After Su Xi once again led the team to a three-game winning streak and was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week, a certain sentiment began to form within the Cavaliers: maybe Jack was a better fit as the team’s leader.

This sentiment wasn’t just being passed around by Akabu; it was even being heard among the coaching staff.

LeBron James had to step up and quell this crisis of confidence. He had to make everyone understand that the law is decreed by the King, and without the King, the law is nothing but a worthless piece of paper.

Ever since Ricky Davis’s true intentions were revealed with that sharp stab in Orlando, James had held a grudge against Su Xi.

Then in New York, after Ricky Davis was traded, he came back on his own accord to talk to Su Xi. But Su Xi didn’t go running to James to report on the conversation and prove his loyalty. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

This made James even more upset.

When he was ejected by the referee and subsequently suspended, and public opinion was abuzz with talk of replacing him with Su Xi, Su Xi never came forward to say anything that sounded like submission. This broke James’s heart.

James felt he had treated Su Xi exceptionally well, better than he had ever treated any other player, showering him with attention and gifts. But in return, Su Xi wasn’t content to be his subordinate. He was actually listening to others’ instigation and even thinking of taking his place.

’Does he really, naively, think he can be my equal? How could the Cavaliers possibly have two primary ball-handlers?’

James decided to step up and do something about it.

He would defeat Su Xi in front of the entire team. He would show everyone just how fragile Little Sheep Su Xi was before the King—just like in their previous one-on-one matchups.

"Jack, I’ve done everything I can for you. I’ve forgiven your offenses so many times in the past. You hogged the spotlight, and I didn’t argue with you. But now, you shouldn’t be echoing the wild ambitions of someone like Ricky Davis. You shouldn’t be entertaining such fantasies."

"You weren’t like this before."

"With Cameron, you were so obedient, content to be his sidekick. Why is it that with me, you’ve become so greedy?"

James asked Su Xi in a low voice.

This was the last chance he was giving Su Xi.

He hoped Su Xi would take it, see the error of his ways, and from then on be content to become his Pippen.

’Won’t I make sure you get your share of the fame and fortune?’

Su Xi looked at James, bewildered. He never thought this was how James saw things.

’Besides, how have I ever offended you? I’m in the spotlight, so what? Why would you need to argue with me about it?’

But Su Xi had no desire to discuss any of this with James. He had already lost all interest in having a deep conversation with him.

He just said, "Melo is different from you, Ah Zhan."

"Call me King, or LeBron," James said sternly.

Su Xi laughed.

Su Xi thought James was being a bit childish, but he also found the whole situation ridiculous.

"How am I different from Cameron?" James pressed.

"Melo isn’t jealous of me, just as I’m not jealous of him. He’d celebrate all my achievements, and I’d do the same for him," Su Xi told James.

"I have no reason to be jealous of you."

James’s eyes widened. "What could I possibly be jealous of you for? Ridiculous! Absolutely ridiculous."

"Come on then, Little Sheep Su Xi, the one with such high hopes placed on him. Let’s play. You can have the ball first."

James said magnanimously.

"Let’s play for it."

Su Xi suggested, adding, "I’m throwing scissors!"

Su Xi didn’t want to win.

So, he really did throw scissors.

But James threw scissors too.

A mocking look flickered in Su Xi’s eyes.

’So suspicious.’

Su Xi threw scissors again. James threw rock.

He got the ball.

Su Xi stood in front of him.

The matchup officially began. The surrounding players, coaching staff, and personnel formed a circle on the sidelines.

They were all intensely interested in the outcome of this duel.

Because right now, the entire media was debating who should be the leader of the Cavaliers.

Owner Gordon Gander and General Manager Jim Paxson were in their office discussing the matter. Paxson had received numerous trade inquiries—most asking about the price for Little Sheep Su Xi, with a smaller number asking about LeBron James.

It seemed everyone believed the Cavaliers couldn’t handle the conflict between their two potential-filled rookies.

"At least they haven’t had a public falling out yet. We’re not seeing the kind of irreconcilable conflict that’s happening with the Lakers..."

Jim Paxson had just finished saying this in his office when a staff member rushed in. "Bad news! LeBron and Jack are fighting!"

Huh?

The two men turned pale with shock and quickly stood up. Only then did they realize Su Xi and James were just playing one-on-one.

They both breathed a sigh of relief.

They stood at the window, looking down.

Just then, Gordon Gander asked Jim Paxson, "Who do you think will win?"

Jim shook his head. "Does it matter who wins or loses?"

It didn’t.

Not to Gordon Gander.

So, he returned to his desk and continued to review the trade offers submitted by the various teams.

...

James launched a fierce attack, his offense swift.

He unleashed his explosive power, his speed bursting forth.

He took his first step, full of anger, and Su Xi instantly felt the two super-talents within him stir restlessly.

But he managed to keep up.

At this moment, Su Xi’s Super Explosiveness was also at 96, and his Super Speed talent had reached 91.

Although there was still a gap between him and James, with an accurate read, he kept pace.

And this time, Su Xi wasn’t holding back.

He put all his strength into bodying up James. After his super-confrontation with Carl Malone, his Super Strength talent had reached 95.

