk contest, now the whole world hopes...

He can participate in that damn slam dunk contest.

Even within James' own team, opinions were divided on this matter.

Maverick Carter, who studied sports marketing at Nike, said, "I think Brown① should participate. This year's slam dunk contest is getting unprecedented attention.

Moreover, a great competition in the slam dunk contest can also make people temporarily forget about the Messiah's previous performance on the court... In short, it's a great opportunity."

(①: Brown, James' nickname)

Randy Mims, who is responsible for managing James' personal affairs, said, "You don't understand that bastard who just sees Brown as a stepping stone. He never fights battles he's not confident in.

If Brown rashly participates, he will definitely become that bastard's... In short, I think we should handle this year's slam dunk contest the way we did before."

Seeing this, and feeling that Qin Yue had once again stabbed him in the back, James immediately turned his gaze to Rich Paul: "Do you think I should participate in this year's slam dunk contest?"

Upon hearing this, Rich Paul, who had studied under famous agent Leon Rose, analyzed for James: "We have to consider this from both short-term and long-term interests."

After pausing for a moment, Paul said, "In terms of short-term interests, choosing to participate in this year's slam dunk contest is undoubtedly a good thing.

Nike's upper management intends to make this slam dunk contest a great competition... So, whether or not Brown wins, this great competition can make people temporarily forget the previous battle between the Knights and the Warriors."

"What about the long term?" James asked, furrowing his brow.

"From a long-term perspective, if Brown cannot achieve accomplishments on the court that surpass the Messiah in the future...

Then this slam dunk contest will, as Randy said, become another stepping stone to help the Messiah climb higher."

After listening to Rich Paul's analysis, James said, "What do you think I should choose now?"

Paul replied, "I think you should participate in this year's slam dunk contest."

At this moment, there were many reasons why Rich Paul suggested James participate in the slam dunk contest.

But most importantly...

Because Qin Yue unexpectedly became a flagbearer for the NBA in just his second season, and he had previously disrupted James—the Chosen One—with a public punishment, causing his throne to become shaky...

Rich Paul believed that James must prove his determination through a great competition to the world.

"The NBA is a long marathon. Maybe the Messiah is currently leading, but compared to his current lead, people are clearly more concerned about whether Brown has the determination to compete with the Messiah.

We all know that the Messiah never fights battles he's not confident in, but there's still a whole month until the slam dunk contest.

As long as we prepare carefully, even if we ultimately lose, the fans will still see a king who dares to draw his sword against that giant in the face of adversity."

A king who dares to draw his sword against that giant in the face of adversity—in Rich Paul's description, James suddenly realized that in the current league, where no one can stop Qin Yue's sharpness...

This scene touched his heart.

James knew very well that Qin Yue was just the Messiah of the Bay Area.

In fact, to the other 29 teams in the league, how is he any different from that world-destroying Satan?

If I draw my sword at this time...

James believed that even if he ultimately became a tragic hero...

He could still become the only Chosen One to dare to wield his sword against the devil Satan in this great competition.

"I've decided to participate in this year's slam dunk contest."

In his previous life, LeBron James's determination had undoubtedly been underestimated by the outside world—if James really lacked determination, how could he have scored more than 40,000 points in Qin Yue's memory? And continually reminded the world that he is the 21st century NBA "GOAT"?

Moreover, James is by no means a player who cannot accept failure.

But his failure must be "great," it must align with his interests.

Since Qin Yue is already unstoppable, as long as he can gain the part of the interests he desires, why would James fear competing with Qin Yue at the Las Vegas All-Star Weekend?

Just like what James said to him before Qin Yue started his NBA career.

To achieve one's dreams in life, one must continuously strive for them—this philosophy James had acquired from the front pages of a book had long taught him...

As long as "reading" allows him to become a young man rich in philosophy and well-read in the public eye, he does not need to repeatedly ponder those classics.

...

"After leading the Knights to a 97-90 victory over the Bulls, LeBron James has decided to participate in this year's slam dunk contest. In an interview, LeBron stated: You know, my dunks are more suited for actual games rather than performances, but as a skilled dunker, I have to choose to compete.

Additionally, when asked if he was confident about winning the slam dunk contest, LeBron confessed: I know my good friend is fully prepared for this. But life and basketball are like this—you can't always be fully prepared before taking on a challenge.

Finally, when discussing how he would handle failure if he didn't win, LeBron said: I never fear failure because each time after failing, I become stronger."—The Cleveland Plain Dealer

"After both the Messiah and LeBron decided to participate in this year's slam dunk contest, the upcoming Las Vegas All-Star Weekend has undoubtedly become the focus of the basketball world. However, before the All-Star Weekend arrives, we also need to pay attention to the recent trade completed by the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers.

After a complete fallout with the 76ers management, Allen Iverson will now don the Knicks jersey.

Stephon Marbury and Channing Frye will report to Philadelphia."—ESPN News

"Upon hearing that LeBron James would participate in this year's slam dunk contest, the Messiah, in an interview, stated his stance remains unchanged. He hopes more skilled dunkers will enter and compete for the runner-up this year."—The San Francisco Chronicle

...

PS: Bringing you a medium chapter with 5000 words, begging for subscriptions and monthly tickets!

(Who would have thought that real-world trades could be so exciting, just that compared to trades needing logical coherence in novels, what is the underlying logic in the trade between Thick Eyebrow and Doncic? Is it because James is about to retire, or is he preparing to make Decision Four?)

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