The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting light on the wooden floor of the apartment building's gym.
After the game against the Rockets, the Lakers had a much-needed day off. Link wasn't running his usual system drills, opting instead for a simple strength training session in his complex's fitness room.
To have a long career, he knew this foundation couldn't be ignored.
Link was in athletic shorts, sweat glistening along his increasingly defined muscles. He had just finished a core set and was now bench-pressing, his efforts punctuated by a low, steady breath.
Just then, Andrew approached the gym, file folder in hand. He leaned against the doorframe, waiting until Link had racked the barbell securely before walking in with a smile.
"Link , look at all this sweat! I just mopped this floor!"
Andrew teased him, then handed over the folder. "Good news! Check this out—we have an official endorsement offer!"
Link sat up, wiped his face with a towel, and took the folder, a hint of excitement in his eyes. "A sneaker deal?"
"Uh... well," Andrew scratched his nose.
"It's a very well-known children's magazine out of New Jersey, Rainbow Island."
"They want to invite you to do a public service campaign for their next issue. It involves shooting a series of photos and doing a short interview to encourage kids to chase their dreams."
Link quickly scanned the document, his eyebrows slightly raised.
"A PSA? Does that mean... no endorsement fee?"
"Yep, no money," Andrew stressed immediately, his tone turning serious. "But listen, Link , this is huge! It's the first offer we've gotten!"
"Think about it: a PSA is the absolute best way to build your public image and demonstrate social responsibility. The NBA always encourages community involvement. This pays dividends down the road—it's great for landing a bigger contract and raising your standing with the front office!"
Link closed the folder, not hesitating for long. He thought back to his struggles on the street courts in his past life, and his journey, step-by-step, from the edge of the tryout roster. For many kids, basketball was the purest form of a dream.
"You're right, Andrew." Link turned, his gaze clear and determined. "Some things are more important than the number on a check. I'd be honored to have this opportunity. Tell them I accept the deal."
"Awesome! I knew you would!"
Andrew slapped his thigh in excitement. "And the timing is perfect! The team is headed to New Jersey next week for the away game against the Nets. We can knock out the shoot while we're there—two birds with one stone!"
The deal was settled.
A week later, the Lakers flew to New Jersey. Andrew bought a separate ticket to accompany Link.
In the game itself, the Nets were missing two major stars: Jason Kidd and Vince Carter were both sidelined with injuries. Without their two core players, the Nets were no match for Kobe's offensive onslaught. The game was uneventful; the Lakers established an early advantage with superior overall talent, and Kobe checked out early after the third quarter.
Link logged 20 minutes, going 3-for-5 from three-point range, putting up a solid 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. The Lakers cruised to an easy 98-85 victory!
The following morning, the team had no scheduled practice. Link and Andrew had a quick breakfast in the hotel room and prepared to head to the Rainbow Island magazine office.
"Relax, Link ," Andrew said, checking the itinerary. "You're just sharing your story with kids. It'll be simple."
Link straightened the slightly too-formal casual jacket he was wearing and nodded. He was still a bit uncomfortable with commercial activities.
The two stepped out of the elevator and into the hotel lobby. Just then, Link's attention was caught by a figure walking through the revolving doors.
The person was wearing a well-tailored, off-white trench coat and large sunglasses that covered half their face, their dark hair elegantly pinned up. Despite the shades, Link instantly recognized the familiar figure and gait.
Isabella Rodriguez!
On the other side, Isabella spotted Link. Her steps clearly hitched, and though her expression was hidden by the sunglasses, a moment of stillness seemed to pass between them. A subtle awkwardness hung in the air, as if the memory of that hazy night in New York had resurfaced for both of them simultaneously.
Even Isabella's usual poise faltered slightly. Though she had always appeared composed and entirely at ease around Link, that night of passion had been a unique experience for her as well. Seeing him again now, a slight blush crept onto her cheeks.
"Do you two... know each other?" Andrew looked back and forth between them, his face a giant question mark.
Isabella recovered first. She elegantly slipped off her sunglasses, revealing those deep, captivating eyes. A composed smile returned to her face, and she walked toward Link.
"Mr. Oracle?" Her voice still had that unique, magnetic quality, with the slightest upward lilt at the end.
"It looks like we... are quite fated to run into each other." Her eyes twinkled with amusement.
Link quickly snapped out of his brief moment of fluster, forcing himself to appear casual.
"Isabella? What a coincidence... what brings you here?" His gaze briefly lingered on her outfit. Today, she was a world away from the sultry look at the party, but no less dazzling.
"Work. A last-minute shoot," Isabella replied concisely. Her eyes settled on Link, and a beautiful curve lifted her lips.
"Are you... heading out? That outfit doesn't look like practice gear."
Andrew, standing beside them, kept darting his eyes back and forth, his face alight with curious excitement—the perfect bystander who just stumbled upon some prime gossip.
Link felt a little self-conscious under her gaze and answered honestly, "We're going to the Rainbow Island magazine for a PSA shoot."
"A PSA shoot?" Isabella's lovely eyes widened slightly. She then looked Link up and down and couldn't help but chuckle.
"Oh, God. Are you seriously planning to show up for a magazine promotional shoot dressed like that?"
She shook her head, her voice playful but carrying a hint of genuine exasperation.
"My dear Mr. Oracle, with all due respect, you look like you're going to an interview for a truck driving job."
She tilted her head, her eyes nearly spilling over with laughter.
"Seriously, where is the tie? Even without a tie, you should at least have a proper dress shirt, not this all-purpose casual jacket you picked up on a clearance rack at the big box store."
Link felt a flush of embarrassment and instinctively tugged at the hem of his jacket.
Andrew, next to him, slapped his forehead in sudden realization.
"Oh, man, you're right! I knew something felt off!"
Isabella's gaze softened slightly, seeing Link's momentary confusion.
"Tell you what," she said, checking the time on her wrist. "I have a temporary studio set up nearby. I have a few spare suits there; the size should fit you."