•• SOCIAL MEDIA ••

12-27-2018

@/wojespn
Reporting with @/WindhorstESPN: Lakers prepared for LeBron James to miss several games after suffering a significant groin injury.

Story on ESPN. *link*

8K Retweets 🔁 | 14K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/toofoolishauthor are you serious

@/altspider it was bound to happen ngl. He played all 82 games last season for the Cavs
^@/Almod1119 very true. he couldn't be superman for long

• •

12-29-2018

❤️ liked by joelembiid and 87,556 others

@/archiveshailees Hailee Steinfeld for the December issue of Cosmopolitan 👀

Comments 💬

@/KqmuiC sheesh
^@/Dragonsw Damn
^@/DaltonJones4 zoo-wee-mama

@/JediBandit thank you for my daily dose of hailee

@/B_A_L_L_E_R wassup with Joel Embiid liking this 💀
^@/Dragonsw better hope Y/N don't see 😂😂

• •

1-6-2019

@/LakersNation
Y/N's 29 points not enough as the Timberwolves blow out the Lakers.

325 Retweets 🔁 | 788 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/Im_mista_White i better not catch Wiggins on the streets bruh stg I'll fight him
^@/johnat101ips_1 I'll hop in
^@/JustSomeWackyWriter count me in
^@/DarthTalek we gonna catch that dummy slippin

@/YER_MA728 we'll get 'em next time
^@/MK11_EGY nah lol

• •

1-17-2019

@/_L/NsWorld_
Once again my GOAT has to carry the load with LeBron missing his 12TH STRAIGHT GAME!!! Y/N PUT UP 40 AND WE BARELY WON IN OVERTIME!!! The wrong star came to LA we should've signed PAUL GEORGE 😒

3 Retweets 🔁 | 15 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/cringefestWP ENOUGH WITH THE MEAT RIDING 🙅🏽‍♂️

@/ByEmmet Paul George is busy hanging with Westbrook

@/I_want_my_payday_2 would've rather had LeBron join Embiid in Philly than Y/N in LA
^@/_L/NsWorld_ DONT SAY THAT LEBRON SHOULD BE GRATEFUL TO BE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE PRODIGY

• •

1-20-2019

@/ComplexMusic
@/Migos and @/Original_L/N have dropped their new track "Pure Water" 💦🔥

Haddon, Migos - Pure Water (Audio) *link*

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

4K Retweets 🔁 | 15K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/projectmmbape Lakers are ass but at least we got Y/N making tunes #ImHere
^@/_Cxyus 😭😭

@/martinifrfr we WILL be streaming 💅🏽

@/MooseRoom Migos? Let's go 🔥
@^/CobraPhantom Offset is the best

@/Mixedlover_fantasies they should play this in the arena

• •

1-28-2019

@/BleacherReport
Anthony Davis has requested a trade and told the Pelicans he has no intention of signing an extension if offered, per @/wojespn

16K Retweets 🔁 | 42K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/Snoopdoggydaaawg WHAAAAAAT

@/Rambler2313 LETS GOOOOO LEBRON IS GONNA GET HIM TO LA

^@/martinifrfr Damn lol
^@/MooseRoom he really said F you to the pelicans

@/Baddger BRON x Y/N x AD bro I can cry
^@/StormTZ33 not happening buddy
^@/KN1GHTFALL better hope Knicks or Celtics don't offer anything better

• •

1-31-2019

@/SportsCenter
The Lakers outlast the Clippers in OT, winning 123-120 in LeBron's first game back after an 18-game absence.

LeBron James: 24 PTS, 14 REB, 9 AST
Y/N L/N: 29 PTS, 6 REB, 4 STL

Lou Williams: 24 PTS, 6 REB, 3 AST

1K Retweets 🔁 | 3.2K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/y3s957 Lakers still the better LA team 💯
^@/Apanther Clippers should move to Algeria or something

@/iiSoloDolo SGA = Future superstar 🤘🏾

• •

2-2-2019

@/usatodaysports
Here are your 2019 NBA All-Star Game starters and captains ⭐️

774 Retweets 🔁 | 946 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/ConnorJ7 dope

@/W0rty18 fym captains? We never had that before

@/CanYouBeCarr shocked LeBron got all those votes despite being out for a while 

• •

2-4-2019

@/NBATV
Meet your 2019 #NBAAllStar reserves from the Eastern and Western Conference!

