•• SOCIAL MEDIA ••

6-20-2019

@/LocalMemphisDotCom
Grizzlies' 2nd overall pick Ja Morant says the player he's most looking forward to going up against is Lakers' guard Y/N L/N:

"I thrive under the spotlight just like he does. When the time comes we'll see who's the better #2 pick."

325 Retweets 🔁 | 788 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/BramSimoens Lol bro already yapping

@/dawnlabrstory Zion better
^@/ThatGingerMatt RJ better ngl

@/NoTisMeNot Y/N would cook him lmao

• •

6-28-2019

@/spidadmitchell
Classic hotel bag mix-up, but I'm totally cool with it. @/tomholland1996 Can I keep it? #SpiderManFromHome #ad

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

6.1K Retweets 🔁 | 28K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/ZachLaVine 🔥

@/User1885 Spida Mitchell fr

@/jameshlloydjr he look goofy af with that suit on
^@/WinterHades7 it actually look good on him tbh

• •

6-28-2019

@/Original_L/N
Nah you funny as hell @/spidadmitchell

5.4K Retweets 🔁 | 17K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/XaeviAlways Bro making Spider-Man promos while you in the studio so who is really winning? 🤔

@/spidadmitchell I'm living the dream dawg
^@/zendaya i remember your Spidey pajamas
^@/spidadmitchell stop being so loud

@/tomholland1996 it wasn't in the script he actually meant that

• •

6-30-2019

@/ESPN
Brooklyn-bound: KD, Kyrie announce that they're going the Nets.

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

23K Retweets 🔁 | 76.4K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/projectmmbape WTF NOT THE KNICKS????

@/ajoricardo Knicks with the L once again

^@/Tobi_To_san No Zion and now no KD or Kyrie lol Knicks just Randle and vibes

@/Snoopdoggydaaawg What a surprise KD goes to another team
^@/NotKDTrustMe he needs this opportunity to finally prove he can win without Curry.
^@/NotKDTrustMe don't you guys want that? It will finally shut the doubters up.

• •

7-5-2019

@/Sportsnet
@/wojespn just dropped two HUGE 💣 on the basketball world 🤯🤯🤯 Kawhi Leonard AND Paul George are reportedly heading to the L.A. #Clippers

1K Retweets 🔁 | 3.5K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/LordShadowSpectre Lakers still better
^@/LockRequiem Eh Kawhi and PG are no joke though

@/NobleSeven11 That's a horrible trade. Shai will become a superstar and they'll regret it.

@/DarthTalek there is going to be a battle in LA

• •

7-28-2019

@/TurfShowTimes
Our very own Y/N "Houdini" LeBlanc has catapulted himself into the #NFLTop100 after an extraordinary rookie season.

101 Retweets 🔁 | 342 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/Uzumaki1047 not just the top 100 but top fucking 30!!!! GOAT
^@/LordDarkness99 Well deserved after that playoff run

@/iiSoloDolo i don't watch much football but he's made a new fan in me
^@/y35957 same bro he's magical

@/Im_mista_White aint that the dude seen around with Dua lol bro better back off before I get involved

@/Baddger wtf he look a little like Y/N on the Lakers

• •

8-27-2019

@/ProdigyMuse
Y/N L/N in the gym via Instagram

1.4K Retweets 🔁 | 8K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/Imartian bro ripped ngl
^@/YER_MA728 real gains

@/tyresetheweeb he on that Bron regimen lmao

@/_L/NsWorld_ MMMMMM YUMMY HE IS SO SCRUMPTIOUS
^@/Baddger ayo pause???

@/AriWee girl 👀
^@/HaileeSteinfeld 😏

• •

8-30-2019

@/KNIGHTFALL
Y'all need to stream! Graduation is finally out.

25 Retweets 🔁 | 77 Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/N6Swagger Had that pre-saved 👍

@/dav1233555 lfg juice
^@/I_want_my_payday_2 fellow juice fan

• •

9-1-2019

@/HaileeSteinfeld
I was homeschooled so I thank everyone involved in #GRADUATION for the mini high school experience I was able to have 🥹

11K Retweets 🔁 | 33K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/ByEmmet you're so pretty haha notice me
^@/JustSomeWackyWriter get in line buddy

@/toofoolishauthor whoa is that justice smith
^@/Dragonsw he not the only one involved they got a bunch of celebs in the music video

@/MK11_EGY BANGER OF A SONG WE NEED MORE Y/N AND JUICE COLLABS

• •

9-30-2019

@/LakersNation
Check out our pics from Media Day! *link*

7K Retweets 🔁 | 16K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/KqmuiC Kuzma lookin a lil...

