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Jabbar and Gan Guoyang didn't have much of a connection, their last off-court interaction occurred during the All-Star game.
At that time, Gan Guoyang joked, asking Jabbar, "What's the secret to a long life?"
Jabbar gave Gan Guoyang a blank look and replied, "Living before you die."
Aside from Magic Johnson, very few rookies dared to joke with Jabbar.
Even within the Lakers, whenever Jabbar walked into the locker room, everyone would fall silent, make way for him, and keep their distance from his locker.
It wasn't out of neglect but respect, giving an old lion space and quiet.
Gan Guoyang was boisterous and fierce on the court, almost wearing out Jabbar's old bones during the regular season.
But off the court, he was casual and peaceful. He wasn't like most young Black players, all loud and boisterous, nor did he have the arrogance of some White people, who always look down on others with disdain.