EAST: Ben Simmons, Victor Oladipo, Blake Griffin, Khris Middleton, Kyle Lowry, Nikola Vucevic, Bradley Beal

WEST: Russell Westbrook, Karl-Anthony Towns, Y/N L/N, Nikola Jokic, Anthony Davis, LaMarcus Aldridge, Damian Lillard 

911 Retweets 🔁 | 2K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/goatfam101 Y/N three time all star!
^@/XaeviAlways and he's not finished

@/LordDarkness99 Luka Doncic snubbed

• •

2-7-2019

@/NBAAllStar
The captains have made their picks.

Introducing #TeamLeBron and #TeamGiannis for #NBAAllStar 2019!

9.6K Retweets 🔁 | 27K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/LockRequiem Of course LeBron chose Y/N lmao
^@/JackieCalle and AD 👀
^@/IZMRMC hmmmmm

@/Imartian Team Giannis getting washed by Team LeBron
^@/MooseRoom I'll give them a fighting chance

• •

2-15-2019

Tagged: @/haileesteinfeld

❤️ liked by zendaya and 534,522 others

@/Original_L/N to charlotte we go! ✈️

Comments 💬

@/DarkotheMapper hey Y/N can you tell her I said hello
^@/Original_L/N okay
^@/Original_L/N she said hi Darko
^@/liambrown7784 lol wtf

@/im_mista_White is you a school bus cuz I wanna fill you with kids 😩😩
^@/WilsonsWits LMFAOOO YOU WYLIN

• •

2-15-2019

@/NBAAllStar
It's all smiles as Lakers' sophomore Kyle Kuzma wins #MTNDEWICERisingStars MVP! 🏆

9K Retweets 🔁 | 18K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/DarthSlytherin_7 we are all KUZMANIACS 💯

@/drake_forallthedogs I've seen enough he's untouchable in trades for AD

@/Bybyyby future star

• •

2-17-2019

@/NBAAllStar
The King and The Prodigy are ready to represent LA for the All-Star Game 👑🌟 #NBAAllStar

20K Retweets 🔁 | 53K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/NateDawg559 LeY/N
^@/iamnotgio27 #ProdigalKing

@/WANDASJOSEPH hanging this up on my wall
^@/TheNewAesthetic new phone lock screen

@/JokersFavoriteFanboy W

• • •

THE ARENA WAS LIT and everyone was hyped as they witnessed performances from both J. Cole and Meek Mill. The latter stayed on the stage though as he was in charge of headlining the player introductions.

After performing his song "Going Bad" with his group of backup dancers he plugged his recently released album and left the stage. The area was foggy and once it dissipated a group of players were in their spots.

The announcer then began to introduce the All-Star reserves for Team Giannis.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

"A versatile big man in his all-star debut...from the Denver Nuggets: The Joker...Nikola Jokic!"

"He made the long journey from the G-League and to his first NBA All-Star Game...from the Milwaukee Bucks: Khris Middleton!"

"Enjoying a breakout season and his first appearance as an NBA All-Star...representing the Brooklyn Nets: D'Angelo Russell!"

"Another first-time All-Star and the center of attention in the magic kingdom...from the Orlando Magic: Nikola Vucevic!"

"Making his fifth consecutive All-Star Game appearance...from north of the border for the Toronto Raptors: Kyle Lowry!"

"The 2011 KIA NBA Rookie of the Year and slam dunk champion...he's a six-time All-Star from the Detroit Pistons: Blake Griffin!"

"They only player in league history to average a triple-double in two seasons...the 2017 KIA NBA MVP and two-time All-Star Game MVP...from the Oklahoma City Thunder: Russell Westbrook!"

"One of the most prolific scorers in NBA history...a league MVP, a Finals MVP, an NBA champion, and a 14-time All-Star...from the Dallas Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki!"

From there, the screen behind them was lifted and revealed the silhouettes of five other players. The announcer then started to introduce the starters.

"A three-time NBA All-Star and the Hornets franchise all-time leading scorer...representing the city...your point guard: Kemba Walker!"

"A dynamic two-way player, a four-time NBA selection, and a six-time All-Star...from the Oklahoma City Thunder: Paul George!"

"Making his second All-Star appearance and second shot...representing the Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid!"

"A back-to-back league MVP...a three-time NBA champion...a six-time All-Star...from Charlotte, North Carolina, and the Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry!"

"And the captain. One of the most unstoppable players in the NBA, a three-time All-Star from the Milwaukee Bucks: The Greek Freak...Giannis Antetokounmpo!"