@/Dashyexp56 SQUAD UP SQUAD UP

• •

10-5-2019

@/Lakers
#SuitingUpTogether tonight in the preseason matchup vs Warriors:

PG: @/Original_L/N
SG: @/DGreen_14
SF: @/KingJames
PF: @/AntDavis23
C: @/JaValeMcGee

962 Retweets 🔁 | 6.5K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/Zaddy_Breezy23 Y/N at point guard? Interesting
^@/y3s957 he's a combo guard it won't be a problem

@/WANDASJOSEPH idc if it's just preseason let's beat the Warriors!

• • •

IT WAS A SELLOUT crowd at Chase Center in San Francisco, the new home for the Golden State Warriors. It was their preseason opener against the newly formed LA Lakers.

The starting lineup for LA had Y/N at point guard with free agent signee Danny Green at shooting guard. The forwards were LeBron James and Anthony Davis, while JaVale McGee occupied their center position.

For the Warriors, their starting guards were Stephen Curry and D'Angelo Russell. The other players in the lineup were Omari Spellman, Draymond Green, and Alfonzo McKinnie.

D'Angelo had been traded to Golden State the summer prior due to Kevin Durant's move to Brooklyn. Now, he had a new home and would make the best of it. Klay Thompson was still recovering from his torn ACL sustained in the Finals.

The players went onto the court and greeted each other before tipoff. Y/N went up to his good friend DLo and dapped him up before going to his position on the floor.

Warriors had won the top and tried to score on the first possession, but it was no good. McGee got the rebound and passed it to LeBron, who went up the floor and immediately went at McKinnie.

He dribbled past him and put up a shot over Draymond, but it bounced off the rim. Thankfully, Anthony Davis was there and tipped it back in, marking his first every basket as a Laker.

"James with the left hand but it's tipped home by Davis!"

D'Angelo went up the floor the next possession and threw up a three-pointer that missed. McGee got the board again and passed it to LeBron. He saw Y/N going downhill and threw it to him next.

Y/N had Curry on him and sized him up. He ended up dribbling passed him and laying it up fairly quickly due to Draymond sticking to AD by the left block.

"L/N lays it in!"

Omari tried to score for the Warriors next, but it was no good. JaVale got the rebound, and on their turn, Danny Green shot a three, but it missed. McGee got the offensive board and immediately dunked it.

For the Warriors, Draymond was open for three, but it rimmed out. Y/N ended up getting the rebound and quickly pushed it up the floor. He passed it to LeBron, who ran toward the rim and shot a layup, all while getting fouled in the process.

"James with the hard drive and it counts! And one."

"This is what he does. He loves and embraces the contact."

After the free throw, the Lakers were up 11-0. They were surely showing the world how dangerous they were now with their new additions along with the improvement of current players.

Still, the Warriors had the pedigree of being a championship squad, and they still had a resilient Stephen. By halftime, the score was 59-51 in favor of the Lakers. LeBron had 15 points and 8 assists, while AD had 22 points and 9 rebounds.

For Y/N, he had 16 points and 4 assists. He knew that AD and LeBron would sit the rest of the game due to prioritizing their health and the fact that it was simply a preseason game. He was even told that it'd be recommended that he sit too, but nothing was going to keep him from finishing the game.

To start the second half, Y/N was out there with Alex Caruso, KCP, DeVonte Cacok, and JaVale McGee. With the rest of the stars sitting, he had free reign to do what he wanted, run the offense, and put on a show.

Caruso saw Y/N come off a screen and passed him the ball. He drove at Spellman and threw up a hook shot that hit the glass and went right into the net.

"L/N with the hook!"

"Oooh baby!"

On their next possession, he was handed the ball at the top of the three-point line. He still had Spellman on him, and his eyes lit up. Y/N immediately shot the three, and it went in.

"Whoa! Right near the logo!"

"He's really putting on a show!"

There were a couple of possessions with no scoring. Warriors dribbled the ball up. Damion Lee tried passing it to McKinnie, but Y/N quickly got in the lane and stole the ball. He ran down toward their basket, with Caruso following

Y/N passed it to Caruso, who waited a moment to then lob it up back to him. The guard saw it coming, so he jumped, caught it, and completed the alley-oop dunk.

"L/N with the jam!"

"Caruso rewarding him for that great defensive play!"

Y/N landed and immediately dapped up Alex before running back down the court with him. On the bench, LeBron and company were also hyped at the play.

AD also called out and applauded. Seeing a player like Y/N and being teamed up with him and LeBron was a welcome change to his circumstances.

