News of Zhang Zhaohua rejecting the national team call-up created massive waves in China.
Just one day later, the tide turned dramatically across online forums, sports websites, and even mainstream media comment sections.
"Ungrateful! The country raised you, and you forget your roots the moment you're drafted!"
"Chose NBA money over your homeland? Classic selfish individualism!"
"What BS about team integration—I think he just doesn't want to come back! Traitor!"
"Yao Ming played injured for his country, but who does this guy think he is? Little Yao Ming? Pathetic!"
"The Lakers are blind for picking this ingrate!"
Harsh criticism and condemnation flooded in, with labels like "traitor" and "unpatriotic" being thrown around freely.
The "Chinese genius" and "Purple and Gold hope" who'd been praised to the skies just yesterday had become a target for public outrage overnight.
The speed and intensity of this backlash far exceeded Zhang Zhaohua's expectations and put pressure on Lakers management in Los Angeles.
In the general manager's office, Mitch Kupchak frowned at his computer screen displaying translated Chinese comments, his expression grim.
"Phil, look at this," Kupchak pointed at the screen. "The reaction in China is severe. This could affect our market development there."
The Lakers had just traded a future first-round pick to move up to 13th for Zhang Zhaohua. Beyond his potential, the massive Chinese market was a major consideration.
Now, before the player had even put on a jersey, negative publicity was erupting in their most important overseas market—definitely not what Kupchak wanted to see.
Phil Jackson sat calmly on the sofa, seemingly unaffected by the outside noise.
He picked up his coffee and took a sip.
"Mitch, we drafted a basketball player, not a marketing ambassador." The Zen Master's voice carried its characteristic rhythm, unhurried. "His job is to play well and help the team win."
"But the market reaction..." Kupchak sounded anxious.
"Markets follow winning." Phil interrupted. "If Zhang performs well with the Lakers and becomes a reliable partner for Kobe, Chinese fans will come back. But if he misses the optimal team integration period and struggles in his rookie season, that would be the real damage to our investment—and to the market."
He paused, looking at Kupchak. "Besides, given Zhang's basketball IQ shown in our workouts, you think he doesn't understand the importance of national honor? He chose to stay for reasons we should trust."
Just then, the office door was knocked. Agent Gabriel entered, looking somewhat tired but still spirited.
"Mr. Kupchak, Coach Jackson," Gabriel greeted them first. "I've communicated with the Chinese Basketball Association—they're being very stubborn. Meanwhile, domestic pressure is really mounting. I've gotten tons of media interview requests wanting Zhang to respond."
Kupchak looked to Phil for the final decision.
Phil set down his coffee cup and stood up.
"Tell the Chinese Basketball Association that the Lakers need Zhang Zhaohua to participate immediately in Summer League and training camp. This is part of our team plan and non-negotiable." His tone brooked no argument, carrying an air of total control. "As for the media, let's arrange a press conference."
He looked at Gabriel. "Let Zhang respond himself. Tell him to speak his mind honestly, explain the situation, express his position. The Lakers will support him."
"Got it, Coach!" Gabriel breathed a sigh of relief.
Phil's decision was final.
Soon, the Lakers officially announced a press conference for rookie Zhang Zhaohua to address recent controversies.
At the press conference, cameras and microphones filled the room. Not only Los Angeles local media but also several Chinese reporters stationed in the US attended, creating a somewhat tense atmosphere.
Zhang Zhaohua wore a Lakers training shirt, walking to the podium with Gabriel and the team's media officer.
He showed no signs of nervousness. Having experienced rebirth and the system's transformation, his mental maturity far exceeded his peers.
Facing countless flashing lights and probing gazes, he picked up the microphone, his voice clear and steady.
"First, thank you to the Los Angeles Lakers for choosing me and giving me this opportunity to chase my dreams in the NBA."
"Regarding the recent national team call-up issue that everyone's concerned about, let me explain."
"Being able to wear the national team jersey and compete for my country has been my dream since childhood. This honor means everything to me." He first clarified his position, his tone sincere.
"However, as you all know, the Lakers paid a significant price to acquire me. The team wants me to integrate quickly, particularly understanding and adapting to the complex triangle offense system. The upcoming Summer League and subsequent training camp are crucial parts of this process."