"Ladies and gentlemen...let's hear it one more time for Team Giannis!"

Meek Mill performed another song on a nearby runway as Team Giannis left the stage. All the eyes were on him that they didn't notice a new group of players get on the dimly lit and foggy stage.

Once it was over, it dissipated and the reserves were seen. The announcer got to introduce them.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

"Now let's meet Team LeBron!"

"Australia's first NBA All-Star...the 2018 NBA KIA Rookie of the Year...from the Philadelphia 76ers: Ben Simmons!"

"A two-time All-Star and the franchise leader in career three-pointers...from the Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal!"

"An All-Star for the second consecutive year...and the man in the middle for the Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns!"

"He's a four-time All-Star and is the energizer that drives the Portland Trailblazers: it's Dame Time...Damian Lillard!"

"Named to his third NBA All-Star team, the 2018 KIA Most Improved Player...the hotshot from the Los Angeles Lakers: The Prodigy...Y/N L/N!"

"In 2017 he scored an All-Star game record 52 points and is an All-Star for the fifth straight year...from the New Orleans Pelicans: Anthony Davis!"

"Earning the honor for the seventh time in his career...from the San Antonio Spurs: LaMarcus Aldridge!"

"All-Star Game MVP, Finals MVP, a three-time NBA Champion, and one of the greatest players in the history of the Miami Heat: a 13-time All-Star: here's Dwyane Wade!"

Once again, the wall was raised and the starters were next to be introduced.

"The reigning KIA MVP Most Valuable Player, a seven-time All-Star, and one of the hottest scoring streaks in league history...from the Houston Rockets: James Harden!"

"Making his third appearance, he's a two-time KIA Defensive Player of the Year and an NBA Finals MVP...representing the Toronto Raptors: Kawhi Leonard!"

"A six-time All-Star, the 2012 KIA Rookie of the Year, an NBA champion, and All-Star MVP...from the Boston Celtics: Kyrie Irving!"

"He was the game's MVP in 2012, a two-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player and back-to-back NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors...making his 10th All-Star appearance: KD...Kevin Durant!"

"And this year's leading vote-getter, making a record-tying 15th start, a three-time All-Star Game MVP, a three-time Finals MVP, a three-time world champion...from the Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James!"

"Ladies and gentlemen...Team LeBron!"

Later, in the day they went through some warm-ups and shoot around. The game commenced around 7:00 PM as starters for both teams went through tip-off.

Y/N was on the bench with the reserves sat between good friends Anthony Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns.

"Good ball movement!" Y/N clapped his hands seeing his team pass it around until LeBron got open and hit a three. "Good ball movement!"

It went back and forth for a few minutes and they were both tied at 14. Harden made a cross-court pass to an open Kawhi where he sunk in a three.

"Right on 'em!" Y/N cheered. "That robotic motherfucker's deadly!"

The young man quickly realized that he was one of the players that had microphones on them for the broadcast's "mic'd up" segments. He covered his mouth as Anthony Davis hugged him and stifled a laugh.

After a 360 dunk by Giannis, KD got the ball and went to Joel Embiid. He shook him a bit and shot over him and also got a foul. It still went on and he got an opportunity at the line.

"And-one!" Y/N exclaimed from the bench.

A couple of minutes later, Y/N and Lillard were called in for Harden and Kyrie. Immediately, Khris Middleton shot a three over Y/N, his third straight for the game.

"Not gonna let that slide, bro." Y/N remarked with a smirk as he jogged passed him.

With Team LeBron on offense, the captain handed him the ball and let him get to work. Middleton was on him and just like he planned...got some revenge.

He dribbled it trough his legs and crossed him over before getting open with a stepback. He made the shot over Khris and the crowd was wowed by the feat.

"Told ya!"

Both Y/N and Middleton laughed it off before continuing with the match.

Y/N was subbed out with a minute left in the first quarter and wasn't back in until the 8-minute mark in the second. The score was 55-69 in favor of Team Giannis.

Giannis turned it over and Y/N got the ball before running down the court. Embiid was in front of him but Y/N decided to throw a no-look pass to a driving KAT. He rose up and dunked it before anyone could stop him.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

"AAAAHH!" Y/N exclaimed toward the stands as he ran back on defense.

On the opportunity, Harden tried to lob it to Y/N but Embiid caught it. He threw it across to Curry where the guard then bounced the ball off the floor. Giannis came flying in, catching the ball at its peak and dunking it. The crowd along with both benches reacted accordingly.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

"Gah damn!" Y/N blurted out as he looked on.

