Jiang Lin ignored Kobe's loud calls for the ball and Odom's saliva-spraying angry rants. Instead, he made a gesture that stunned the players on the court: he tugged at his jersey.
While fans might not understand, the players knew this was Kobe's signature move, a signal for isolation plays. Kobe would often bite his jersey to indicate he wanted to go one-on-one, a tactic unchanged since the days of the Zen Master.
But...
Kobe could use it, but how could a rookie who had been with the Lakers for only 10 days dare to use it???
Kobe paused, then decided to stand outside the three-point line to watch Jiang Lin perform. This was an unspoken challenge to his authority!
D'Antoni was furious. With the GM and owner watching, Jiang Lin's blatant disregard for the coach's instructions essentially signaled the end of his Lakers journey.
He shouted towards the bench, "Blake, sub in at the next dead ball! Replace JIANG!"
The opponents understood the tactic too and were bewildered. Battier thought Chinese players were obedient. This one was defying his coach!
LeBron James, intrigued, lowered his center of gravity and smiled his trademark smile, "Come on!"
"OK! I always deliver."
Jiang Lin finally felt the right vibe. One-on-one, real men settle it with a duel!
Streetball had no fear. The stronger the opponent, the more determined he was to beat them!
For him, this was more than just a move; this could determine his career. He knew if he missed or passed the ball under pressure, he'd be benched and no NBA team would look at him again.
One shot to decide his fate.
The Lakers were just a stepping stone.
His goal was to let the world see him!
The NBA didn't hate isolation players; they hated players who couldn't execute isolation plays.
So this shot had to go in!! And it had to be spectacular!
As the other four Lakers stood still to watch, Jiang Lin dribbled the ball to his right hand, lowered his shoulder, and feinted a right drive.
The defense-minded LeBron didn't move.
Didn't move?
Fine, I'll make you move.
Next moment, Jiang Lin drove right, bringing the ball close to LeBron's eyes. LeBron swung his large hand, aiming to cut off the ball with speed.
This was the moment of brilliance. Jiang Lin, under pressure, executed a quick between-the-legs dribble, shifting the ball to his left hand, creating space even under contact!
He had half a body lead now. If it were someone like Metta World Peace, he'd likely charge through with his strength.
But Jiang Lin wasn't that reckless!
He paused with his left hand, seemingly waiting for LeBron, then did a quick crossover, faking a shot.
Sure enough, LeBron, fooled by the series of moves, shifted his weight forward to defend the shot.
"OK, game over!"
Then came the highlight. In a flash, Jiang Lin pulled the ball under his right leg to his right hand, performing a super low crossover almost touching the ground.
The ball's arc resembled a butterfly dancing through flowers, so wide it seemed to lift the player along.
"What is he doing?!!" Metta World Peace, standing at the right three-point line, watched in disbelief.
"Thud!"
A heavy fall!
LeBron, losing his balance, stumbled, his feet tangled like pretzels, and fell right in front of Jiang Lin.
It happened when Jiang Lin's left crossover made LeBron's right foot slide left, then instantly changed direction to the right, passing right in front of LeBron. LeBron's left foot slid right to block, causing his ankles to collide due to inertia, making him fall heavily on his butt!
Ankle-breaker, butterfly through flowers!!
LeBron was down!
Before the fans could cheer, Jiang Lin powerfully dribbled past the fallen LeBron. Heat center Chris Andersen, pulled to the corner by Jordan Hill, couldn't help in time.
So Jiang Lin had a clear path, driving right and leaping into the lane.
With a powerful rise, like a butterfly soaring high, he finished with a one-handed slam!
Wow...
Metta World Peace's jaw dropped. What just happened!!
Wade on the Heat bench rubbed his eyes. Did that undrafted rookie just break LeBron's ankles??
Indeed, LeBron was just getting up from the floor, looking quite disheveled...