"That's right!" He exclaimed. "That's right!"

Y/N and the team kept the lead throughout and, by the end, had won the game 123-101. Y/N finished the game with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.

The players offered each other sportsmanlike gestures after the game. Y/N met up with Curry and they embraced. He then went to D'Angelo again and dapped him up.

"What a way to show up." He remarked.

Y/N chuckled. "Nice ass stadium. Can't wait to come back and do it again."

DLo patted his back and walked away. Y/N walked back to his team by their bench, but not before taking off his jersey and throwing it to the group of fans calling out to him nearby.

•• SOCIAL MEDIA ••

10-5-2019

@/Lakers
Consider this a warning, @/NBA

12K Retweets 🔁 | 44K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/projectmmbape WE ARE WINNING THE CHAMPIONSHIP

@/im_mista_White where tf is Y/N in that pic get out the way old man

@/Marvel_King1 Warriors got cooked in their brand new arena LMAO

• •

10-17-2019

@/TheHoopCentral
Timberwolves' Karl-Anthony Towns, Suns' Devin Booker, and Lakers' Y/N L/N will be gracing the cover of this month's SLAM Magazine as the NBA's "GOODFELLAS".

7K Retweets 🔁 | 17.8K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/Almod1119 BFFs on and off the court

@/ConnorJ7 love the vintage jerseys 😭
^@/toofoolishauthor ngl they look clean as hell

• •

10-22-2019

@/NBA
#KiaWhoYaGot 🚨

GAME TIME in LA... Kawhi Leonard & the @/LAClippers host @/KingJames & the @/Lakers TONIGHT at 10:30pm/et on @/NBAonTNT! #Sweepstakes

2K Retweets 🔁 | 14K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/tyresetheweeb show the Clippers who's boss
^@/_CamWrites_ Kawhi terminator ass gonna cook them I fear

@/CanYouBeCarr I'm not worried
^@/CobrasPhantom you should be

• • •

THE BATTLE OF LA was just about to start. It was a hyped up matchup for the NBA's opening night that showcased the star-studded talent both Los Angeles teams had.

The starting lineup consisted of Y/N, Green, LeBron, AD, and McGee for the Lakers. For the Clippers, it was Patrick Beverley, Landry Shamet, Kawhi Leonard, Patrick Patterson, and Ivica Zubac. Their second star, Paul George, was out that week healing from an injury he sustained in the summer.

"The buzz around the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles has been building up all day and hitting a crescendo for this much anticipated season opener, featuring Lakers LeBron James and Y/N L/N with their new running mate Anthony Davis, along with the Clipper debut of Kawhi Leonard."

They all gathered on the court for tip-off. Y/N got to his spot and stretched a bit. The crowd buzzed, and behind the sidelines were Hailee and her brother, Griffin. He waved them, and they reciprocated.

The ref blew the whistle and threw up the ball. McGee won the tip, and LeBron caught the ball.

"And away we go!"

They passed the ball around before it went to LeBron in the post. He backed up Beverley before spinning around and laying the ball, narrowly avoiding Zubac's block.

The crowd roared. Despite the home team being the Clippers, the building was filled with mostly Lakers fans. If there had to be a guess...it was probably a 70-30 ratio.

Shamet came down and attempted a three but missed. AD rebounded the ball and dribbled up the court before passing it to LeBron. He got in the post against Beverley again but was immediately doubled.

He found an open Y/N at the top of the three-point line and quickly threw it to him. The young man shot the ball as two Clippers tried to close out, but the attempt was fruitless. It was nothing but net as it went in.

"L/N for three...good!"

There was yet again uproar within the arena. A few possessions went by without a point before Kawhi could shoot up midrange and cash it in.

The Lakers were back with the ball. They passed it around before Y/N acquired it. He saw LeBron on the block against Kawhi and passed it to him. He now posted up the star forward, and the crowd sounded off.

"Leonard and LeBron."

"See now this is the key matchup right here. You hear the crowd getting excited!"

The shot clock was at 6 seconds. LeBron backed up Kawhi before fading away into a jumper. The ball went over Kawhi and went in, causing the spectators to sound again.

"Woo!"

"Good D but fantastic O by LeBron."

A couple of minutes went by. AD was given the ball by Y/N and backed down Patterson. He got free with a shifty move and laid up the ball, giving him his first points of the night.

Later, the Clippers subbed in sixth men Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell. The duo worked together and scored some points for them on a 6-0 run. AD responded on their turn with a floater over Patterson. The score was 15-8.