For the second half, Y/N started with LeBron, Wade, Harden, and KD. After a three by Paul George, Team LeBron got the ball back.

Y/N was inbounded the ball ran up toward the hoop. D'Angelo, who started for Team Giannis that half, got in front to try and contest. The man simply threw it off the backboard where his Laker teammate, LeBron, completed the alley-oop and slammed it in.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

"Like that, huh?" Y/N asked D'Angelo, another friend of his.

DLo chuckled. "That was a'ight. I give you that."

After a few more looks, Wade got fouled and was at the line. Y/N got in position, standing beside Embiid. He nudged him and spoke.

"'Sup, big man."

"You good?" He asked in his accent.

"Yeah, I'm good. How about you?"

He nodded. "You seem to be having fun."

"I'm enjoying myself." He replied as the two laughed. "You know...we gotta talk about you liking the post about my girl."

Embiid chuckled and shook his head. "Never gonna let that go, huh?"

"Not today. That's for sure."

Wade made his first free throw but shockingly missed the second. Embiid was about to grab the rebound, but Y/N used his strength to get into a better position and grab it himself.

He put up the shot quickly and it went in along with another foul, this time by Embiid. Y/N let out an elated bellow.

"What I say?" He asked as he pointed at Embiid, who just laughed and put up his hands.

After his free throw and a couple of other possessions. Team Giannis was back on defense. Curry called out that he would stay on Y/N.

"I got Y/N! I got Y/N!"

The Prodigy had the ball and dribbled it in front of Curry to the right of the key. He decided to post him up as Stephen kept barking, albeit jokingly, in his ear.

"Y/N! You ain't going nowhere!"

He put up a fadeaway on Curry but missed because of the contest. They both ran back on defense with Stephen still shouting.

"Good defense!"

Y/N was back on defense. Kemba threw a pass to Curry but Y/N quickly got in the lane and stole it. He had an open path to the hoop where he dunked it. The crowd sounded off.

"Now that's defense!" He called out to Steph.

Later in the quarter, Y/N was back on the bench. The game was getting close with the score being 124–127 in favor of Team Giannis.

Y/N still sat beside Anthony Davis who engaged in small talk as the quarter continued. The young guard then tried covering his mic and asked a question.

"So you trying to come to the Lakers, bro?"

AD snickered. "I say anything...we both getting fined."

"Psshh. I could lose a couple thousand."

"Shoot, not me. That few grand they'll take from me could go to my girl's car or something."

Y/N was subbed back in with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter. The score was 137-136 in favor of Team LeBron. Shots were exchanged between the stars until it was 139-141.

Bradley Beal had the ball and found an open Y/N at the corner of the arch. He threw it to him and the Lakers guard caught it right when D'Angelo closed out.

Still, he shot that ball. DLo ended up fouling and Y/N hit the floor carefully just when the ball went through the net. The crowd cheered at the four-point opportunity and D'Angelo just shook his head with a laugh. There was really no way to stop that.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

His teammates helped him up and Y/N counted to three with his fingers toward the stands. Ahead, he could see his mom with Vanessa and Hailee applauding and cheering as well. He patted his heart and pointed at them.

Y/N then turned around and pointed at DLo with a smile, who kept shaking his head. Y/N went up to him and grabbed his shoulders where the two shared a laugh.

After the extra point, Y/N stayed on the court for a few more minutes before being benched again. The game went on with Team LeBron dominating the rest of the way. They ended up winning 178-164.

Y/N finished with 17 points. The MVP of the game was Kevin Durant who finished with 31 points.

After the game, Y/N had a postgame interview. He was out of his uniform and sported a silk floral shirt.

"Y/N, Eric Horne for the Oklahoman." The first reporter began. "How do you use the All-Star Game? Do you use it as something you actually gauge how you performed or is it just about fun? What do you take from it when you're here?"

"It's just about having fun. At the end of the day it's for the fans. Love chopping it up with the guys I see around the league. So yeah, just for fun."

"Y/N, Speedy from Complex. Can you speak to Dwyane Wade's legacy in the NBA considering it was his last All-Star Game?"

"Yeah, I think he's been special to this league. We saw what he did in '06, what he did with Bron and Bosh those years too. In fact, he's actually one of the players I modeled my game after. Of course, there was Kobe...but considering I'm a couple of inches shorter I had to compensate with speed and agility...which is what Wade excels in. So to see one of my idols go, it sucks...but I wish him the best."

