Chapter Four
The past month had been hectic for Naruto. His training with Nash intensified everyday and it wasn't hard to find motivation to keep going. Every time he turned to ESPN Stephen A Smith was talking trash about him and mispronouncing his name.
The training turned into a massive preseason. Between training camp and preseason he didn't have much time to spend with his family, he even spent his birthday in China for a preseason game, so he was enjoying a bowl of ramen for lunch with his daughter while watching a movie.
"So this is before Monster's Inc?"
Nina nodded. "Yes."
"But why make a movie about what happens before when I'm wondering what happens after."
Nina shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know."
Shikamaru stepped into the living room from off the terrace with Amanda and Mia.
"Stop confusing her."
"Her, I'm confused! This makes no sense!"
Shikamaru laughed. "Well I'm going downstairs to change, Naruto the Bowl-A-Thon starts at five."
Naruto covered Nina's ears. "Bowling! That's that shit I don't like."
Shikamaru shook his head. "Your going it's the Buss family's party for luxury box owners."
"Well I'm a player not a luxury box owner. Can you get me out of it?"
"I will, forty five minutes after you show up. It's a mandatory team event, if you don't go you get fined."
"Well work your magic Shika."
Shikamaru laughed. "Abra Ka-fucking dabra, I just kept 50k in your pocket."
Amanda slapped Shikamaru on the back of his head for cursing in front of Nina and Mia laughed.
"I can see it now, Lakers fine Naruto for not bowling with some douchebags."
Amanda laughed. "Luxury box owning douchebags."
Shikamaru sighed. "Well those douchebags help pay the bills."
Naruto shook his head. "Well technically I haven't gotten paid yet."
Amanda sighed. "Come on baby be grateful and go."
Naruto jumped up. "Ma, I ooze gratitude but the season starts tomorrow. I had a massive preseason why, rest and focus. Bowling is neither. It hurts your back and the scoring is confusing as shit, sorry Nina. Just tell em I'm sick."
Naruto went on the terrace and everyone but Nina followed him.
Shikamaru shook his head. "We don't lie anymore, remember. It's in our mission statement."
"Yeah the one Under Armour made for me."
"Yeah, after they have you a million dollars in cash and another six million a week later."
Amanda nodded. "And it's a strong mission statement, I'm proud of the both of you. As a matter of fact, Shika when is Temari coming?"
"She'll be here tomorrow, but back to the point. No lying."
Naruto groaned. "Can't we throw in a few stock lies. Make life a while lot easier."
Shikamaru put his hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Every event we attend we build favor equity with the Buss family, their reach extends far beyond basketball and we wanna tap into that reach."
Mia nodded. "Just go Naruto. Give them their little reach around and then you can leave."
Naruto sighed as he was left on the terrace alone.
Lakers Bowl-A-Thon
Naruto was dressed in a pair of black jeans, a white t-shirt and a purple and gold bowling shirt that had his number and name on the back.
While he took pictures Shikamaru went to talk to Mitch Kupchak.
"Shika, talk to me pal."
The Lakers GM, brought the agent into a giant bear hug.
Shikamaru laughed. "Your hugs break ribs."
The GM smiled. "Just excited for the season to start. Thanks for being here, I know it's kind of corny."
Shikamaru smiled. "It's bowling. Its loud as shit but it's fun."
"Well this is how we start winning the hearts. This is our year! God has done me, you and Naruto good what we do with the rest is up to us. Speaking of Naruto how did he take having to be here?"
Shikamaru shrugged. "I mean he's here."
Mitch sighed. "I figured this wasn't his kind of thing. He barely wanted to take pictures for the team posters."
Shikamaru laughed. "Yeah he's just ready to play. Tomorrow's a big deal for him."
Naruto finally finished taking his pictures and was approached by a fan.
"Names Mike Hisner, look I just spent way too much money on a couple of luxury boxes so you don't suck this year."
Naruto have him a awkward smile. "That's the plan, not sucking."
"Hell win lose its all bread and turkey. Don't matter in the big scheme. Know what does matter though?"
"Families."
Mike shook his head. "Numbing the pain of existence."
"I left my pain back in Philadelphia."
"You give Los Angeles enough time, it'll disappoint you in ways you couldn't imagine. Bottoms up."
He held out a shot glass for Naruto who shook his head."
"Thanks but I got a game tomorrow."
The man seemed disrespected and downed both drinks.
"Work on your free throws."
And with that he left leaving Naruto alone who held in his anger.
A few minutes later he ran into a father and his two sons.
"Excuse will you take a picture with my kids?"
Naruto nodded. "Absolutely man."
He looked as saw a kid around Nina's age and a older one dressed in gothic clothing.
"Can you this one up, but not two fast he's been throwing up all night."
Naruto sighed as he picked the small one up.
"Noah put your arm on the man."
The goth kid put his arm on Naruto's shoulder and Naruto had to force a smile.
"Buddy if you get sick, just swallow it."