Although his weight was less than James’s, his pure strength was actually a bit greater.

When they collided, James felt a bit uncomfortable.

His ball-handling wasn’t great; it wasn’t considered top-tier in the NBA.

So, he was at a slight disadvantage.

Meanwhile, Su Xi’s long arms were already quickly disrupting his dribbling rhythm, going straight for the steal.

Su Xi’s ability to steal was extremely strong.

James had no choice but to quickly gather the ball. He used his football-player-like frame to accelerate forcefully.

In that instant, Su Xi’s explosive power and speed suddenly increased.

He no longer cared if James was traveling; he gave it his all to pursue him.

One step, two steps, a hop step.

James drove to the basket and jumped for a layup, but Su Xi came from behind to interfere. He was a bit too forceful with his hand... THWACK!

The basketball missed the rim, and Su Xi quickly grabbed the rebound.

Su Xi didn’t just get the rebound; he also gained 1 point of Explosiveness and 1 point of Speed.

His Super Explosiveness talent shot up to 97, and his Super Speed talent jumped to 92.

Su Xi retreated beyond the three-point line.

James came up to defend.

Su Xi varied his rhythm back and forth. His coordination was now at 86, not much different from James’s coordination talent.

Plus, he was shorter with a lower center of gravity, and his dribbling ability was incredibly strong.

When he started cutting back and forth, James was caught off guard. He began to regret not calling for the ’three-dribble rule.’ But even with three dribbles, he wouldn’t have had an advantage. His mid-range jump shot wasn’t consistent enough to punish opponents yet.

Su Xi suddenly made a jab step.

James subconsciously took half a step back and to the left.

At that moment, Su Xi pulled up for a jump shot. His explosive power burst out at full speed. Although his vertical wasn’t high, his release was smooth... SWISH!

The three-pointer went in.

Su Xi scored the first point.

He was about to inbound the ball again.

"Loser’s ball!"

James said with a grim face.

That was exactly what Su Xi wanted. He handed the ball to James and got into his defensive stance.

Su Xi adopted a pestering defensive stance, putting a lot of pressure on James. But James, building up a head of steam, clutched the ball and forced his way past Su Xi’s side... one step, two steps, dragging an extra half-step, he jumped and completed a powerful dunk.

James was excited after scoring. He pumped his fist in celebration.

In his mind, Su Xi was celebrating too.

Because his Super Speed had increased by another point, reaching 93.

So, on the next possession, Su Xi attacked quickly. He came to a sudden stop under the basket, used an off-balance pump fake to get James to jump, switched hands, and banked the ball in with his left hand.

After that, Su Xi continued to hound James, and James continued his football-style charges. He drove to the basket, lowered his shoulder to create a sliver of space from Su Xi, and used his height to score.

In terms of raw talent, James had the advantage in height and weight, and his jumping ability was much stronger.

Paul Silas, watching from the side, saw everything clearly.

He knew James had a higher ceiling, but his ball-handling was genuinely poor at the moment, his traveling problem was serious, and if he had a post-up game, Su Xi’s defense would be much more vulnerable.

But he didn’t.

Su Xi then used a change of direction to drive to the hoop, scoring with a left-handed layup.

"Jack is getting more and more aggressive. His drives are getting faster, his first step more explosive," Carlos Boozer said to Jason Kapono. "That’s Little Sheep Su Xi for you, gets stronger the more he plays."

Soon, Su Xi scored his fourth point.

James got the ball. He had to score this basket, then get a stop, then score again to have a chance at victory.

He hadn’t expected Su Xi to be this tough, and he certainly hadn’t expected Su Xi to get stronger as the game went on.

He grew more convinced that Su Xi was a deep and terrifying schemer. ’Why did he hide his strength all those other times we played one-on-one? Was it all just to embarrass me today?’

James’s thoughts were becoming more and more extreme.

He completely forgot... that he was the one who had proposed today’s one-on-one.

In the past, he never wanted to play one-on-one in front of everyone, but today, he was the one who was desperate to assert his authority.

James once again made a ferocious drive to the inside. But this time, as he drove one step past the free-throw line, Su Xi—who had anticipated his move with perfect precision—cut him off... THUD!

He absorbed the dull, heavy impact from James.

James’s steps halted. He quickly gathered the ball.

Just as he was about to make a move, Su Xi activated his Super Pester talent... SMACK!

A sharp chop of his hand came down hard, knocking the basketball loose.

Su Xi took the ball back behind the three-point line.

James scrambled to defend, but Su Xi had already jumped and released his shot... SWISH!

It’s good.

A three!

5-3.

Su Xi was the first to make five baskets.

The Law had defeated the King.

And with that, Su Xi’s Super Explosiveness talent reached 98, and his Super Speed talent hit 94.

Su Xi had gained unprecedented ’power’ from the angry King.

"You fouled me."

James told Su Xi, "But I don’t feel like playing with you anymore."

Su Xi spread his hands. "Whatever you say. But tonight’s game—I’m going to win it."

Tonight, the Cavaliers would face the number one team in the East, the Indiana Pacers.

...