The Clippers came back at the beginning of the second quarter after a few stops and scores of their own. Kawhi made a three over LeBron, and the score was now 25-27. But LeBron responded on the next play with a three of his own, making it now 28-27.

For most of the half, it was mostly LeBron in tandem with AD. Y/N was around, playing defense and playmaking as much as he could. By halftime, he had 10 points, and the score was 54-62 in favor of the Clippers.

Y/N knew he needed to provide more offense in order to win the game. He couldn't be passive and simply let LeBron and AD handle the load. If Kobe were watching at home (which he probably was), he would be disappointed in his effort.

The team gathered at their bench before the second half began. He went up to LeBron and spoke to him.

"Find me. I got us. I'm letting it fly."

LeBron nodded. "I know you do. Trust."

The game resumed. A few possessions went by, with both the Clippers and Lakers scoring. LeBron had the ball and dribbled past Kawhi, leading Beverley to run to contest. This left Y/N open in the corner, and LeBron threw it at him.

Y/N caught the ball, and Beverley reacted by running back to him. He jumped on Y/N's fake and landed behind him, giving Y/N the time to shoot again and make the three.

"Great hesitation and the result is a three!"

The Clippers were fouled on the next play and made their free throws. Back on the Lakers side, Y/N was moving a lot more within the offense, which the other stars noticed.

AD backed up Patterson on the block and kept an eye on Y/N. He ran past a screen and got behind the three-point line on the wing. AD passed it to him, and Y/N immediately shot a three-pointer.

It went in again, along with being fouled by Beverley, giving the Lakers a chance at a four-point play.

"Good! Foul! Count it! Send him to the stripe!"

AD helped Y/N up and pat his butt as he did. Y/N said nothing and simply had the look of a killer as he walked to the free-throw line.

He made the extra point. On the next play, AD got the rebound of a Clippers miss and immediately threw it down the court to a running LeBron. Williams didn't even try to guard, allowing LeBron to dunk it easily.

"LeBron with the sledgehammer! Clippers call timeout."

The game went on. AD was on the block and shot a fadeaway that was off. Fortunately, Y/N ran in and grabbed the miss before quickly putting it back up. The score was now 72-79.

"L/N is there to vacuum it in and put it through!"

The Clippers scored on the next possession, making it 72-82. Quinn Cook had the ball and watched for movement. Y/N quickly broke away from Lou Williams and ran toward the corner. Williams tried to chase after him, but a screen from Dwight Howard slowed him down.

Cook threw it to Y/N, who planted his feet and threw up a clean shot.

"Wide open L/N....triple!"

It swished in. Y/N nodded at Cook and ran back on defense with the rest of his team. They ended up getting a stop and got the ball back.

Dwight Howard was at the top of the key with it. Y/N had Landry Shamet on him and tried to shake him off. He ended up going past Dwight, who screened Shamet while giving him the fall. The split second of free space was just enough for Y/N.

"L/N has gone 4 for 4 this quarter..."

At that moment, Y/N shot a moving three, which went in. The crowd sounded.

"5 for 5!"

"Oh, my goodness! The Prodigy!"

The Lakers kept playing defense and got another stop on the next possession. Dwight Howard dunked it in their turn and ended up tying the game. Clippers tried to score, but their layup missed, and KCP brought the ball up. Y/N was trailing close behind...

"Find Y/N L/N..."

KCP did just that. He threw it to the hot hand and Y/N caught it. Without even thinking, he shot the ball just when Montrezl Harrell contested, but it was no use.

"L/N three for lead..."

It went in. The crowd went off, and so did the people on the broadcast.

"Good!"

The Lakers on the bench celebrated. LeBron pointed at him from the side, and Y/N pointed back as he ran back on defense.

From then on, the Lakers didn't look back. Once they reinserted LeBron and AD, their scoring, along with Y/N's, was too much for the Clippers.

The game ended 112-102 and a win for the Lakers. They achieved success in the first battle of LA but knew they had three more later on the season, along with a potential matchup in the playoffs.

Y/N was called over to speak with sideline reporter Allie LaForce. He wiped his sweat with the towel he was given, and she began the interview.

"Y/N, great way to open up the season. 31 points and 7 three-pointers to lead the team to a victory against your cross-town rival. How was your experience seeing the arena so lively and up on their feet to witness this battle?"

"It was great—a lot of emotions. But I'm just happy we got a victory. I started a bit slow, but I told my teammates at halftime I was going to step up and lock in. And they trusted me. There's no other group of guys I'd do this with."

"What are you expecting to accomplish with this group of guys?"