He took the picture and smiled. "Alright, thanks Naruko"
Naruto groaned as the family walked away.
When he was done with the family he went to autograph some more things when a woman held out her phone.
"My sister Barbara loves you. Will you tell her to stop using heroin?"
Naruto looked at the phone with wide eyes and reluctantly took the phone.
"Um, hey Barbara."
The woman smiled. "Babs and it's a message."
Naruto sighed. "Stay strong Babs, you can do it."
Naruto quickly realized what he said and tried to take it back.
"I mean do not do it. Don't do heroin."
"Tell her you are loved."
"Your sister loves you."
"Heroin has ruined your life."
Naruto took the phone from his ear. "I'm not one to pass judgement."
"Her teeth are really fucked up."
Naruto gave a weary smile before spotting Shikamaru.
"Excuse me I have to go."
He quickly ran over to his agent.
"Its been fifty minutes Shika!"
"I know, look I'm sorry but I just finished talking to the head of Coca-Cola. I'm trying to expand your empire."
"Look stop chatting and start expanding this force field around me. I'm like a donkey at a petting zoo."
Shikamaru smiled. "Hey come on, look around man. Your presence is bringing people joy Ruto. This is part of the dream. Enjoy, breath it in."
"I'm breathing it in. It smells like drunk old people."
Shikamaru laughed. "Don't be ridicules. Old people only smell when their wet."
Naruto shook his head. "This isn't funny. Your supposed to be here so I can be here without actually being here. And when your not here everybody else here is here! Right next to me. Asking me to do things a grown ass man should not be asked to do."
Shikamaru nodded. "Alright I understand."
Out of nowhere drunk girl jumped on Naruto's back.
"Give me a ride to the party!"
Naruto looked at Shikamaru.
"Will you get this Hobbit off of me before I bowl her for a strike!"
Shikamaru quickly got the girl off of Naruto's back.
"Listen mam, Naruto doesn't wanna start the season with back problems."
"Are you calling me fat? Are you fat shaming? Do you know how many season tickets my father buys."
Naruto simply ignored her.
"Look, Kupchak is summoning me."
"No he's not. He's just trying to get your attention. Look I know this is a big step. You just wanna play basketball but now your on a bigger stage and the public loves to blow up people in your situation. Your like is never gonna be the same again."
Naruto reluctantly nodded and went over to his GM.
"Naruto I hope your having a good time."
Naruto gave him a weary smile. "I'm trying sir."
Mitch laughed. "I hear you. But the reason why I called you over here was so you can meet some people. Allow me to introduce you to the president of the Lakers Jeanie Buss and one of the best coaches we've ever had, Phil Jackson."
Naruto held out his hand. "Its a pleasure to meet you two."
Jeanie smiled. "We're glad you showed up. I heard that your not into doing things like this."
Naruto nodded. "Its just a little weird for me. Its gonna take time for me to get used to this."
Phil Jackson smiled. "Don't worry about it. Everyone feels like that for their first few times."
Kupchak nodded. "Its gonna feel overwhelming at times but it's worth it, you'll see. Why don't you go join your teammates so we can introduce this year's roster."
Naruto nodded. "Alright, it was nice meeting y'all."
He left and Phil Jackson nodded.
"That kid is gonna be something special. You guys better hold on to him."
Ten minutes later Naruto was in line with his teammates as Jeanie Buss made a speech about how despite Kobe's injury the Lakers would still remain strong and protect their legacy.
Nash hit Naruto on the shoulder as she spoke.
"Don't worry about it. I don't really care for these things either, but it's for the fans. They're the reason why we do what we do. You'll find out tomorrow. Its a while different feeling from anything you've experienced in college."
Naruto nodded as he listened to Jeanie's speech come to a end.
"Now our front office has been hard at work trying to build a championship roster. We've traded draft picks, traded for draft picks and even signed new players in the free agency. Now it is my pleasure to introduce you to the 2013-14 Los Angeles Lakers!"
Play Clique by Jay Z, Big Sean and Kanye West
What of the dollar you murdered for?
Is that the one fighting for your soul?
Or your brother's the one that you're running from?
But if you got money, fuck it, cause I want some
"First standing at six foot five, number six Kent Bazemore!"
Ain't nobody fucking with my clique
Clique, clique, clique, clique
"Next, standing at six foot nine, number fourteen Marcus Morris!"
Ain't nobody fresher than my muthafuckin clique
Clique, clique, clique, clique
"He's the twin brother of Marcus, number eleven Markieff Morris!"
As I look around, they don't do it like my clique
Clique, clique, clique, clique
"Next number ninety nine, Jae Crowder!"
And all these bad bitches, man, they want the
They want the, they want the
"Next number twenty one, Jimmy Butler!"
I tell a bad bitch do whatever I say
My block behind me like I'm coming out the driveway
"Getting his chance from the D-league, number twenty seven Hassan Whiteside!"
It's grind day, from Friday, to next Friday
I been up straight for nine days, I need a spa day
"Number five, Demarre Carroll."
