The arena lights burned bright. Lin Mo sat near the 20th pick, clutching the one-armed teen's gift: a basketball charm made of bottle caps and string, edges worn smooth.
Coach Wang counted picks beside him. "Lakers have the 22nd. They need a defensive guard. That steal-and-pass at tryouts? They'll remember."
The first 18 picks flew by, guards snatched up fast. When the NCAA assist leader went 18th, Lin Mo's palms sweated. Then, the Lakers' GM lifted the mic, eyes locking on him: "With the 22nd pick, we select—Lin Mo, from China."
Applause thundered. He walked onstage, slipping into the "LAKER" jersey. No words registered, just a memory: three years ago, counting footsteps from the bench, whispering, "When will I wear the home jersey?"
Backstage, a reporter asked, "Secret to your progress?" He held up his left hand, calluses stark under the lights. "Practice till the gym locks up. That's my secret."