"The sky is the limit...and to me, at the tip top is a championship. I believe we can accomplish it, and anything less would honestly be a disappointment."

As he talked, Kuzma came over and put his arm around Y/N. He was out due to a stress reaction in his foot. Y/N chuckled but kept with the interview.

"Big win tonight...what do you do now?" She asked.

"Well, talk to the guys. Hang out a bit. Then after, I'll go back home with my queen...watch some Netflix."

Kuzma chimed in and did air quotes. "Yeah...watch Netflix."

Y/N nudged him aside and laughed. Allie chose to move on.

"Thank you, Y/N. Enjoy your night."

Y/N nodded, but Kuzma spoke again as they walked away. "Oh, he will."

"Shut the fuck up, dawg." Y/N whispered.

Kuzma still laughed. Y/N looked over at the stands and saw Hailee and Griffin. The young man waved at him while the girl clapped. Y/N waved back with a smile along with kissing his fingers and putting them up at her.

•• SOCIAL MEDIA ••

10-22-2019

@/NBA
👌 @/Original_L/N buries 7 triples en route to scoring 31 PTS in the @/Lakers win over the @/Clippers! #KiaTipOff19 #LakeShow

11K Retweets 🔁 | 33.2K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/ThatGingerMatt BANG BANG BANG MAMA THERE GOES THAT MAN

@/XaeviAlways LAKERS RULE LA

@/ajoricardo Lakers vs Clippers conference finals will feed families

• •

11-11-2019

@/ESPN
The Lakers sit atop Week 4's NBA Power Rankings 📈

2.4K Retweets 🔁 | 5.5K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/projectmmbape Lakers are actually good now 😭 i dreamed of this day

@/NR6Swagger y'all notice that there are NO WARRIORS on this list 🤣🤣
^@/iiSoloDolo it's literally just Steph and DLo lol they aren't making any noise

@/DDHU16 Consider this a warning, NBA

• •

11-27-2019

@/brkicks
Y/N L/N and Under Armor announce the upcoming release of the L/N 1s, the first in his line of signature shoes 🌟

Coming February 2020 ⏳

9.7K Retweets 🔁 | 29.9K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/JustSomeWackyWriter TAKE MY MONEY NOW !!!!

@/WinterHades7 ngl that look wack 💀

@/Snoopdoggydaaawg wearing those to church once I get them

@/JackieCalle announce the new Zion shoes 

• •

12-7-2019

@/Lakers
SQUAD #LakeShow

25K Retweets 🔁 | 97K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/Baddger look at the chemistry 🔥

@/YER_MA728 still waiting for Cousins to suit up
^@/KNIGHTFALL that's not gonna happen anytime soon sadly he's still recovering from the ACL tear
^@/Dashyexp56 that sucks

@/dav1233555 Celtics better

• •

1-21-2020

@/TMZ
Lakers' forward Kyle Kuzma spotted having dinner with actress Vanessa Hudgens.

879 Retweets 🔁 | 1.9K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/Im _mista_White aint now way she hanging with SLIM SHADY

@/ByEmmet what kind of Rizz do Kuz got?
^@/iiSoloDolo what the heck is Rizz?

@/Original_L/N way out of his league
^@/kylekuzma you're one to talk

• •

1-25-2020

@/_L/NsWorld_
I'M NOT ABLE TO BE HOME AND WATCH Y/N COOK THE 76ERS TONIGHT 💔💔💔💔 MY GIRL WANTS ME TO MEET HER PARENTS 🙄🙄🙄🙄 RIP ME

344 Retweets 🔁 | 1.1K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/KN1GHTFALL OMG L/NsWORLD IS FINALLY GOING OUTSIDE 🙌

@/JustSomeWackyWriter OMG TWITTER USER _L/NsWorld_ HAS A GIRLFRIEND???? 🤯

@/toofoolishauthor you won't miss much

@/MK11_EGY you do not have a girlfriend why lie
^@/_L/NsWorld_ DO NOT MAKE ME DOX YOU

• • •

Y/N WAS IN the visiting team locker room getting ready for their game against the Philadelphia 76ers. He laced up his signature shoes and checked his phone.

He had seen that he gotten a text. It was from Kobe, who wished him luck for tonight and that he would be tuning in. Y/N smiled.

It came as no surprise that he would be watching the game. Y/N was in the man's hometown and taking on the team he watched growing up. Since he knew that, Y/N would surely put on a show for the people there and Kobe.

When it was finally game time, the teams set themselves up in center court. Y/N did his usual stretches and rituals with LeBron and AD before getting into position. The ball was then thrown up, where the Lakers won the tip.