"Missing this stage would be very detrimental to my establishment in the NBA and repaying the team's trust."
"I communicated with the Chinese Basketball Association, explaining my situation and current priorities. At this stage, I need to focus entirely on preparing for Summer League and the new season, working to establish myself in the NBA and perform well. I believe this is also bringing honor to Chinese basketball."
He paused, scanning the room.
"But this doesn't mean I refuse to serve my country." His tone became serious. "I promise everyone that as long as the national team needs me in the future, when I can balance NBA schedules and my physical condition allows, I will definitely step up without hesitation."
"My goals include not only NBA success but also wearing the national team jersey in future world competitions, such as... Beijing 2008."
This final statement was like a stabilizing anchor, cleverly combining personal development with national honor, short-term goals with long-term commitments. It responded to criticism while offering future hope, especially mentioning the highly anticipated 2008 Olympics.
After the press conference, while criticism continued, the mainstream narrative began shifting.
Many rational fans and media expressed understanding, believing Zhang Zhaohua's choice was a normal professional consideration and that moral judgment shouldn't be tied to career decisions.
Lakers management was very satisfied with Zhang Zhaohua's press conference performance. He'd shown maturity and responsibility beyond a typical 19-year-old rookie.
The controversy temporarily subsided, and Zhang Zhaohua successfully signed his first NBA contract—a standard 4-year deal for the 13th pick, with the first two years fully guaranteed.
Holding the signed contract, Zhang Zhaohua could finally focus entirely on the upcoming challenge—NBA Summer League.
Early July in Las Vegas was so hot the air could light matches, but inside the Thomas & Mack Center, ice and fire intertwined. Air conditioning battled the sweat and burning desire of players on court.
Summer League teams from various NBA franchises gathered here, players' eyes burning with hunger, fighting for a chance to make regular season rosters. No superstars here—the protagonists were rookies like Zhang Zhaohua, undrafted free agents seeking opportunities, and lower-tier players needing to prove themselves.
The pace was blazing fast, physical contact extremely intense, but turnovers were equally frequent. Tactics were often simple and brutal—more like a massive, high-intensity player evaluation showcase.
The Lakers' Summer League roster included Zhang Zhaohua, second-round pick Guillermo Diaz, previous year's second-rounder Ronny Turiaf—a hard-nosed French big man—plus various fringe players and undrafted free agents from the D-League or overseas. The team was coached by Lakers assistant coaches.
Zhang Zhaohua put on the familiar purple and gold practice jersey, number 5 from his UCLA days. Stepping onto the court, he took a deep breath, absorbing the arena's unique atmosphere.
His attribute panel appeared clearly in his consciousness: Strength 79, Speed 68, Vertical 69, Stamina 74, Footwork 67 (Basic unlocked), Rebounding 35, Shot Blocking 72. The terrifying upper limits from the Wilt Chamberlain template remained distant, but his current attributes, combined with the basic footwork techniques integrated into his muscle memory and training in the exclusive space, gave him confidence to face any challenge ahead.
The Lakers' first Summer League opponent: the Chicago Bulls.
And on the Bulls' roster was this year's second overall pick—LaMarcus Aldridge!
A player from the University of Texas, tall with long arms, refined technique, hailed as Duncan's successor.
The first overall pick Bargnani was in Europe and wouldn't appear in Summer League. Third pick Morrison was with the Bobcats. This Lakers-Bulls matchup's biggest draw was undoubtedly the head-to-head battle between 13th pick Zhang Zhaohua and second pick Aldridge!
During pregame warmups, Zhang Zhaohua felt a sharp gaze from the opposite court. Aldridge was also watching him, the second pick's face showing curiosity and competitive intent.
This wasn't just another Summer League game—it was the first direct collision between high lottery picks, each proving their draft value!
An assistant coach patted Zhang Zhaohua's shoulder. "Zhang, go out there and show what you've got. Don't feel pressure. Show your toughness on defense, take opportunities on offense, and facilitate from the high post."
Zhang Zhaohua nodded, loosening his wrists and ankles. His body was fully warmed up and brimming with power.
As the referee's whistle blew, the game officially began!