Andrew had really gone the extra mile.
He'd spent two whole days running around the community in Los Angeles to get everything ready.
He pasted traditional spring couplets around the apartment doorway and hung red lanterns in the living room.
Amy, having grown up in a household, already knew the culture well. She took charge of the food, preparing a spread of authentic dishes. She even bought a set of blue-and-white porcelain dinnerware, which added a touch of elegance to the table.
Link was in charge of the guest list.
He took advantage of the relaxed vibe in the locker room after practice to extend the invitation.
"This weekend is New Year. I'm planning a small get-together at my apartment. You're all welcome to come hang out!"
What Link didn't expect was just how enthusiastic everyone would be.
" New Year?" Sasha Vujačić was the first to chime in. "That's the one with the fireworks, right? I'm in!"
Lamar Odom nodded with a grin. "As long as there's food, count me in."
Andrew Bynum, Chris Mihm, Brian Cook...
Every single one of them said they'd be there.
---
On the day of the party, just after 6:00 PM, the doorbell rang.
The first to arrive was Vujačić, holding a bottle of wine.
"It's from my hometown. Not sure how it pairs with food, but I hope you like it!"
He was Slovenian, and their wines were world-renowned.
Next came Odom and Luke Walton.
Odom brought a box of fancy chocolates, while Walton brought a high-quality mug printed with the logo of his alma mater, the University of Arizona.
"Thanks for coming, guys," Link said, accepting the gifts.
He formally introduced Andrew and Amy to his teammates.
"This is my agent, Andrew John, and my health consultant, Amy Li."
Everyone nodded in greeting.
"Health consultant?" Odom looked at Amy with curiosity. "No wonder Link's improved so fast this season. He's got a secret weapon."
As more teammates trickled in, the apartment quickly filled with life.
Vujačić was fascinated by the calligraphy on the spring couplets, trying to decipher the characters. Odom, meanwhile, had already drifted toward the dining table, eyeing the translucent dumplings with obvious hunger.
"Can we eat these yet?" he asked Amy.
"Just a little longer. Let's wait for everyone to arrive," Amy said with a smile, pointing toward the kitchen. "I'm just finishing up the dipping sauces."
"What's that?" Cook asked, pointing at a mound of sticky rice garnished with colorful fruits.
"That's Eight Treasure Rice. It's a dessert that symbolizes reunion and sweetness," Link explained. "Each of the eight ingredients represents a different blessing."
"Deep," Cook said, looking thoughtful.
Once the food was served, the atmosphere really kicked into high gear.
"Link," Vujačić said, raising his glass. "Thanks for the invite. Seriously, it's been awesome having you as a teammate this season. Your three-pointers are insane..."
"Especially that shot during the Christmas game," Odom chimed in, mimicking a shooting motion. "My heart almost stopped."
Bynum nodded in agreement. "You've opened up so much space for our offense. Great job, brother!"
Link smiled. "Thanks, guys. Honestly, just being able to play here is a dream come true for me."
"The dream is just getting started," Walton said warmly. "You're only scratching the surface."
At that moment, Andrew brought out several small, wrapped boxes.
"Alright everyone, these are little New Year's gifts Link prepared for you." He started handing them out.
The teammates cheered, and the holiday spirit around the table was at an all-time high.
Then, at 7:30 PM, the doorbell rang again.
Link opened the door and was stunned to see Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant standing there.
The "Zen Master" was wearing a dark casual suit, his expression as unreadable as ever. Kobe was dressed simply in a black hoodie and sweatpants, holding a small paper bag.
"Phil? Kobe?" Link blinked in surprise. "I thought you guys..."
"Coach Jackson said he wanted to stop by," Kobe said, his tone flat. "We were in the area."
"Are we not welcome?" Phil raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Of course you are! Please, come in," Link quickly stepped aside.
The arrival of the two heavyweights dampened the rowdy atmosphere instantly. Bynum looked particularly nervous, awkwardly rubbing his hands together.
"Looks like I killed the vibe," Phil Jackson noted, looking around at the suddenly stiff players. "Relax, gentlemen. Tonight, there are no coaches and no players. Just people."
Hearing that, the group visibly relaxed a little.
Kobe walked up to Link, pulled a small box out of the bag, and handed it to him. "For you."
Curious, Link took the box.
Inside was an exquisite silver cufflink. Upon closer inspection, the design was a miniature replica of the Staples Center.
"This is..." Link looked up.
"An All-Star gift," Kobe said, his voice remaining level. "I had them custom-made. Every Laker who makes the All-Star team gets one."
Link paused. "But I didn't make the All-Star team..."
At that moment, Phil Jackson stepped forward.
He spoke slowly and deliberately. "The league office sent out the official notification this afternoon."
Everyone's eyes locked onto him.
The Zen Master continued. "Chauncey Billups sprained his ankle, and Jason Terry's old shoulder injury flared up. Both have withdrawn from the Three-Point Contest."
He paused, his gaze landing on Link.
"The league is inviting you as a replacement to compete in the Houston All-Star Three-Point Contest."
The living room went dead silent for a second.
"The official announcement goes out tomorrow," Phil added. "But I thought you should know first."
As Phil's words settled, the silence was shattered by an eruption of excitement.
Vujačić was the first to jump up. "What?! The Three-Point Contest?! Link! You're going to All-Star Weekend!"
"Whoa!" Odom slapped Link hard on the back. "Way to go, rookie!"
Andrew grabbed Amy's arm in excitement, looking like he wanted to scream, I told you so!
Link stood there, gripping the cufflink, still processing the news.
The Three-Point Contest...
All-Star Weekend...
It was actually happening...
"Come on, Link! To the Three-Point Contest—cheers!"
Vujačić raised his glass high again, his face beaming with excitement.
"Cheers!" Odom shouted, mouth half-full of a spring roll.
The party went on for another hour, winding down in a haze of relaxation and congratulations.
The teammates began to filter out, each one congratulating Link one last time before leaving.
Finally, Phil and Kobe stood up to leave.
At the door, the Zen Master patted Link on the shoulder.
"Enjoy the process. For some, All-Star Weekend is just a show. For others, it's a chance to prove who they really are."
Kobe didn't say much else, simply giving Link a firm nod.
After seeing everyone off, the apartment fell quiet.
Andrew was already rambling on about how to leverage the All-Star appearance for publicity. Amy was quietly clearing the table, a small smile playing on her lips.
Link walked to the window, carefully tucking the cufflink into his pocket.
Houston.
The All-Star Game.
The Three-Point Contest.
He closed his eyes, almost able to hear the roar of the crowd in the Toyota Center.