LeBron had the ball and passed it to Danny Green for three. It missed and bounced to Y/N, where he dribbled once before shooting a midrange over Shake Milton. It went in, and he put the Lakers on the board.

Tobias Harris tied the game up for the 76ers on the next possession. The Lakers went up the court and set up another play. It ended up in the young man's hands again, and he shot another jumper over Milton. It went in again.

"Y/N is 2 for 2! Lakers up early."

Sixers missed in their turn, and they got it back. LeBron scored this time, and they were up four. The opponent still couldn't score, and they got it back. Once it was in Y/N's hands, he went straight to the basket and laid it up over Al Horford.

"The dribble and the spin! Y/N increases their lead!"

It was the same story for the rest of the quarter. Even when Philadelphia would score, Y/N responded. With more midrange pull-ups and dazzling layups, he finished the first quarter with 20 points, and the Lakers were up 34-22.

The second quarter came, and Y/N was not stopping. He immediately drew a foul driving to the basket and was awarded two free throws, which he made. Two minutes later, Y/N got another opportunity and made a floater over Ben Simmons, giving him his 24th point.

"Now that was an easy one for Y/N."

"Right over the big man, too."

The 76ers couldn't stop Y/N. Even when stepping up to him, he would find a way to make contact and force them to foul, giving him free throws. When they gave him too much space, he'd let it fly and make them pay.

AD was on the block and threw it back to Y/N behind the three-point line. Matisse Thybulle got up to him and put a hand to his face. Y/N jab-stepped a couple of times before shooting a three, ignoring the palm blocking his vision.

It went in, and the 76ers fans reacted. He ran back on defense while looking at the awestruck expressions of the fans sitting courtside.

"Got it! That's 27 for Y/N!"

"Once he got it, he didn't even hesitate."

"The defender had no chance."

The second quarter went on. Y/N gave them a couple more midrange pull-ups, along with another three. By the end of the second half, Y/N had 37 points, and the Lakers were up 65-55.

When the team got to the locker room, they all were commending Y/N for the game he was having. Although Y/N was appreciative, his main goal was to win the game. What he did wouldn't matter if they let the lead slip away and lost.

"We know you got us, bro," AD said. "And we got you."

Caruso chimed in. "We'll handle the nitty gritty. Make sure there are stops and opportunities for you."

Y/N nodded. After the team went over the game plan and were ready to go back out, LeBron spoke.

"What they're seeing right now is scaring them. Y/N is doing some real Kobe shit, and they're going to try and put as many bodies on him. We must make sure they give him space. Move around, set screens, cut, make them hesitate, and wonder what our next move is. And once Y/N is open, you throw that rock to him. All right?"

There was a collective agreement after the statement from the veteran and leader. He put his hand up, and they all joined in.

"Let's kick their ass. Lakers on three...one, two, three—"

The team exclaimed. "Lakers!"

They all went back out, and the second half began. Just like LeBron orchestrated, plays were set up that involved much more player movement that allowed Y/N to be more free. Instead of the 76ers all doubling or triple teaming Y/N, they had to worry about others being open, such as LeBron, AD, and Kuzma.

Y/N was fouled and scored some free throws. On their next possession, he cashed in a midrange jumper that also resulted in an and-one. The Lakers got a stop, and Y/N immediately got the ball and scored a layup on the fast-break.

At 7 minutes in the third, the ball was swung around the perimeter until it reached Y/N in the corner. He shot the three and it went in.

"Y/N wanted it! Now he's up to 47."

They got another defensive stop, and Y/N got the ball. He dribbled it up and isolated his defender, dribbling between his legs. A second defender left their man and tried to double, but Y/N shot the midrange anyway where it went in.

"Got it again! He's got 49 and the Lakers lead by 19!"

The 76ers couldn't score on the next possession, thanks to an Anthony Davis rejection. Y/N caught the ball and immediately ran down the court. Al Horford tried to get in front of him and didn't expect Y/N's reverse layup. It went in and gave him his 51st point.

"Off the reverse he does! Lakers lead by 21!"

"I knew he was going to attack Horford. I just didn't know how!"

"He now has 51 and that breaks his previous career high of 50."

Y/N was not stopping there. The Sixers scored on the next trip, but Y/N responded with a pull-up three, reaching 54 points. After a great defensive stop on the next play, he got the ball back and quickly put it in off a euro-step. The basket netted him 56 points.

"He's unstoppable!"

"Don't you know? There is no stopping The Prodigy!"

