One Year Left to Play-Chapter 336 - 107: Sorry, I’m Not the Center You Want

Originally, for home games, players could usually ask the team for two tickets. Of course, not everyone would ask for them, as family and friends don’t attend every game. For example, Sibaros’s wife seldom comes to the games.

Zhang Hao initially intended to get tickets for Aprile Clark and Mrs. Pierce. Both are Lakers fans and usually don’t spend money on tickets; if they do, they buy stand tickets. However, they don’t always attend.

Mrs. Pierce has apartment chores to do, so she doesn’t have the time to come. Aprile Clark has classes the next day, so if she can’t come back to the villa with Zhang Hao to spend the night, they won’t come either.

But today, Zhang Hao needed a third ticket.

He initially planned to buy one, but today someone asked him for a ticket. Apparently, this person didn’t know that his two tickets had already been given away, so he decided to buy one himself.

After finishing the call, Zhang Hao returned to the cafe.

"Xiaotiantian, whenever you’re free tomorrow, just come find me at the Great Western Forum, and I’ll give you the ticket."

"Daboswit?"

"Uh..." Zhang Hao didn’t expect to blurt out the English translation of "Xiaotiantian," which he had been pondering over during his free time the day before.

Seeing Britney’s puzzled look, Zhang Hao nervously explained, "When I see you smile, it feels as sweet as candy—like a double dose."

"So that’s what it means..." Britney realized, since lots of people have commented on her sweet smile since she was little...

But hearing Zhang Hao use the nickname so directly made her blush instantly.

"Ahem," Zhang Hao quickly changed the subject: "I remember seeing you with your former teammates at a game before. Why aren’t they here this time?"

This topic switch was abrupt but necessary, and Britney replied swiftly, "That was a reunion of our group after a few years, so we decided to come to the game. Actually, I attended Inglewood Middle School and worked at Disney at that time. I watched your games."

"I see..."

"This time, I planned to buy a ticket myself to watch your game, but I haven’t earned enough money. I can’t afford the front-row seats, and if I buy back seats, you might not even see me."

"Didn’t you just shoot a commercial? Wasn’t the fee enough to buy game tickets?"

"My ad fee was only 500 bucks, and I wanted to see your game yesterday, but since Hill came, the ticket prices were too high—I couldn’t afford them. I didn’t want to ask my mom for money because I’m planning to study music next year, which will cost a lot."

Zhang Hao recalled Schultz’s secretary’s mention of this young girl’s singing prowess and professional demeanor in commercials... turns out it was partly due to her affordable and good looks!

Zhang Hao previously reviewed Britney’s info at Starbucks. Her father is a construction contractor, and her mother is a music teacher. They’re definitely not poor—middle class, but not excessively wealthy either. All things considered, she’s pretty sensible.

Zhang Hao encouraged, "Keep up the effort! When you grow up, I’ll come to see your concert!"

Encouraged by Zhang Hao, Britney was really happy, but the phrase "when you grow up" felt a bit heart-stabbing!

Everyone grows up eventually, so Britney diligently consoled herself. The tone Zhang Hao used seemed like he was stating something that would inevitably happen, filling her with confidence. She nodded and responded, "Aix, I will definitely work hard to become an outstanding singer!"

...

...

December 9th, 7:10 PM, Zhang Hao and his teammates entered the arena, preparing for the upcoming game against the Raptors.

After entering the court, Zhang Hao located Mrs. Pierce, Aprile Clark, and Britney sitting together. The former two and latter had no idea their tickets came from Zhang Hao, and he didn’t make it a point to disclose...

Zhang Hao waved to the three, with Mrs. Pierce enthusiastically waving and cheering, Aprile Clark smiling and waving back, while Britney, like a fangirl, didn’t draw any attention.

Due to Zhang Hao’s public image and decent basketball skills, he has a substantial fanbase within the local student community.

Others, having witnessed Zhang Hao score 40 points in the previous game, have at least improved opinions of him among the local Lakers fans.

As for media reactions, they are mixed; there’s always criticism to be found, yet Zhang Hao has started keeping an eye on these issues. Luckily, it’s fine as long as he doesn’t see it during a game—it doesn’t matter much.

Facing the Raptors, Zhang Hao originally felt no pressure.

But now he does.

Beating the Raptors isn’t challenging; they’re at the bottom of the bottom, only beaten in poor performance by the 76ers in the East, who are committed to tanking.

As a new team, the Raptors haven’t focused on team records in their initial years. Their goal is straightforward: high draft picks.

Yet outscoring Damon Stoudamire, now that’s uncertain.

Although Zhang Hao currently averages 22.06 points, he plays off the ball, making shot counts unpredictable.

Just like the future Klay Thompson’s peak seasons, news often reported his explosive scoring feats, yet he averaged slightly above 20 points because he’d often score in the teens, even single digits.

Damon Stoudamire, however, is different. Everything about the Raptors is left to him; he can play any way he wants, and his playtime exceeds 40 minutes per game.

That’s tough! Moreover, there’s the iron-willed Jerry Stackhouse to consider—he’s a force to be reckoned with.

The night before, Zhang Hao read news about Stackhouse—something triggered him into a frenzy, achieving a career-high of 37 points but requiring 35 attempts, setting the season record for most attempts.