Chapter 21: The Childlike Lake Dream?

On the morning of June 9th, after leaving the Shutters on the Beach resort in Santa Monica, California, Li You, dressed in sporty attire with only a simple white T-shirt on top, stood by the hotel entrance, looking around.

The climate in Los Angeles in June was better than in New York, with morning temperatures around 14°C. The City of Angels was so popular largely because of its weather.

A Chevrolet Blazer soon appeared in front of Li You. Mark Bartelstein waved at him, and after getting in, Ryan West, who was driving, immediately smiled and said, “You’re taller than I expected from what I saw on TV. Li, welcome to Los Angeles!”

Ryan was the son of Jerry West, the team president, and he also worked for the Lakers.

“It’s a pleasure to come to the Lakers for a tryout. I’ve always wanted to see the Great Western Forum in person. Now my dream’s come true!” Li You smiled and complimented, to which Ryan West grinned, clearly showing a strong sense of belonging to the Lakers.

This tryout was a bit different. First, they toured the Great Western Forum, learned about the history of the Lakers, and then headed to the YMCA gym in Inglewood to complete the tryout.

Compared to the Knicks, the Lakers placed more emphasis on team culture, which Li You understood. The arena was adorned with numerous championship banners—something the Knicks simply couldn’t match.

Compared to Madison Square Garden, the Great Western Forum wasn’t as luxurious in terms of facilities, but the basketball elements were richer.

Photos of Lakers legends lined the walls, and Ryan West along with the Lakers staff explained the history of this arena to Li You.

Though he appeared to listen attentively, Li You wasn’t particularly moved by the championships. He wasn’t a Lakers fan nor interested in celebrity worship.

The whole morning, apart from touring the Great Western Forum, they also strolled around Los Angeles.

Compared to New York, South Los Angeles was still under development. To Li You, it was a city still growing.

Ryan West was a bit surprised too. He knew Li You wasn’t yet nineteen but didn’t feel like dealing with a teenager at all.

To cater to Li You’s taste, the accompanying staff member Michael Cooper specially booked a Mexican restaurant.

“I went to the University of New Mexico for two years, Li. Hope you like this arrangement!” Michael Cooper was already 40 but kept in great shape. Li You bumped fists with the Lakers legend.

“I almost stayed at New Mexico for school. Thanks for the treat!”

Mark Bartelstein was very satisfied with the Lakers’ arrangements. Holding the 24th pick, the Lakers had indeed shown their intentions.

But as a seasoned agent with a decade in the business, Mark still preferred the Knicks.

The Lakers’ starting point guard, Nick Van Exel, was firmly established.

Head coach Del Harris, nicknamed the Silver Fox, was no rookie like Jeff Van Gundy and likely wouldn’t give many minutes to a rookie.

To land a big contract three years later, a rookie had to make a name for himself early. Although warmly welcomed, Mark wasn’t fooled; the Lakers remained a backup option.

That afternoon, everyone gathered at the YMCA gym in Inglewood. The facility was modest — some corridors narrower than the locker room passages at the Great Western Forum, and the court itself wasn’t regulation size.

Li You didn’t mind; it was common for training and competition venues to be separate.

The traditional physical tests began. Mark Bartelstein saw Li You get into the zone and immediately whispered to Jerry West beside him:

“Li is definitely underrated. At UConn, he has starting-level talent. Coach Calhoun kept urging him to play another year. If his stats had doubled this year, that would be Li’s true level.”

“He’s very familiar with current basketball tactics. Actually, his best skill is pick-and-roll offense, sadly something he hasn’t been able to showcase.”

Jerry West, who had been watching Li You’s smooth shooting attentively, suddenly chuckled.

“Li is truly a genius, but you guys chose the Knicks first. I understand your choice, though!”

Business is business. Mark Bartelstein replied casually without any embarrassment.

“Li studied at UConn, which is closer to New York. His friends and teachers are there. I have to look out for my client.”

John Black was the Lakers’ vice president of public relations and, barring surprises, would represent the Lakers at this year’s draft.

They were prepared for the 24th pick, but seeing Li You’s tryout still surprised them—his spot-up shooting was terrifyingly accurate.

“Come on, Li. We’ve all seen your skills. Shoot a few more. Don’t underestimate me—I’m not too old to defend yet,” Michael Cooper teased, signaling the next segment.

As a key member during the Lakers’ Showtime era, an eight-time league All-Defensive team selectee, and the 1987 Defensive Player of the Year, 40-year-old Michael Cooper had a wealth of defensive experience.

By now, Li You, dressed in training gear, was fully warmed up. Seeing the slightly out-of-shape elder, he instinctively raised an eyebrow.

Receiving the ball at the top of the arc, Li You didn’t hold back. Facing a slower-moving veteran, he lowered his center of gravity after a left-hand dribble, quickly performing two behind-the-back dribbles.

Taking advantage of Cooper’s footwork, Li You suddenly accelerated with the ball in his right hand. Cooper instinctively slid left and backward, trying to disrupt Li You with a hidden tug.

Shielding the ball successfully, Li You, just behind the three-point line, dribbled behind his back again, stepped back, returned beyond the arc, created space, slightly leaned back, and released a quick jump shot.

Swish! The three-pointer dropped cleanly through the net.

The staff on site gasped in surprise—Li You’s moves were incredibly fast.

After just three possessions, Michael Cooper knew he couldn’t stop Li from attacking the rim. Around the paint area, he managed to save some face with a few post-up plays, and Li You missed one shot backing down.

After several possessions, Cooper was thoroughly exhausted. Taking a breath, he sighed appreciatively:

“Well done! Li, your technique is very unique. Still, I’m just too old!”

Li You’s shooting was so accurate that even when forced to shift his balance repeatedly and attack Cooper’s front foot, the veteran, slowed in lateral movement, could only resort to hand tugs but had no real defense.

Bumping fists again with Cooper, Li You tossed the ball to the staff and said with a smile,

“Maybe you should consider making a comeback for a few more years. Many young players can’t defend like you! I mean that sincerely.”

John Black stepped forward, patted Li You on the shoulder, and cheerfully called everyone together:

“Guys, a perfect tryout! Let’s head back to the office for a chat.”

Mark Bartelstein gave Li You a knowing look. According to plan, it was time to chase their Los Angeles dream...

Back at the Santa Monica resort hotel by 10 p.m., Mark Bartelstein, despite having drunk plenty, showed no signs of intoxication. He asked Li You meaningfully,

“So, what do you think of the Lakers?”

The Lakers had provided top-notch hospitality, but Li You wasn’t swayed by the sugar-coated charm.

“I didn’t see the Silver Fox Harris. At 24th pick, if I’m really selected, I’ll probably be on the bench for a season.”

“The coaching staff’s absence already says something. Maybe they don’t like using rookies.”

Leaning against the sofa, Li You remained calm. He knew what he needed: to prove his talent through playing time. He didn’t want to sit on the bench all rookie season.

Mark hadn’t expected Li You to notice this point and felt pleased—dealing with a smart client saved a lot of trouble.

“I thought you’d really like the Lakers. Jerry West was even there—a true legend!”

Li You smirked, not truly a Lakers dreamer, and muttered quietly,

“What good is a legend when for rookies, the coach is the real boss?”