Y/N ended up being fouled on the next possession, and he gained two more points on the free throws, giving him 58. Then, with 34 seconds left in the third, Y/N got the ball back and pulled up on the three. Milton fouled him as he did, and it still went in, giving Y/N his 61st point and the chance at another.

"And the foul! A chance at a four-point play!"

"This may be one of the best performances we have ever seen!"

"And there still is an entire quarter to go!"

Y/N went to the line, taking breaths and wiping away his sweat. He was pretty exerted, and now he knew how Kobe must've felt when he scored 62 against the Mavericks over a decade ago.

He was given the ball and was ready to shoot the free throw. As he bounced it, there was a collective chant of MVP for him. It came as a surprise since it was an away game...but the fans were simply in awe and appreciating the greatness before them.

Y/N shot the free throw and made his 62nd point. It also put the Lakers up 29 as the score was now 123-94.

The third quarter ended, and the Lakers returned to the bench. As Y/N walked, the fans near their seats applauded and cheered. He pounded his chest multiple times as he looked at them.

He dapped up his teammates and sat down, getting his well-deserved rest after such a tolling feat.

Once it was time for the fourth quarter, Y/N thought if he should go back out there. Sure, he was tired and felt some tightness in his feet, but he thought about how he could possibly break 81 points or maybe even get close to 100.

But Y/N remembered what his mentor often told him: to trust your body. The game was pretty much over, so for him and the stars to go back out and risk injury was not a good idea. Kobe was reckless like that, which is what caused his body to fail at the tail end of his career.

Kobe wanted Y/N to be smarter than him. Better than him.

So, Y/N decided to sit for the rest of the game. Coach Frank Vogel also chose to keep LeBron and AD out and put in the bench unit to finish the game.

Y/N was all right with what he accomplished that night. A new career high. 62 points in three quarters. Those were insane.

He knew what he did was historic. Y/N was content with the fact that his performance not only made Lakers fans proud...but it surely must've also made Kobe proud.

•• SOCIAL MEDIA ••

1-25-2020

@/SportsCenter
The Prodigy drops 62 in only THREE quarters in the Lakers' blowout win over the 76ers! 🔥

The last time a player did that: Kobe Bryant versus the Mavericks in 2005 🤯

10K Retweets 🔁 | 53K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/Dragonsw HE'S THE GOAT!!!

@/Imartian no one is beating the Lakers if he keeps doing this

@/projectmmbape damn i wish it was at Staples tho

• •

1-25-2020

@/kobebryant
We are in good hands. Keep on being great young prodigy @/Original_L/N 💪🏾

98K Retweets 🔁 | 213K Likes ❤️

Replies 💬

@/DarthTalek frfr we in for a treat every night

@/Snoopdoggydaaawg thank you Kobe for raising such a beast 🙏
^@/NR6Swagger thank you Kobe for forcing the front office to draft him 🙏
^@/Snoopdoggydaaawg that too i guess

@/ThatGingerMatt next up...81 points 🔥
^@/iiSoloDolo we will be there

• • •

Y/N WAS IN the locker room and speaking to the media after their big win. Most of the questions were about his extraordinary performance and similarities to Kobe's game in 2005.

"He dropped 62 too?" Y/N asked as a joke. "Damn, I should've one-upped him and got 63."

There was a collective chuckle from the people. Y/N snickered as well and continued.

"Not often are you able to say you've done something other greats have done. To be able to put myself in conversations with Kobe is...crazy. You guys know how I've looked up to him...how much he means to me. I'd like to think what I did tonight made him...smile. 'Cause all of you know how hard it is to do so."

There was yet another guffaw. One media member asked him if he saw the tweet Kobe posted moments ago.

"What?"

The reporter read him the tweet. Y/N ended up taking his phone out and seeing for himself. Upon looking at it, he smiled and nodded. It honestly made him emotional.

"Wow..." He said. "Well, I gotta imagine he was smiling as he typed that."

A reporter spoke.

"You match Kobe and tie for the second most points scored in a game in Lakers history. LeBron is also a handful of points away before passing Kobe for 3rd all-time in points. How do you compare when seeing that mark you two are making?"

Y/N rubbed his face and took in a breath.

"Well, I can't speak for Bron, and it's crazy to think he's so close to becoming the all-time leader in points. I can't even fathom it. But all that and what I did tonight is just minute to our bigger goal this year...which is to win a championship. It's always been that. For Kobe back then to me right now."

The reporters were done asking their questions. Y/N thanked them as well before moving on to the showers.

The team was back at their hotel. Y/N was in his room and preparing to go to sleep. Before he could get into bed, he had gotten a FaceTime call from Kobe. He answered it.

