"Alex, have you seen the news?"
It was a cool, sunny morning in Los Angeles, and the Lakers' training facility was buzzing with activity. The sound of sneakers squeaking against polished hardwood echoed through the gym.
Allen Iverson strolled in, a sly grin on his face, holding a folded copy of the Los Angeles Times. He spotted Alex Mo across the court, stretching before practice.
"Man," Iverson began, walking over, "you got two official NBA All-Star invitations."
Alex straightened up, unfazed. "Yeah, Coach Del Harris called me this morning," he said casually.
He'd known for a while that his dunking ability would eventually land him in the Slam Dunk Contest. Whether it was dominating at Rucker Park in New York or throwing down thunderous slams in actual NBA games, his leaping and creativity had already made waves.
But the real surprise?
"They want me in the three-point contest, too?" Alex shook his head, still not entirely believing it.
Iverson chuckled. "Guess they want to see a seven-footer break some traditions."
At 6'11" (211 cm), Alex knew this was unusual. In the late '90s, centers taking threes was almost unheard of. Still, Coach Harris had fully embraced his style, even as many old-school coaches muttered that it wasn't "real basketball."
Yet here was the league, inviting him to test his shooting against the best guards and wings in the NBA.
Iverson unfolded the newspaper. "Here's another one for you. The NBA's banning your sneakers."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "The IM1s?"
"Yup," Iverson confirmed, reading aloud from the article. "League says they violate uniform guidelines. It's the same way they went after Jordan's AJ1s back in the day. If you wear them, it's a $1,000 fine per game."
Alex smirked. "Nike already called me. They're covering the fines. Actually told me to keep wearing them. Free publicity."
What the league thought would cool down the hype only made it hotter. His custom white-and-purple IM1s—now nicknamed The Forbidden Colorway by fans—were suddenly the most coveted shoes on the street.
"If you want to stand out," Alex joked, "you need a pair of shoes the NBA doesn't want you to wear."
Iverson shook his head. "Man, you get news faster than the news channels." Then his grin returned. "But I've got something you don't know. Our top scout's overseas right now. Word is, he's checking out players in the European leagues."
Alex's smirk widened. "Allen… I already knew that."
Iverson blinked. "What?!"
Alex clapped him on the shoulder. "The guy they're looking at? I recommended him."
Without another word, Alex headed toward the locker room, leaving Iverson standing there, baffled.
January 27 – Lakers vs. Seattle SuperSonics
Seattle's star forward, Shawn Kemp, had clearly learned from his last meeting with Alex. Instead of challenging him in the paint, Kemp settled for mid-range jumpers. Unfortunately for the Sonics, the shots weren't falling—4-for-17 from the field—and by the fourth quarter, the Lakers pulled away for a comfortable 14-point win.
In the postgame press conference, Kemp blamed the loss on the "air conditioning at Staples Center," claiming he'd shoot better in Seattle. The reporters chuckled politely but didn't buy it.
That win wrapped up a turbulent January for the Lakers—a month where Alex had served a suspension, yet the team still finished near the top of the West. Houston held the #1 seed, with the Lakers just behind them.
The NBA's Player of the Month award went to Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon. Statistically, he'd earned it, but some fans argued it was only because both Alex and Michael Jordan had missed games early in the month.
And fate had a sense of humor: the Rockets' next two games would be against the Lakers (February 2) and the Bulls (February 4). Olajuwon would face both Alex and Jordan in the span of three days.
February 2 – Compaq Center, Houston
Before the Rockets moved to the Toyota Center in 2003, this was their fortress. The building was already loud during warm-ups, fans buzzing for the matchup: #1 seed Rockets vs. #2 seed Lakers, both at full strength for the first time this season.
Well… almost full strength. Big Ben Wallace was still serving a suspension, but Alex and the rest of the core were ready.
On the way to the arena, Charles Barkley was cornered by reporters and asked about the Player of the Month debate.
"Listen," Barkley said bluntly, "anyone saying Hakeem only won because Jordan retired, or because someone missed games, doesn't know basketball. This guy's one of the most skilled big men ever. He's beaten every top center of the '90s—Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Shaq—and now y'all want to put a rookie above him? Please."
Barkley then added, "Mo's good, no question. But right now? Hakeem's still the standard. Tonight's game will prove it."
The tension was set. This wasn't just about seeding. It was about pride, legacy, and the title of best center in the West. The very next day, the All-Star starters would be announced, and Alex was a lock for the spot… But the question remained:
Who truly ruled the paint—the veteran Big Dream or the rookie phenom Alex Mo?