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American Fast & Furious NSFW
America's #1 Scumbag NSFW
West Los Angeles, inside Link's apartment.
The evening show on ESPN was recapping the day's action around the league.
"—The Lakers defeated their crosstown rivals, the Clippers, but the biggest story today is undoubtedly the three-team trade proposal initiated by the Phoenix Suns."
The host drew out his words as the screen cut to highlights of Link from today's game.
Specifically, the clip of him dunking on Corey Maggette was playing on a loop.
"Sources say the core of the proposal involved the Suns sending All-Star forward Shawn Marion to Los Angeles in exchange for the Lakers' Chinese-American sharpshooter, 'The Prophet' Link."
"Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss personally intervened and vetoed the trade."
The screen shifted to a split-screen showing several ESPN analysts.
"From a basketball perspective, this is baffling," the first analyst, a former NBA player, said while shaking his head.
"Marion is a proven All-Star. He averaged 21.8 points and 11.8 rebounds last season. He would immediately upgrade the Lakers' wing defense and offensive threat."
"Link has potential, sure, but potential isn't production. The Lakers need to win now, not invest in a question mark."
"I disagree," another analyst countered immediately. "On the contrary, this shows the Lakers' foresight."
"Marion is 29. Link is only 22. The shooting talent he's displayed is phenomenal."
"Look at how he adjusted and responded to Corey Maggette tonight. Dr. Buss isn't betting on today; he's betting on the next three years!"
"But what's the cost?" a third analyst chimed in. "If Link doesn't continue to improve, or—"
"I'm saying if 'The Prophet' gets injured, the Lakers missed a golden opportunity to upgrade their roster for nothing."
"So, it's a very 'Buss' move," the host concluded. "Bold, controversial, betting on the future. We'll just have to wait for time to give us the answer."
Andrew used the remote to lower the volume, turning the news into background noise.
"Looks like the word is officially out." Andrew picked up a beer from the coffee table and took a sip.
"The reviews are... mixed. Typical media."
"They need controversy, they need talking points—the good news is, nobody is questioning your talent."
"The bad news is, everyone is watching you now to see if Dr. Buss's gamble will bust!"
At that moment, the screen cut to highlights from a Suns game.
Shawn Marion was launching one of his signature, unorthodox jump shots.
The guy was... ugly but effective.
Long arms, big head, short neck—
A solid 6-foot-7, and every inch of it was functional.
An all-around forward who could guard one through four and ran the break like lightning.
If Marion had joined the Lakers, their competitiveness would have skyrocketed instantly.
Just then, Amy walked out carrying a tray and handed Link a cup of tea.
She had just finished work at the UCLA lab and still carried a faint scent of disinfectant.
"At least no one is saying you aren't worth it," Amy said, sitting down on the sofa.
"Their debate is about timing and risk. That's a form of recognition in itself."
Link took the teacup, recalling what Dr. Buss had said earlier that day.
"This kid has the possibility we need. This gamble is worth it."
"..."
"..."
"Dr. Buss was very real with me," Link said slowly, watching the TV switch to other news.
"No unrealistic promises. Just gave me time, and—a clear direction."
"That's the most important thing." Andrew leaned forward. "They're going to demand more from your game now—more variety, more consistency. The pressure is going to ramp up."
"Yeah." Link nodded.
Amy tried to change the subject. "What's the schedule look like coming up?"
"We've got a stretch of home games. Finally get to catch a breath," Link said, rubbing the space between his eyebrows.
The recent string of road games had left him physically and mentally drained.
"Home games aren't exactly a vacation. And after this home stand," Andrew reminded him, his eyes turning serious.
"It's almost Christmas. The league's marquee matchup this year: Lakers vs. Suns."
"Phoenix again?" Link's eyes narrowed slightly.
(Note: The Christmas Day opponent follows the actual schedule from that time.)
In the normal course of history, the Suns of these two seasons were the Lakers' kryptonite.
Even with Kobe putting up explosive numbers.
In D'Antoni's "Seven Seconds or Less" system.
Nash and the Suns could always unleash an offensive tidal wave that left the Lakers' defense scrambling.
"That's right." Andrew nodded. "Nationally televised. The hype is going to be at a fever pitch."
He analyzed, "Stoudemire is in great form since returning this season. His chemistry with Nash is even better than expected."
"Nash is averaging 18.8 points and 10.5 assists this year. shooting over 50% from the field and over 40% from three."
"He's ranked higher on the MVP ladder than Kobe!"
Andrew paused, then continued, "Also, Link, the Lakers just rejected a proposal from the Suns involving Shawn for you—"
"The media is definitely not going to let that storyline go!"
"I get it." Link took a deep breath, the fatigue washed away slightly by a mix of anticipation and urgency.
Phoenix, Christmas Day, Lakers vs. Suns—
With all these keywords stacked together, you could imagine the attention this game would draw.
Thinking of this, he mentally summoned the System interface.
[Host: Link]
[Age: 22 | Height: 2.01m | Weight: 92kg | Wingspan: 2.11m | Body Fat: 6.7%]
[Shooting Ratings]
Three-Point: A+
Mid-Range: B-
Free Throw: B+
Catch & Shoot: A-
[Athleticism Ratings]
Speed: A
Agility: A
Strength: A-
Vertical: B+
Balance: A+
[Finishing Ratings]
Layups: B+
Off-Hand Layup: B
Contact Layup: C-
Drawing Fouls: D
[Ball Handling Ratings]
Dribbling: C
Fancy Dribbling: C-
Off-Hand Dribbling: C-
Crossover/Drive: C
[Defense Ratings]
Steals: B+
Blocks: B-
Shot Contest: A-
Help Defense: B+
[------]
[Overall Rating: B-]
[Completed Training:] Open Threes (Advanced), Athleticism (Advanced), Catch & Shoot (Intermediate), Defense (Intermediate)—
[Unlocked Skills:] Focused Shooter Lv3, Stamina Boost Lv3, Quick Release Lv2, Soft Touch Lv2, Defensive Specialist Lv2
[Current Training:] Mid-Range Shooting (Basic)
"What are you thinking about?" Amy's voice pulled him back to reality.
"Nothing," Link shook his head, taking a sip of the now lukewarm tea.
"Just thinking about how to deal with Nash, and—what to focus on in training next."
"Ha, before that, maybe you should think about tomorrow's opponent," Andrew quipped.
"Hmm?"
"Orlando Magic. Dwight is coming to town!"