There are still a few empty spots next to Wayne's jersey, which he specially prepared for Tony, Curry, sister-in-law and others.

From now on, this row of jerseys will be proof of the Portland Trail Blazers' golden era.

Of course, it is also the most unforgettable memory in Wayne's life.

May 2021.

Tim Duncan concluded his Hall of Fame speech.

Before leaving the stage, he ruffled his long hair with his hands.

In the audience, Manu Ginobili cursed secretly.

Some people, after balding their teammates, grow long hair themselves. You think this is irritating or not.

Is this a personnel matter?

After Duncan, Naochi took a deep breath.

It's his turn!

In fact, this is not the first time that Naochi has given a speech in such a formal occasion. After all, he just won the Oscar a few years ago and gave an acceptance speech.

Since then, Wayne has often boasted to others: "I have a friend in the art circle who is very good and has won an Oscar."

Amid warm applause, Najia stood on the Hall of Fame podium.

Everyone in the audience was applauding and smiling.

But Wayne stared straight ahead with dull eyes, forgetting to applaud or laugh.

That conceited bastard had no idea how much impact this scene had on Wayne.

Kobe looked at everyone with a straight suit and a smile. He lowered his head and pursed his lips and said in his low and magnetic voice: Hey, guys!

"Thank you, thank you everyone! I seem to feel that your applause is louder than the one just given to Tim and Kevin? Is it my imagination?

Okay, just kidding. Tim, Kevin, you are such a great opponent.

We have met countless times in the regular season and playoffs. Every game is so difficult, and every game your performance is so unparalleled.

I am extremely honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame with them today!

In fact, when I was very young, I had already been dreaming about this day. I stood on the stage and spoke, and Michael sat beside me and listened.

Although those words of "I'm going to blow you up" still ring in my ears and they come from my heart. However, this does not hinder my respect for you.

Because I know that saying this means that I must put in a lot of effort, hard work and sweat. After all, I am competing with one of the most powerful basketball players on the planet.

For this reason, I keep working hard and constantly challenge difficulties, just to become a legend like you.

Although I have always been unruly, in my heart, it has always been my honor to be able to follow in your footsteps!

Thank you, Maikou!

By the way, I have also carefully prepared today’s speech. I came to the scene at four o’clock in the morning to prepare. Have you ever seen the Hall of Fame at four o’clock in the morning?”

The audience burst into laughter, and Wayne came back to his senses a little, applauding along with everyone.

"As usual, I would like to thank my teammates first.

Hey, Shaq, that's right, it's you, the guy sitting two guys down the field.

Thank you for accompanying me to win three consecutive championships, but brother, do you know? If you were more diligent, we might win 10 championships!

Well, if not 10, at least you won’t only have 4.

Hehe, by the way, I have 5, I have one crown more than the four~"

Naochi teased Shaq, and Shaq laughed.

The two men had settled their differences many years ago.

After all, who hasn’t been young and frivolous?

Then, Naochi looked at another great big man.

"Yao, my brother, thank you for showing up. As the outside world says, we are as close as brothers. Vanessa is very jealous because of you.

I will never forget those days when we fought side by side.

Of course, I will never forget how you defeated the Dream Team in the Olympics and showed off the Olympic gold medal to me after it was over. I wrote it all down in my little notebook!

You know, I don’t like to hold grudges the most.”

The camera showed Chairman Yao, and his smile turned into an emoticon.

"I once promised you that when you retire your jersey with the Lakers, I will give you a speech at Staples Center.

We had agreed to appear at each other's Hall of Fame speeches.

And we have done all of this.

Thank you, Yao! Your tolerance, your tenacity, and your elegance have deeply affected me. It was you who made Kobe Bryant!"

"Finally, I want to talk about my opponents.

Kevin, it's a pity that you couldn't stop me from winning the championship. Even so, the finals of those years are still memories that I can't forget.

Tim, you can laugh today and no one will kick you out.

Finally, of course it’s you, Wei.

Of all the opponents, you are the one I admire the most!

I often say to young players, if you have never played against Wayne on the court, you will never know how good he is and how strong his will is.

And... how maddening his trash talk is!"

The scene burst into laughter, and Wayne put his hands down, saying that this was all his fault.

"People say that I am a person who is always confident and never wants to admit failure. But people may not know that I also have times when I am very depressed and painful, and that is all related to you.

When I watched you win the sixth championship, I was so angry. I overturned the table, kicked away the chairs, smashed the TV, and swore that I would not be surpassed by you.

You hurt me!

But you also let me know that I have to work harder and break through myself! You forced out the best Kobe Bryant, and you made me enjoy the feeling of competing on the basketball court.

I can’t imagine how boring the NBA would have been in those years without us.

Of course, I also appreciate your competitive spirit, your perseverance, and your strength. I can't imagine how I can hate someone but also love someone deeply at the same time.

I hate you who stole the victory and defeated me time and time again on the court.

However, I admire you who trains hard off the court and never complains about hardship or tiredness.

I'm glad you invited me to your training camp that year, and that became the place where our friendship began.

And now, you have become the most important friend in my life, you have become my family, and I have become your family.

Speaking of which, gigi, when will you go home and see your old father?

Wei, I'll let Yijie go home for a few days, and let's exchange 'hostages'!

By the way, don't be surprised if you find a Chinese boy who plays like Kobe in the future.

What bad thoughts can a child have? He just dislikes that his father is not as handsome as his godfather when it comes to playing basketball."

Wayne smiled and clapped, and the atmosphere reached its climax.

Originally, Wayne and Kobe were going to enter the Hall of Fame together.

But Kobe asked Wayne to wait a few more years.

There is no other reason than that Kobe wanted to be Wayne's promoter and sit next to Wayne when he gave his Hall of Fame speech...

And in the future, Naochi can proudly tell Wayne.
Chapter completed!