The euphoria from winning the Summer League opener gradually faded, leaving only a clear understanding of what lay ahead and determination to keep grinding.
Zhang Zhaohua showered, threw on clean clothes, and sat by the hotel window, staring out at the city's blazing nightscape.
His phone buzzed. Carl's name flashed on screen.
He answered, hearing Carl's slightly raspy voice trying to sound casual: "Hey, Zhang! Congrats, man! Destroyed the second pick in your first game! Watched the highlights online—incredible stuff!"
"Thanks, Carl." Zhang could hear the forced cheer in his friend's voice. "How are things on your end?"
Silence stretched across the line. Carl took a breath, his voice dropping: "Didn't make it. Saw it coming, though."
Even though he'd expected it, hearing the news still stung.
"But," Carl quickly shifted gears, mixing self-deprecation with fresh resolve, "I've got something lined up. The Toyota Alvark in Japan's JBL offered me a contract. Flying out next week."
"Japan?" Zhang was surprised, but quickly recovered. "That's still a solid league, Carl. Diamonds shine anywhere. Go tear it up over there and prove all those teams wrong for passing on you!"
"Haha, I'll hold you to that!" Carl laughed, and this time it sounded genuine. "You better bring it too, Zhang! Make your mark with the Lakers and live out the dream for all of us who didn't get the shot!"
"I will," Zhang promised.
They chatted a bit more, trading encouragement before hanging up.
Setting down the phone, Zhang felt a mix of emotions swirling inside. The draft was brutal like that—for every celebration, there was heartbreak. He and Carl, former teammates who'd fought side by side, were now walking completely different paths.
His phone rang again. Gabriel, his agent.
"Zhang! Great news!" Gabriel's voice buzzed with excitement. "The Lakers officially confirmed it—you're getting number 5! Same as college!"
"Number 5..." Zhang repeated. The number meant everything to him.
"And," Gabriel's voice pitched higher, "you know what? They're already pre-selling your number 5 jersey in China, and the response is insane! Kupchak mentioned this morning that marketing is blown away by your commercial potential!"
This felt eerily similar to his past life, except the lottery pick status made it happen faster and harder. Zhang wasn't surprised—he just listened calmly.
"So, striking while the iron's hot," Gabriel switched to business mode, "two major athletic brands have made formal offers. Both are pretty sweet deals, and you need to decide soon."
Here we go! Zhang perked up. Rookie shoe contracts were the biggest revenue stream outside team deals and a real measure of commercial value.
"Which two?"
"Nike and Adidas," Gabriel said. "Both are serious."
"Nike's offering a 4-year deal worth $3 million total, including base endorsement fees plus performance incentives. Hit certain statistical benchmarks or make an All-Rookie team, and there are bonuses. They're emphasizing top-tier equipment support and see huge potential in your future."
"Adidas came in higher. Same 4-year structure, $3.2 million total. Base fee is better than Nike's, but fewer incentive clauses. They're really pushing your massive appeal in the Chinese market, wanting you as a key Asian spokesperson."
Both offers were competitive, fitting perfectly for a 13th pick with Chinese market appeal.
Zhang didn't answer immediately.
Nike—the global sports titan with Kobe, LeBron, and other superstars. Unmatched technical expertise, especially in basketball shoes. Going with Nike meant the best equipment support and easier integration into the elite player circle.
Adidas—another international giant pouring massive investment into basketball, signing Garnett, McGrady, Duncan, and others to challenge Nike's dominance. Their offer was higher, banking more on his Chinese market value.
In his previous life, injuries had killed any chance of deals like this.
This time, he had choices.
"What are Nike's specific incentive clauses?" Zhang asked. He cared more about performance-based rewards.
Gabriel detailed Nike's scoring averages, rebounds, blocks, and All-Rookie team bonuses.
Zhang listened, calculating quickly.
Adidas looked better on paper—higher guaranteed money. But Nike's deal had more upside. If he performed at or above expectations, the actual payout could exceed Adidas.
More importantly, Nike's basketball expertise and influence were what he valued most right now. He needed the best equipment to support his on-court performance, and a brand that truly understood basketball to maximize his commercial value. Plus, the Lakers' star Kobe was Nike's flagship player.
"I'm going with Nike," Zhang decided, his tone calm but final.
"Perfect, Zhang!" Gabriel didn't seem surprised. "Smart choice! I'll contact Nike immediately to finalize the details."
After hanging up, Zhang stood and walked to the window.
Jersey number confirmed, first commercial deal nearly locked up. His NBA journey seemed to be falling into place.
The Summer League debut was just the beginning. He needed consistent, solid performances to justify the Lakers' faith, Nike's investment, and answer both the doubts and expectations from across the Pacific.
He opened his system panel, noting the tiny compatibility increase (0.05%).
The road was long.
But he had confidence and patience.
This time, he wouldn't just make it—he'd climb higher and go further.
Nike's contract was quickly finalized, terms clear in black and white.
A four-year, $3 million endorsement deal sat before Zhang Zhaohua.
The pen dropped, leaving a smooth signature.
Soon after, the first endorsement payment hit his account.