"Aix, you’re amazing!"

"Will you become the All-Star voting king like Hill?"

"You’re definitely going to be an All-Star starter, right?"

"Look outside, so many fans are cheering for you!"

"Can you react a little? You’re going to be an All-Star starter!"

Pierce was originally excited, but Zhang Hao’s indifferent face made his enthusiasm plummet.

Sitting behind them, Aprile Clark and Pierce’s mom saw Pierce’s chatty demeanor and couldn’t help but laugh.

Just as Pierce was gathering himself to find a new topic, he heard a familiar yet strange voice.

"Oh, boy, you’re the super talented forward Aix talked about? Quite sturdy."

Pierce turned his head; the speaker was the Magician! This legendary superstar had moved to the seat next to him across the aisle!

The usually talkative and confident Pierce suddenly became shy and stammered, "Hello, I... I... I’m Pa... no, it’s Paul Pierce, I’m your devoted fan..."

"Haha, no need to be nervous. As my fan, keep your confidence! I’ve watched your college games, really impressive. I heard from James that Aix is learning post moves from you..."

James? Worthy!

Pierce recalled that morning, when he followed Zhang Hao to the Time Warner Arena early and saw Zhang Hao practicing defensive switches under the guidance of James Worthy, feeling envious and jealous!

Pierce is quite showy now. After the holiday, he attends every Lakers home game, because someone’s giving him tickets...

He can clearly see Zhang Hao’s defensive improvements recently! Not perfect, sometimes still a black hole, but the progress is visible!

Coming back to his senses, Pierce found the Magician had finished speaking and quickly responded, "We exchange ideas. James teaching Aix is real teaching, I’m not worthy..."

The Magician laughed and shook his head, "Aix doesn’t flatter anyone on such matters; I told you, be confident! That’s how you get a chance to become a Lakers player."

Hearing praise from an idol, especially knowing you do have some skill, that feeling is indescribable.

Occasionally, stars get inspired to chat with younger players, and today the Magician was inspired, making Pierce feel moved...

Pierce vowed! One day, he will help the Lakers win a championship and become a team-soul level player like the Magician!

"Come, let me introduce our team players to you... Guys, come, see the genius!"

Pierce heard this, sprang up, straightened up; his face turned dark red, flushed, stood firmly, his solid lower limb strength kept him steady, not like standing on a moving vehicle...

The Lakers players had noticed this college student sitting on the sidelines in recent games, recognized Zhang Hao’s suspected girlfriend Aprile Clark, and Zhang Hao’s old landlady, knowing them since they often appeared.

Being home team fans and seeing the new core as a close friend, Lakers players gave face and introduced themselves.

The Magician saw Pierce was very reserved, so he didn’t remain nearby, instead moving to the back row.

Thinking made the Magician a bit frustrated; after his return, he always sat next to Zhang Hao, and teammates got used to it. Now, sitting in the last row, nobody sat near him, not because of fear of his illness, just out of habit...

With the Magician away at the backrow relaxing, Pierce became less reserved; he considered himself definitely not worse than anyone besides the Magician in the future, including Zhang Hao, still aiming to surpass him again. He actively started conversations and quickly opened up with the Lakers players.

The topic was simple — All-Star voting.

The Lakers players also chatted about Zhang Hao potentially becoming their first All-Star starter in three seasons, quickly getting lively.

Even players unlikely to become All-Stars aren’t uninterested in the All-Star game; as basketball players, most NBA players love basketball, enjoy exciting matches, and love watching star duels. The All-Star weekend, although not of actual significance, is absolutely an attractive event with the top talents performing.

Besides Zhang Hao, the Lakers have another star potentially making the All-Star starters: Magic Johnson.

Since the Magician returned earlier than expected, before All-Star voting started, his return significantly improved the Lakers’ performance, especially after Sibaros was traded. He assisted Zhang Hao in delivering better performances, and personally performed well, averaging 13.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists across 10 games, ranking fourth in team scoring, behind Zhang Hao, Van Exel, and newcomer Doug Chris, not counting the departed Sibaros.

Currently, the Magician ranks fourth among Western Conference guards with 360,000 votes. Ahead are Drexler, Kidd, and Stockton, not far behind Stockton and Kidd, with Kidd at 410,000 votes, Stockton at 390,000 votes, indeed having a chance.

Teammates are used to Zhang Hao’s indifference; having repeatedly clinched victories over Jordan with little reaction, they believe even if he were to become an All-Star starter, he might not care.