Sunset Safi: The Block is Hot

[MexicanMamba]

"Alright everyone, here's Safi."

The media room buzzed and clicked and flashed (from cameras, you freaks) as the former MVP and most recent champion stepped up towards the podium and in front of the microphone. 

"Hey, everyone." He adjusted, almost fidgeted, in his seat.  Nerves perhaps. "We'll get to some questions, for sure.  But first, let me talk at ya'll for a minute"

The flashes became infrequent then stopped.  The roar of the media crowd dulled then died.  The respect was obvious.

"A few things I know ya'll know, but I'll say anyways.  It's been a whirlwind the past few months, and a strange as hell season.  I prepped to be bad but interesting.  Then better than expected and competing at a higher level.  Then trading out again.  Then back in again.  And now, still within striking distance of the division.  How I've looked and felt about this situation has been a roller coaster as well.  I've been fully on-board to disappointed to regretful to acceptance and anything in-between."

Safi took a moment to collect his thoughts and run through those emotional beats internally.

"And right now? I feel content.  I love these young guys in this locker room.  Trayce, Smalls, Big Kin ... they work hard and are taking to mentoring and coaching better than I ever did in my first seasons.  I'm not afraid to admit it, I had that ego and until I got my ass busted a year or two, I couldn't see the full plan.  Not an issue with them."

A full Safi smile flashed briefly and faded again.

"Also, let me take a few minutes to talk about the newest big time Laker.  Daniel Johnson.  I know DJ and I haven't shared a court long, but I can tell you that I've not had the opportunity to play with anyone like him in my career.  I've been around players similar.  I never touched the floor with Dort was in L.A. but he's the gold standard.  Mac McClung is a monster and I saw him for a short time when he was so young and developing.  DJ has the capability to impact a game on offense in a similar manner.  He sees the court so well, is dynamic, and can score from anywhere he chooses.  Already, he's put a couple masterpieces together with us.  Just ask Miami, Brooklyn, Detroit or Dallas about that. And he's just hitting his prime and will earn every damn cent he's about to get in free agency this coming off-season. He is well equipped to be one of the driving forces of another Laker run."

Safi nodded as he looked off to the side and then nodded again, this time at someone. 

"That next run will happen.  I just don't know if it'll happen with me."

Murmurs through the media group.

"Because after some conversations with my people, with Coach D, and my teammates.  And just some self reflection, I've decided to open myself up to the possibility of being traded at this upcoming trade deadline in a couple weeks."

Cameras flashed again, illuminating the room.  Those murmurs burst open like a damn, allowing a flood of noise.  Safi lifted a hand to quiet the crowd. 

"My love for this organization and these players remains strong.  I don't say this without some conflict.  Hell, it could be the wrong move.  Chasing trophies and legacy and all that.  How often does it work?  I don't know.  But what I do know is that I can still play with the absolute best this game has.  I still have a craving to win on the highest levels.  I've enjoyed being a mentor, but I'm not ready to ONLY be that.  At least not without one more attempt at going for it all."

Safi leaned forward, eyes focused around the group staring back at him.

"For transparency and to save some of ya'll the trouble though, there are caveats here.  I am not forcing my way out.  The Lakers will not move me without knowing they are getting a worthwhile return that can help them with the rebuild.  I will NOT go to a team that I don't believe has a genuine opportunity to take home the championship this season.  Lastly? If there isn't a deal out there that satisfies both of us, I'm going to get back to work with these fellas and we're coming hard for this division title."

Safi leaned back again as he sensed that his captive audience wouldn't be able to hold its composure much longer. 

"Regardless of what happens these next few weeks, I love you, Laker Nation.  I hope you all can understand.  And if not, I hope you'll forgive me eventually and continue to embrace me if I stay.  One way or the other, our time together is coming to an end in the near future.  When exactly that ending happens isn't known, but I'll never forget how you all have taken me in and made me feel loved."

"And now you can ask your questions."

The explosion of sound drowns everyone out.

The athlete-media dance begins.  

The End ... ?

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[greepleairport]

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