Chapter 40: Connection.
As Han Sen waved and stepped onto the court, James stopped biting his fingernails, frowning slightly.
After the incident of switching spots in the locker room, James realized that Han Sen was not someone easily tamed. Since his debut, no one had ever dared to defy him like that.
Later, when Han Sen blocked his shot during practice, it only confirmed this further.
James was not someone who could tolerate disrespect. Just like when Ricky Davis once acted like a big shot and expected James to play second fiddle, James made him leave the team. Afterwards, the media crafted one of the biggest lies: "I thought he was here to assist me."
In fact, Davis never said that while he was with the Cavaliers. It was after he was traded to the Celtics when he said: "I thought LeBron James was a complement, someone who could help me score more. I thought we could connect well. Contrary to what people think, I really love this kid. Now playing with Paul Pierce, I'll have even more open shots."
What Davis meant wasn't important. What was important was how his words were taken out of context, hiding the fact that James had pushed Davis out.
So, after Han Sen publicly blocked him, James was already planning to have Coach Brown teach Han Sen a lesson.
But then Ilgauskas came to persuade him, explaining the pros and cons and analyzing what a top-tier 3-and-D player like Han Sen could mean for him. Ilgauskas promised Han Sen wouldn't cause any more trouble, so James dropped the idea.
However, Han Sen's bold demeanor on the court now reminded James of that statement Han Sen made when he first arrived in Cleveland about jersey number 77. It made him uncomfortable.
James believed the spotlight in Cleveland should only shine on him, and he couldn't tolerate anyone taking even a fraction of it.
But Shaquille O'Neal's reaction was quite the opposite.