Another reporter spoke.

"Sani Chanak for Yahoo Sports. The Lakers are currently in the hunt for a playoff spot. You and LeBron looked as good as ever on the court tonight. How has the chemistry been with him and how can they keep translating to wins?"

"I don't think I've seen someone with as high of an IQ as him. And with a guy as unselfish as him he needs someone that can put the ball in the basket, which is me. We saw how well that worked when he was with Kyrie in Cleveland. I mean, he can get his own buckets for sure, but I appreciate the fact that he looks for me to score first and provides me with those open looks."

There was a pause after his statement. Y/N got close to the mic and decided to add something.

"And he's a great dude in general. I went over to his house for some tacos. Can you imagine my reaction? LeBron invited me to his home?"

There was light laughter among the people in the room. Another reporter decided to speak.

"Y/N, we saw your interactions with players such as Towns and D'Angelo. How great is it to be able to be with those guys?"

"DLo and Karl are guys I've known for a long time. We were drafted back to back to back, 1 then 2 then 3. It's cool that we sort of grew together. From rookies with great expectations to being here...fulfilling those expectations. And I just like busting their ass when I could."

Once again there was some laughter. A reporter toward the side was called on and she spoke aloud.

"Hola, Y/N."

"¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás?"

"Muy bien." She smiled. "Eres latino por parte de tu madre. ¿Cómo es saber que los jóvenes de todo el mundo con tus antecedentes te miran?"

A translator interpreted for the reporters in the room who didn't understand.

"You're Latino on your mother's side. How is it knowing young people around the world with your background look up to you?"

Y/N smiled.

"Sé que estoy en minoría cuando se trata de la demografía de los jugadores de la NBA. Soy un niño del valle. No fui a ninguna escuela especial. No fui a ningún campamento de baloncesto de prestigio. Acabo de seguir mi sueño y trabajé duro. Quiero que la gente sepa que puede hacerlo."

The man translated for the room.

"I know that I'm in the minority when it comes to the demographic of NBA players. I'm a valley kid. I didn't go to any special school. I didn't go to any prestigious basketball camp. I just followed my dream and worked hard. I want people to know they can do it too."

The next reporter toward the back spoke up. It was none other than Wilson Wittman.

"Hey, man."

"Wilson, my guy!"

He chuckled. "A ton of artists here this weekend. 2Chainz, J.Cole, Drake, Juice WRLD. Do we have any collabs in the near future?"

"I actually talked to J. Cole a bit when I first got here. Nothing about collaborating but just about music in general. Drake and I chopped it up too. I worked on Scorpion with him earlier in the year and we'd like to link up again in the future. And with Juice...he got something coming soon that I got involved with. Stay tuned."

Y/N took a moment and let out a chuckle. He shook his head and continued.

"Again...it's crazy how it all came to be. I'm living my dream playing the sport I love and working with artists I listened to and who are as passionate about music as me. So I'm just gonna say this to y'all...anything is possible."

The moderator called on the last reporter. It was a female toward the side and she stood up with a recorder in hand.

"Hello, Y/N. Great game tonight."

"Thank you."

"You mentioned how you grew up in the valley. I understand and I assume you understand the hardships people endure in the area. From homelessness to at-risk youth. What have you done to improve that?"

There was a pause. Y/N tried to think of an answer and the more time he took, he started to feel...guilty. In the few years he's been in the league, he hasn't really done anything for his community. It really irked him and he couldn't believe he didn't think of it until now.

Finally, the young man composed himself and spoke.

"I do what I can for my community. I—I may not do as much as I should, I'll admit it. But that's going to change. I want them to know that I'll never forget them. I won't forget where I came from."

With that, the interview concluded. Y/N walked off the stage and went to the exit where he dapped up Stephen Curry, who was up next, before leaving the room.

