Chapter 8: NBA Youngest 30+5+5 Player！

As per tradition, after the game ended, players and coaches from both teams exchanged handshakes. The cameras focused heavily on the embraces and conversations between Curry and LeBron, and between Durant and Ingram. But then, LeBron James walked toward Tang Lei, his eyes showing a hint of surprise.

The last time LeBron had been this impressed by an Asian player was Yao Ming. Unfortunately, due to injuries, Yao had retired early.

"Your three-point shot is insane, man" LeBron complimented.

If it hadn't been for Tang Lei's performance, the Lakers might not have lost tonight's game.

"Thanks," Tang Lei smiled and nodded. LeBron's recognition as the league's top player carried significant weight.

After exchanging pleasantries with the opponent, Tang Lei was about to head to the locker room when Curry patted him on the shoulder. "Tang, stick around for a bit."

"Huh? Why?" Tang Lei asked curiously.

"You've got an interview," Curry said with a smile, pointing at a blonde reporter approaching from the side.

Tang Lei was surprised but quickly understood. He had scored the most points in the game and was the MVP. Interviews were usually reserved for the MVP of the winning team. Typically, that honor went to Curry, Durant, Thompson, or sometimes even Green if he had a triple-double. But tonight, it was Tang Lei's turn, and the excitement he felt was hard to hide.

As the blonde reporter approached with her cameraman behind her, they pointed the camera directly at Tang Lei.

"Hi, Tang, from the East! It's great to have an interview with you. Your performance tonight was absolutely incredible, and you just broke the NBA record for the youngest player to score 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in a game. Can you share with us how you're feeling right now?" the reporter asked.

"I feel really great right now, of course," Tang Lei responded confidently, smiling. "I'd like to thank Stephen and the coach for trusting me. And moving forward, I'm going to break more records that belongs to me."

The blonde reporter was slightly taken aback by Tang Lei's confidence. She had interviewed many young international players before, and most of them were shy and a bit reserved.

"What did LeBron James say to you when he hugged you after the game? Can you share that with us?" she asked, pressing on.

"He told me the future is mine—just kidding," Tang Lei laughed. "He encouraged me and said he hopes to see me get even better."

"Tang, you're quite the comedian. Thank you for the interview, and we're looking forward to your next game."

"Thank you."

After the interview, Tang Lei headed back to the locker room. As soon as he entered, Curry dumped a bucket of cold water over his head, and Durant, Thompson, and Green all crowded around him, pushing him and cheering. Everyone was laughing, creating a festive atmosphere.

Tang Lei smiled and greeted each teammate with handshakes and shoulder bumps. After the celebrations, Coach Kerr handed Tang Lei the game ball and gave a few words of encouragement.

For a moment, Tang Lei felt a bit dazed. Just two days ago, he was a benchwarmer, waving towels and cheering for his teammates, always with the looming possibility of being cut from the team. But now, after his performance, he no longer feared being cut. If he were to be waived now, it would be sheer madness.

Even if the Warriors let him go, he wouldn't be worried—other teams would surely pick him up.

As Tang Lei showered, the familiar voice of the system rang in his mind once again:

[Congratulations, host, for winning a regular-season game. Reward: 1 attribute point, 2 system coins.]

[Congratulations, host, for breaking the record for the youngest player to record 30+5+5. Reward: 5 attribute points, 10 system coins.]

"Not bad, 6 more attribute points and 12 system coins," Tang Lei smirked, immediately using all 6 points to boost his three-point shooting attribute.

His three-point shooting attribute now stood at 96, placing him among the top three in the entire NBA. With his improved attributes, Tang Lei felt even more confident. The next time, he wouldn't need to rely on temporary boosts like the 'Super Three-Point Experience Card' to maintain a high shooting percentage.

Just as he finished shower, his phone rang. It was Bob Myers, the Warriors' general manager, calling.

"Tang, you were phenomenal tonight. Congratulations! Your chemistry with Curry is impressive. The front office wants to offer you a new two-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $2.38 million in total. I hope you're happy with that."

"Thank you, Bob. I appreciate the offer. Let's discuss the details when we back in Golden State," Tang Lei replied, not immediately agreeing.

While $2.38 million was a lot, after taxes, he wouldn't be taking home even half of that. For a typical player on a two-way, non-guaranteed contract, signing such a deal after a few good games would be a dream come true. But Tang Lei wasn't just any player—he had the system backing him. He wasn't about to be swayed by a couple of million dollars, especially with a two-year commitment.

He knew he was worth much more.

"Sure, we'll talk more when you get back to Golden State," Bob Myers responded, a little surprised by Tang Lei's hesitation. Still, Tang Lei had given a positive signal about staying with the team, and with his contract still in place, Myers wasn't too worried.

Tang Lei left the locker room, carrying the game ball with him, a symbol of his breakout performance. The team bus was waiting, though Curry, Durant, and the others who were at the press conference hadn't returned yet. The Warriors still had two more away games before heading back to Golden State, facing the Cavaliers and the Bucks next.

The Cavaliers, having lost LeBron, had fallen from Eastern Conference champions to the bottom of the standings, already in tank mode for the draft lottery. Meanwhile, the Bucks, with Giannis Antetokounmpo emerging as a superstar, had become a formidable force, sitting third in the East with a five-game winning streak.

The Warriors were planning to field their full lineup against the Bucks.

At the post-game press conference, Curry, Durant, and Coach Kerr were all full of praise for Tang Lei, repeatedly emphasizing his decisiveness on the court. When the news broke that Tang Lei had set the NBA record for the youngest player to record 30+5+5, fans and media back in China went into a frenzy.

A new wave of "Lei Emperor" supporters had emerged.

…