"Why don't you come to the Portland Trail Blazers? Like Charles did."
"Come on, I'll never go to the Portland Trail Blazers, never! Besides, I really can't find a reason to make a comeback."
"How can there be no reason? My retirement is the best reason for you to return, with no old tiger in the mountain, you can reign as the king."
"Forget it, with you gone, I have even less reason to come back, Sonny."
After Jordan finished speaking, both fell into a bit of nostalgia.
They left the VIP box together, and Jordan escorted Gan Guoyang to the team's locker room.
"I want to see Larry, did he come? Haven't mocked him in a while."
"Larry travels for every away game, this guy has a bad heart, watch your words."
In the Trail Blazers' away locker room, Jordan's arrival stirred a bit of commotion.
Although Jordan and the Bulls were often defeated by the Trail Blazers, the Blazers players knew the victory belonged to the Trail Blazers and Ah Gan, but Jordan wasn't necessarily the loser.
Everyone respected him, admired him, and each one stood up, shook his hand to greet him, and said hello.
Only one person didn't greet him, it was Kobe, shaking Jordan's hand he said, "I can beat you one-on-one."
Jordan looked surprised, and Bird said, "It might be possible, you haven't played for two years."
After saying that, both laughed heartily, yet Kobe remained serious, muttering "I'm not joking."
Whether joking or not, this season his fighting spirit and skills truly have been climbing steadily.
In recent month's games, he has become the team's consistent second-leading scorer, sometimes even the top scorer.
Moreover, his defensive contributions are increasing, especially as Gan Guoyang's defense gradually relaxes, energetic and vigorous Kobe, along with Little O'Neal and Ben Wallace, is taking on the bulk of defensive duties.
Leaving the Trail Blazers locker room, Jordan said with emotion, "Youth is great, your team's young players are really good."
Jordan was expressing this feeling, the Trail Blazers have put together a young trio forming a core, destined to be a Western Conference powerhouse for many years, it's undeniably impressive.
Much like when Bill Russell retired, passing the torch to John Havlicek and Dave Cowens.
In comparison, the Bulls' young talents don't look bad either, Elton Brand, Ron Artest, Corey Benjamin.
But the Bulls' record is poor, currently at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, the once-red dynasty seems gone for good.
Tonight's game was without suspense, the well-rounded Trail Blazers took an early lead and maintained their advantage throughout.
The Bulls are too young, barely in their 20s and inexperienced, while the older players like Toni Kukoc and BJ Armstrong have lost their fighting spirit.
However, during the third quarter, an unexpected incident occurred.
The Trail Blazers led the Bulls by 13 points, and during a Trail Blazers' offensive play, Gan Guoyang faked a move to break through the basket but was fouled by Ron Artest.
This was nothing unusual, Gan Guoyang had gotten used to it and prepared to shoot free throws.
Then Ron Artest started cursing offensively without warning.
In the next play, Artest isolated Gan Guoyang for an offensive showdown, but he couldn't overpower Gan Guoyang, and the ball was stolen.
With the ball, Gan Guoyang rushed for a fast break, Artest seemed infuriated and grabbed him from behind.
The two exchanged some physical shoves, and suddenly everything happened in a flash.
Gan Guoyang punched Artest down, and Artest lay on the ground, motionless.