•• SOCIAL MEDIA ••

2-17-2019

@/NBAonTNT
Kevin Durant takes home the 2019 #KiaAllStarMVP! 🏆

#NBAAllStar

4K Retweets 🔁 | 13K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/Yeetusmymeatus04 so proud of my guy
^@/NotKDTrustMe He appreciates the support

@/NobleSeven11 still a snake lol

• •

2-17-2019

@/KarlTowns
Flying high ✈️ 🦅 #NBAAllStar

11K Retweets 🔁 | 34K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/JonathanDiaz798 thank Y/N for that assist lmao

@/Emperormedrek All-Star now...MVP next 🙏

@/Original_L/N surprised yo big ass was able to get up that high
^@/KarlTowns here you go yappin 🙄

• •

2-17-2019

@/SportsCenter
Things couldn't be better for The Prodigy 🔥

9.6K Retweets 🔁 | 27K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/Imartian look at Y/N man
^@/KretinCrowle so inspirational

@/Alex_The_Baller y'all peep his Spanish lol

@/Communist_Kermit5 reporter had a point. I'd like to see him do more charity or something
^@/TheB1ThatL1v3d true it's about time

• • •

Y/N AND HIS family has gone back home that night. The flight from Charlotte to Los Angeles took about five hours, which was five hours for them to get some sleep.

Back his condo, Y/N was on his sofa lounging with the television on. Hailee was there too, resting and nestled up beside him. They were still pretty tired and jet-lagged...but the bed was too far and they didn't mind if they knocked out there.

Y/N was staring at the television, having not said a word in a while. Hailee could tell something was on his mind. She lifted her head from the crook of his neck and turned to him.

"Everything okay?"

He glanced at her and shrugged. "Uh...just tired."

She gave him a look. "Come on. I know you too well."

Y/N dryly chuckled. She indeed did and could hide nothing from her.

"I've been thinking..." He began. "Of what that reporter said about what I've been doing for the community..."

Hailee attentively listened.

"I haven't really done anything. And that sucks. I'm starting to feel like an asshole for just...forgetting about where I came from."

"No...don't think like that." She replied.

"I moved and got this condo. I moved my mom from my childhood home to a bigger house in a different neighborhood. Sure, I got us that property near where we grew up but that's it."

Y/N let out a breath through his nose and looked back at the television. He continued.

"Just doesn't feel right, I guess."

Hailee shifted her body and turned to him, propping her elbow against the cushion of the couch and resting her head on her palm.

"Well...what do you want to do?" She asked.

"I want to make an impact. Not just on the floor...in the league...but out here too."

"Like...a charity?"

"In a way."

She nodded. "Kobe and Vanessa started that foundation over a decade ago. You can ask them about how to get started."

"I could but they've already helped me enough. I need to do this on my own. I'll figure it out."

Y/N sat there for a moment. Hailee softly smiled and kissed him on the cheek.

"I know you will." She started getting up. "I'm gonna get something to snack on."

She left the sofa. Y/N pulled out his phone and scrolled through social media. A minute in, he remembered someone he had connections with. A player who had ties to the Los Angeles area and had said he was welcome to call anytime.

He had his own charity and foundation. Y/N thought it'd be a good idea to get in contact with him and get some pointers on how to start one up. Y/N was still a young player so he appreciated any support he could get from a veteran.

Y/N went to his contacts and scrolled through the various names until he stopped on the one he wanted to message...

Russell Westbrook.

•• SOCIAL MEDIA ••

2-21-2019

@/latimes
Lakers' superstar guard and Los Angeles native Y/N L/N launches the Be A Prodigy Foundation, which aims at inspiring confidence and resilience in youth and adults through education, training, and advocacy.

@/BeAProdigyFdn

2K Retweets 🔁 | 9K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/_rabbitharmony_ man of the people 🙌

@/russwest44 🔥🔥🔥

@/Marvel_King1 that's my star

@/lucwritess wow I love this!

@/LordShadowSpectre Damn where he gonna be at lmao I wanna meet him

• •

2-24-2019

Tagged: @/spiderversemovie

❤️ liked by spidadmitchell and 981,804 others

@/haileesteinfeld LITERALLY DOING MORE BACK FLIPS THAN GWEN STACY. I am so proud and honored to be a part of the Oscar winning gem! @/SpiderVerse 🕷💕🖤

Comments 💬

@/martinifrfr well deserved!

@/spidadmitchell aye haiz you put the word in for me? #ITSV2
^@/Original_L/N brother you can't act let alone voice act 💀
^@/spidadmitchell I'll slap da hell out you dawg
^@/zendaya ladies ladies...you both are terrible

@/LockRequiem I'll be waiting for SPIDER-VERSE 2 !!!

