Moreover, unlike others, after this time-travel rebirth and gaining a cheat, William Sullivan believes that there must be an invisible hand in the dark controlling his fate.

If he doesn’t play basketball, William Sullivan fears he might suddenly drop dead like a side character in an infinite flow novel...

Therefore, making it to the NBA, becoming a basketball star, and marrying a rich, beautiful woman have become William Sullivan’s unwavering goals.

……

The 7th is the day of Game 1 of the 93/94 NBA Finals. According to the agreement with Kobe Bryant beforehand, William Sullivan showed up on time at the court where he and Kobe Bryant usually practiced.

“By the way, why is it that besides us, no one else ever comes to play on this court?” William Sullivan asked curiously.

“Hmph, because this is my turf.” Kobe Bryant raised the corners of his mouth proudly, looking extremely smug.

“If I hadn’t been preparing for exams for a while, how could you have played on my turf that day?” Kobe Bryant added.

Seeing Kobe Bryant’s expression, William Sullivan more or less guessed the truth...

That is, probably no one around here can beat Kobe Bryant...

And with Kobe Bryant’s competitive spirit, he might just drag you into playing one-on-one with him all day, so... if you can’t afford to mess with him, wouldn’t others just avoid him?

You know, in America, the one thing there’s no shortage of is basketball courts...

Because he had secretly observed Kobe Bryant’s house last time, William Sullivan knew that Kobe Bryant’s home wasn’t far from this court, so William Sullivan felt he and Kobe Bryant were truly destined to meet.

……

Back in ’94, since Kobe Bryant hadn’t met Vanessa yet, naturally he hadn’t had a falling out with his family either. The Bryant family could be considered harmonious and loving...

Kobe Bryant’s father was named Joe Bryant, a former NBA player—though, admittedly, not a very successful one...

When Kobe Bryant was young, Joe went to Italy to support the family, and ended up amazing the Italian fans at the time, because Joe’s playing style was flashy, especially his shooting and fadeaways, which were quite impressive...

After returning to the US, when Kobe Bryant was a freshman in high school, Joe even served as Kobe Bryant’s coach. Emmmmm, and then... that was about it...

In the future, many people would say Kobe Bryant was imitating Jordan, but in reality... his stylish shooting was definitely thanks to his father’s teaching and example.

“Heh, is this the ‘Philadelphia hero’ Kobe Bryant has been talking about lately?” As soon as William Sullivan followed Kobe Bryant into the house, Kobe Bryant’s father Joe came over to greet them with a big smile.

It was clear that Joe was quite happy his son had finally made a friend—after all, no parent wants to see their child always being isolated by other kids...

When Joe walked over to him and Kobe Bryant, William Sullivan suddenly felt his vision go dark, because Joe was 207 centimeters tall—a true giant to the current Kobe Bryant and William Sullivan.

“Hmm, about the same height as Kobe Bryant, good wingspan, nice hip and waist measurements, not much muscle, but a good frame...” After hugging Kobe Bryant, Joe started sizing up William Sullivan during their hug, commenting as he did so...

William Sullivan: “...”

Americans really are warm and hospitable, but William Sullivan still felt something was a bit off...

Oh, right!

William Sullivan remembered that in his previous life, when he brought his girlfriend home, all his aunts would say, “This girl’s got good hips, she’ll be able to have sons...”

“Come on, boys, the TV is ready, and Pamela has prepared some delicious snacks for you.”

Laughing heartily, Joe led Kobe Bryant and William Sullivan to the living room. Just as William Sullivan was about to sit down, Joe suddenly said, “Of course, as athletes, you’re forbidden from drinking cola.”

As he spoke, Joe opened a can of Coca-Cola right in front of William Sullivan and Kobe Bryant.

William Sullivan, Kobe Bryant: “...”

Actually, William Sullivan and Kobe Bryant hadn’t even thought about drinking cola, but...

William Sullivan suddenly felt that maybe there was a reason for Kobe Bryant’s introverted personality.

“Su, which side do you favor?”

On TV, the commentators had already started the usual pre-game analysis before the Finals began, and at this moment, Kobe Bryant looked at William Sullivan with curiosity and asked.

“The Rockets.” William Sullivan replied.

“Why? Don’t you think the Knicks look like real championship contenders this year?” Kobe Bryant asked in confusion, because he had thought both he and William Sullivan would pick the Knicks to win...

“Because I think Hakeem is stronger than Patrick. Although their head-to-head record is mixed, in reality, Hakeem always manages to get the upper hand against Patrick.” William Sullivan explained.

“But the Knicks still have Starks, Oakley, Davis...” Kobe Bryant seemed a bit unconvinced, listing off a string of Knicks players.

William Sullivan smiled and shook his head. “You’re right, Kobe Bryant, in terms of overall lineup, the Knicks are indeed stronger, and the Rockets are at a disadvantage.”

Hearing William Sullivan concede, Kobe Bryant couldn’t help but raise the corners of his mouth in pride, but then William Sullivan continued, “But I still believe that the tiny gap between Hakeem and Patrick will decide the outcome of this series.”