With the first endorsement payment received, staying in the NBA and making his mark now had solid financial backing.
He immediately entered his exclusive training space.
The rebounding weakness (35) exposed in the opener rang like an alarm bell.
Inside the space, he set up high-intensity rebounding battle drills.
Virtual opponents attacked like maniacs, charging the rim repeatedly, forcing him to box out, judge bounces, and leap in crowded paint.
Sweat soaked through his virtual jersey, every desperate jump accompanied by muscle burn.
He also summoned opponents mimicking Aldridge's technical style for repeated low-post battles.
Using his newly unlocked basic footwork combined with system-enhanced strength (79), he searched for better solutions on both ends through simulation after simulation.
Progress was obvious, but facing punishing interior contact in the sims, he sometimes still looked inexperienced, making him crave real game seasoning even more.
The Summer League's second opponent was quickly set—the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies roster featured highly touted forward Rudy Gay from the same draft class. Different position, but his presence would definitely draw attention.
What caught Zhang's interest more was Memphis's Summer League bigs, known for their physical, hard-nosed style—perfect for testing his strength and contact tolerance.
Pre-game coverage split like a flame.
American media started running "13th pick surprise" and "Lakers struck gold" narratives, praising his debut versatility and beyond-his-years basketball IQ.
But doubts remained, arguing one game proved nothing and consistency was still questionable.
Back in China, news of the Nike deal slightly warmed some opinions, seen as validation of commercial value.
But harsh voices persisted, criticizing the contract as proof he was "money-hungry," putting personal gain above national honor.
Zhang ignored the noise, focusing entirely on the upcoming game.
The opening whistle blew.
Memphis's frontcourt lived up to its reputation, immediately targeting Zhang.
A muscle-bound big man opened with brutal post-ups, trying to intimidate him right away.
Heavy impact jolted through his chest.
Zhang's expression never wavered. He lowered his center of gravity, system-enhanced strength (79) making him rock-solid.
Instead of matching force with force, he cleverly used his basic footwork's agility, turning sideways to deflect power while maintaining contact, making his opponent extremely uncomfortable.
After several failed attempts to bulldoze through, the frustrated big man got called for an offensive foul when Zhang perfectly positioned himself.
Next possession, Zhang called for the ball in the post.
Facing the same defender, he didn't choose finesse—he responded with equal force.
Once, twice!
Muscle-on-muscle contact echoed with dull thuds.
The instant he created half a body length of space, he spun hard, rising through the defender's contest to bank in a tough shot!
The whistle blew simultaneously!
"And-one!"
Zhang clenched his fist, face showing no emotion except cold, hard lines.
He calmly drained the free throw.
He'd declared in the most direct way possible: bring on the contact.
The Grizzlies quickly adjusted strategy.
Realizing they couldn't muscle him in the post, they started trapping Zhang aggressively at the elbow and arc.
Whenever Zhang touched the ball above the free throw line, two defenders immediately swarmed, trying to cut off passing lanes and disrupt his rhythm.
The pressure ratcheted up.
On one possession, Zhang got double-teamed at the right elbow with almost no passing room.
Just as the trap closed, his wrist flicked and the ball came alive, slipping behind his back!
An incredibly slick and quick behind-the-back dribble, followed by a sharp spin move!
This not only beat the initial trap but drew weak-side help toward him.
In that split second, Zhang's eyes never even glanced toward the rim.
His right wrist casually flicked backward!
The basketball cut like a scalpel, threading between the third defender's body and arm, flying straight to the basket!
Ronny Turiaf read it perfectly, having timed his cut, catching the pass and exploding upward for a thunderous two-handed dunk!
"BOOM!" The rim shook violently.
The entire arena erupted in gasps!
"Oh my God! What was that pass?!"
"Behind-the-back, no-look in a double team?!"
The Lakers bench exploded, assistant coaches pumping their fists wildly.
Almost simultaneously, deep in Zhang's consciousness, the system chimed.
[Chamberlain Template Compatibility increased to 0.08%]
[Due to host successfully utilizing strength and footwork under heavy contact while completing high-difficulty facilitating, unlocked passive trait: Contact Adaptation (Basic)]
A subtle but clear sensation flowed through his body, as if he'd gained stronger tolerance and adaptation to high-intensity collisions and pressure.
The game's intensity kept climbing.
Memphis's frontcourt was clearly fired up.
During one rebounding box-out, the opposing center discretely jabbed his elbow hard into Zhang's right ribs!
Sharp pain shot through him. Zhang grunted, body swaying slightly.
He didn't fall or complain to the refs. He just lifted his head, ice-cold eyes scanning the dirty player like he was looking at a dead object.
The guy felt unsettled under that stare but kept his tough-guy act up.
Next offensive possession.
Zhang called for the post, specifically asking to face the cheap-shot artist.
Getting the ball, he didn't hesitate. Shoulder drop, power drive!
Strength (79) combined with newly unlocked contact adaptation made him like a revving freight truck!
Once!
Twice!
His opponent stumbled backward, feet scrambling.
Zhang seized the moment, powering through a spin move, ignoring the hand practically smacking his face, rising up to slam the ball through the rim!
Bucket! Whistle! And-one!
Walking to the free throw line, Zhang's eyes stayed cold. He'd answered every challenge the hardest way possible—through basketball.
The final buzzer sounded.
The Lakers survived a scare to win again, taking a 2-0 Summer League record.
Zhang's numbers stayed solid and impressive: 20 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks.
His rebounding had clearly improved from the previous game, thanks to targeted training space work.
His on-court toughness, composure, and clutch ball-handling again won over fans and scouts.
After the game, the assistant coach walked over, slapping his shoulder hard.
"Beautiful work, Zhang! You've got composure and toughness beyond your years. Keep it up!"
GM Kupchak, watching from courtside, wore a satisfied smile, nodding repeatedly. This 13th pick's performance exceeded expectations on the court while the commercial potential made the trade look even smarter.
Back in LA's training facility, Kobe finished his workout and had someone pull up Zhang's game highlights.
Watching the behind-the-back no-look pass and the tough and-one finish, Kobe's lips curved into a barely noticeable smirk as he muttered quietly.
"Interesting."
In the locker room, teammates treated Zhang with genuine warmth. The initial awkwardness had completely vanished, replaced by real respect and acceptance.
As Zhang loosened up his muscles, agent Gabriel hurried in, face showing excitement mixed with surprise.
"Zhang, another piece of good news!"
Gabriel lowered his voice.
"A major sports drink brand from China saw your Summer League performance and the buzz you're generating back home. They reached out wanting to sign you as their Asian spokesperson. The offer is substantial!"
Another endorsement? From a Chinese brand?