@/projectmmbape I don't think I'll ever get over my newfound crush of Gwen Stacy
^@/WilsonsWits yo you not alone

• •

3-1-2019

@/ComplexMusic
Juice WRLD releases his new single "Hear Me Calling", which is part of his upcoming album Death Race For Love.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

8K Retweets 🔁 | 20k Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/ConnorJ7 fun fact: Y/N helped produce the album
^@/@/Alex_The_Baller proof?
^@/ConnorJ7 Wikipedia lol

@/_CamWrites_ JUUUUIIIICE MY GOAT

• •

3-12-2019

@/SInow
The top 5 2019 draft prospects heading into the NCAA tournament:

1 - Zion Williamson
2 - Ja Morant
3 - R.J. Barrett
4 - Jarrett Culver
5 - Cam Reddish

788 Retweets 🔁 | 2.5K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/ObsessedWJennaOrtega Zion is the next LeBron

@/Yhorm_The_Giant Morant should go first
^@/Jay_Flame nah for sure Zion but he'll be second
^@/Octane_The_Fallen yo don't let him hear you say that or else he pulling up on ya with a strap.
^@/Jay_Flame Ja? Lmao come on he's harmless and looks like an outstanding guy.

• •

3-14-2019

@/DiscussingFilm
NBA star Y/N L/N has been cast as "Death" on Apple TV+'s "Dickinson" series.

9.6K Retweets 🔁 | 27K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/QUACKDUCKBREAD Bro acts too? I've seen it all
^@/Xandremago The Prodigy for a reason.

@/martinifrfr Y/N in a show with Hailee who's a lead? SIGN ME UP.

@/YOUNG7988 lol where he gonna sign next? The MCU? 💀💀

• •

3-19-2019

@/LakersNation
Lakers fall to Bucks 101-115 as LeBron misses second straight game and are in danger of missing the postseason.

659 Retweets 🔁 | 988 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/ArifSyukri9 yeah this will be the last game I watch for the season 😂😂😂

@/CanYouBeCarr ugly ahh Middleton shoving Y/N and no call 🙄

• •

3-19-2019

@/_L/NsWorld_
ARE THE LAKERS FR ABOUT TO MISS THE PLAYOFFS FOR THE 6TH STRAIGHT YEAR???? WITH FCKING LEBRON????? WHAT THE HELL KIND OF WORLD AM I LIVING IN???

HE WAS SUPPOSED TO HELP Y/N TAKE OUT THE WARRIORS BUT NOOOOOO HE HAD TO CARRY HIS OLD ASS!!! WAAAH WAAAH MY DICK HURTS WELL BOO-HOO LEBRON MY FEELINGS ARE HURT AND MY GOAT'S LEGACY IS TARNISHED!!!!!!  

89 Retweets 🔁 | 132 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/SkyBlack79 bro do you ever get tired of meat riding
^@/Recomplish this is his life man

@/Jexybutsad Y/N should be in the gym more and quit hanging with Drake in the studio
^@/_L/NsWorld_ SHUTUP SHUTUP SHUTUP SHUTUP

^@/trinavegga they'll be fine
^@/_L/NsWorld_ let's hope or else I'm leading the #TRADEY/N train

• • •

THE LAKERS HAD a match against the Brooklyn Nets in Staples Center. They were currently 31-40 while their opponent was 37-36 and in the playoff picture, which was something LA couldn't say for themselves.

Led by All-Star D'Angelo Russell, the Nets had risen from the ashes of what used to be a dark time in their franchise. Now they were a team people looked at to make some noise in the Eastern Conference. They were not to be taken lightly and Y/N knew that.

They had to win tonight or else they'd officially be eliminated from playoff contention. He didn't want that to happen so soon. It wouldn't be right for the city or the fans. Y/N was going to do all that he could to get the win and buy them more time.

"LeBron is back in the lineup and more on him soon. Lakers look to come out of tonight with a win and keep their playoff chances alive."

"This is also a big game for Brooklyn. They are currently 37-36 and a W would surely keep them where they want to be in the standings."

Both teams got ready for tip-off. Y/N dapped up a couple of Nets players along with his friend DLo but didn't say much after. He got into position.

"We have to keep both things in mind for the Lakers: trying to play now and keeping everyone healthy."

"Yes, important to keep everybody healthy, but first a foremost is your top two guys."

McGee won the tip over Jarrett Allen and Rondo got the ball. He dribbled it up the court and passed it to LeBron who got to the left of the key and posted up DeMarre Carroll.

Y/N immediately cut to the basket where LeBron passed it to him. He was too fast for Allen and scored a layup.

"Y/N puts it up and in!"