"Hey!" Y/N greeted.

Kobe nodded. "What's up?"

"I'm just here about to hit the hay. Pretty exhausted."

"I'm sure. You know...I vividly remember the night after doing all that back in '05. Was sore as hell. Could barely walk to my kitchen and get some water."

Y/N chuckled. "Poor Aunt Vanessa. Had to do everything for your ass that night, huh?"

"No..."

The lady overheard and spoke from her spot on the couch. "He really couldn't move!"

"All right, maybe I did get some help." Kobe said.

Y/N plopped onto the bed while still holding up his phone and being in frame.

"We'll see how I feel in the morning. I'll just get Talen or Devontae to hold my things. Rookie duties, ya know?"

Suddenly, Y/N could hear Giannia call out on their end. Kobe looked back.

"Dad! Where's my iPad charger?"

"I left it on the island."

"Why'd you take it?"

"Mine was dying while looking over plays for tomorrow. Remember, Gigi, we gotta get up early and meet John and his family at the airport."

"Yeah, Dad, I know."

"And, say hi to Y/N."

The 13-year-old came into frame and greeted the young man. "Hey!"

"Hey, Gigi!"

"We were watching the game. You were so cool."

"Glad to hear that I'm cool." He chuckled. "What's this about going to the airport?"

Kobe replied. "We're going to a game at the sports academy. I'm coaching Gigi's team."

"Ah, all right. I wish I could be there, but our flight tomorrow is scheduled to get there by 2 PM."

"It's okay." She said.

"But I'll stop by your place after for sure. I'll review the tape and give you pointers so you can drop 60 yourself one day."

Kobe scoffed. "Yeah, sure. Not anything I've already said."

"Getting tips from the Prodigy and the Mamba ain't so bad."

Gianna agreed. Y/N rubbed his face.

"And it's been a while since I tasted Aunt Vanessa's food. Food on the road doesn't beat home cooking."

They all laughed. Kobe noticed the young man's fatigue and wanted him to get a good night's sleep. It was already a three-hour difference from where he was to where Y/N was.

"I'll see you tomorrow then," Kobe said. "Get some rest."

"All right," Y/N said with a yawn. "I will."

"Say goodnight, Gigi."

The girl did so. "Good night, Y/N."

He smiled. "Good night, Gigi."

She went out of frame and walked away. It was now just Kobe and Y/N.

"Again, great job tonight. Seeing that...everything you were able to do...it was nothing short of amazing. You're not only making a mark on the franchise but on the league itself. Great stuff."

Hearing that brought another smile to Y/N's face. He chuckled.

"I had the best mentor. Not only for the game but...for life. Couldn't have asked for anyone better."

Kobe smiled back. He was proud of Y/N and he knew he'd done an excellent job teaching Y/N how to not only be a great basketball player...but a good person. The traits of being selfless, resilient, and a leader would help him during his career and after.

"Love you, man," Kobe said. "Good night."

Y/N smiled again. He replied.

"Love you too, Kob'."

• • •

THE NEXT DAY, the Lakers departed from Philadelphia International Airport.

The traveling party filed in with broadcasters, media relations, and team support staff in the back, coaching staff, training staff, and players in separate sections going from tail to cockpit. It was one of those flights where those in window seats pulled the shades down as soon as they sat down, looking to doze off before the plane even took off.

Not everyone could sleep, though.

A few hours into their flight, everything was quiet. Coach Vogel was in his seat looking over tape for their matchup against the Clippers on Tuesday. Anthony Davis was watching Avengers: Endgame on his iPad. Kuzma was on his phone. LeBron was already dozing off in his seat.

Y/N was also about to sleep. He wouldn't mind another nap on the long flight. He sat in his seat and laid back. Unbeknownst to him, Dwight Howard and DeMarcus Cousins were waving down AD across the section.

He opened one eye and saw AD get up and go up to them. Dwight had his phone and was telling him something, something that caught Anthony off guard. They shared harsh whispers that he could barely make out.

"Wait, what? How? I need details. Tell me."

"Helicopter crash."

Y/N couldn't really hear, so he chose to ignore it and closed his eyes again, trying to get his nap.

After a short time, there was more noise in the cockpit. Every Lakers player was up but Y/N. Anthony Davis had gone to the young man and jostled him awake.

"Y/N! Y/N!"

He opened his eyes. "Yo, what?"

AD wasn't sure how to say it. He was already an emotional wreck, and Y/N wondered why. He had honestly never seen him like that. It was like his soul was taken from him. Finally, his friend spoke.

"Bro...Kobe died."