On the next possession, Rondo fouled D'Angelo and he was awarded two free throws. The Lakers came up empty on their turn and the Nets came back. DLo missed a layup but Allen grabbed the board and dunked the ball, putting the score at 4-2 in favor of Brooklyn.

Both teams went back and forth. McGee went at Allen and was scoring on him. For the Nets, three-point contest winner, Joe Harris, was getting clean looks and scored two threes in the quarter.

For LA, Y/N was the one who provided most of the offense. He put it upon himself to get the Lakers the win.

Rondo had the ball at the top of the arch and quickly passed it to Y/N who got behind him. He immediately shot the three and it went in.

"Y/N hits a three!"

"Looks like he's still hot!"

Every time he got the ball he would look to drive or shoot. By the end of the first, he had 16 points and had the hot hand.

As much as he didn't want to be subbed out, Y/N was benched but was brought back with 8 minutes left in the 2nd quarter. The score was 26-31 in favor of LA.

As time went on it started getting close. DLo was scoring at will and passing it to cutters who scored in the paint. The Lakers were now down 33-31.

Y/N got the inbound and went up the court. Forward Rodions Kurucs was on him and the guard took it upon himself to call an isolation on him.

He dribbled it through his legs and crossed up Kurucs before driving toward the basket. Kurucs recovered and tried staying on him. Still, Y/N jumped and laid it in off the backboard.

The Nets player had jumped as well to challenge the shot. When Y/N landed...Kurucs unfortunately landed on the young guard's ankle. They both fell to the floor with Y/N immediately reacting and groaning in pain.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

"Look at Y/N go!"

"And he got landed on by Kurucs! He's still down!"

Y/N was still on the floor with his eyes closed and arm over his face. After the Nets' possession passed, Coach Walton called timeout to tend to their star.

A staff member went up to Y/N and knelt beside him, asking him the usual questions when dealing with injury.

"My ankle. It hurts like a motherfucker." He said.

He looked to the rest of the staff. "Let's get him up. Carefully."

LeBron, who had gone to check on him too, helped the young man up. From there, two staff members assisted Y/N into the locker room, trying to keep weight off of the injured foot.

Without their second star, the Lakers found themselves at the mercy of the healthy and vigorous Brooklyn Nets. Y/N's exit from the game added yet another injury to the Lakers, joining Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball.

LeBron, still hobbled from his lingering groin injury, tried his best to keep them in with the supporting cast he had. But the Nets had all the momentum in the world. DLo, Harris, and Spencer Dinwiddie off the bench worked together to take down the Lakers.

In the end, Brooklyn beat LA and the final score was 111-106. The Lakers were officially out of the postseason hunt.

•• SOCIAL MEDIA ••

3-22-2019

@/ESPN
The Los Angeles Lakers have officially been eliminated from playoff contention.

26K Retweets 🔁 | 88K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/iiSoloDolo same year same shit

@/Almos1119 welp ima go cry

@/JackieCalle i could've predicted this months ago 😭

@/projectmmbape LeBron is washed 💔💔

• •

3-23-2019

@/ShamsCharania
Los Angeles Lakers star Y/N L/N has suffered a serious sprain in his right ankle and is likely to miss extended time, sources tell @/TheAthletic @/Stadium.

Tests show L/N avoided a fracture in the ankle and cautious approach is expected.

98K Retweets 🔁 | 118K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/_L/NsWorld_ NOOOOOOOOOOO
/CobrasPhantom let it out Y/N stan

@/CanYouBeCarr Damn might as well just sit LeBron the rest of the season then
^@/B_A_L_L_E_R would be smart there's no point anymore

@/toofoolishauthor on the bright side Lakers can TANK FOR ZION 🔥🔥🔥
^@/KN1GHTFALL nah TANK FOR BARRETT

• •

3-23-2019

@/LakeShowWorld
Well...this season was a failure.

77 Retweets 🔁 | 121 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/JustSomeWackyWriter TANK FOR ZION

@/CanYouBeCarr there's only one thing we gotta do
^@/Baddger what is it
^@/CanYouBeCarr it's time to trade for Anthony Davis
^@/TotallyNotAD I agree

• • •

A/N: Forgot to leave an author's note last chapter so here it is lol

It feels good to be back writing this book. It's almost been a year without an update and I apologize. If you check out my profile you can see all the other stories I did between then and now...and most aren't even finished either 😭😭

Anyway, I'm glad you are all still loving this story. Stay tuned for more!