Yup, she trying get me that poon-tang
I might let my crew bang, my crew deeper than Wu Tang
"Next is a eight time NBA All Star and a dunk champion, number fifteen Vince Carter!"
You know 2 Chainz? Scrrr! I'm pulling up in that Bruce Wayne
But I'm the fucking villain, man, they kneeling when I'm walking in the building
Freaky women I be feeling from the bank accounts I'm filling
"Next, number thirty six Shaun Livingston!"
What a feeling, ah man, they gotta be
Young player from the D that's killing everything that he see for the dough
"Number zero, Nick Young!"
Yeah, I'm talking Ye, yeah, I'm talking Rih
Yeah, I'm talking B, nigga, I'm talking me
Yeah, I'm talking bossy, I ain't talking Kelis
Your money too short, you can't be talking to me
"Number thirty five, Chris Kamen."
Yeah, I'm talking LeBron, we ball in our family tree
G.O.O.D. Music drug-dealing cousin, ain't nothing fuckin' with we, me
"Number fifty, Rudy Gobert."
Turn that 62 to 125, 125 to a 250
250 to a half a million, ain't nothin' nobody can do with me
Now who with me? ¡Vámonos! Call me Hov or Jefe
Translation: I'm the shit, least that what my neck say
Least that what my check say, lost my homie for a decade
Nigga down for like 12 years, ain't hug his son since the second grade
"He's a two time MVP, number ten Steve Nash!"
Uh, he never told. Who he gonna tell? We top of the totem pole
It's the Dream Team meets the Supreme Team
And all our eyes green it only means one thing
You ain't fucking with the clique
"He's this year's number one overall pick, number nine Naruto Uzumaki!"
Break records at Louis, ate breakfast at Gucci
My girl a superstar all from a home movie
Bow on our arrival - the un-American idols
What niggas did in Paris, got 'em hanging off the Eiffel
Yeah I'm talking business, we talking CIA
I'm talking George Tenet, I seen him the other day
He asked me about my Maybach, think he had the same
Except mine tinted and his might have been rented
"Finally a fifteen time NBA All Star, a five time NBA champion and a MVP. Number twenty four, Kobe Bryant!"
You know white people get money, don't spend it
Or maybe they get money, buy a business
I rather buy 80 gold chains and go ign'ant
I know Spike Lee gon' kill me, but let me finish
Blame it on the pigment, we living no limits
Them gold Master P ceilings was just a figment
Of our imagination, MTV cribs
Now I'm looking at a crib right next to where TC lives
That's Tom Cruise, whatever she accuse
He wasn't really drunk he just had a frew brews
Pass the refreshments, a cool, cool beverage
Everything I do need a news crew's presence
Speedboat swerve, homie watch out for the waves
I'm way too black to burn from sun rays
So I just meditate at the home in Pompeii
About how I could build a new Rome in one day
Everytime I'm in Vegas they screaming like he's Elvis
But I just wanna design hotels and nail it
Shit is real, got me feeling Israelian
Like Bar Refaeli, or Gisele - no, that's Brazilian
Went through, deep depression when my momma passed
Suicide, what kinda talk is that?
But I been talking to God for so long
That if you look at my life I guess he's talking back
Fucking with my clique
"Ladies and gentlemen I give you your Los Angeles Lakers!"
Everyone clapped and cheered.
Next Day
Naruto sighed as he sat in a meeting at Campbell Hall, a school in North Hollywood, twenty minutes away from his west Los Angeles penthouse.
"And as you saw during the tour we have state of the art equipment that will further enhance the learning experience for our students."
Naruto nodded. "And what about the dress code?"
The lady handed Naruto a paper.
"All uniform items can be purchased at these retailers, only these retailers. The school store sells our emblem patches."
"Why only these retailers?"
"We like to keep things formal and these retailers provide use with speedy and great service. Tell them the name of the school and your daughter will walk out with the right colors and sizes under our strict regulations."
"And how much does all of this cost?"
He was handed another paper.
"Thirty one thousand and seven hundred dollars!"
"With a two thousand and five hundred dollar admission processing fee. We understand that this is a steep price, that is way we offer several payment plans."
Naruto shook his head. "Nah I want to pay it all at once, if that's okay?"
"That's great, any more questions?"
Naruto shook his head as he removed his check book from his backpack.
"So when will she be starting?"
"Tomorrow, she can't be sitting around the house all day. I'll buy her uniforms today and she'll be here ready for class in the morning."
"Great, and I hope you can become an active member of the PTA mister Uzumaki, it would be great for the kids to look up to you as a role model."
Naruto nodded. "I'll try."
After leaving the school Naruto called Shikamaru.
"Sup bro, how'd it go at the school?"
"Thirty four thousand dollars."
"Told you it was expensive but they do provide a great education k through12."
"Yeah it better cause. You at the airport yet?"
"Yeah her plane lands in about ten minutes, but while I got you on the phone you need to head out and buy you some clothes. A few outfits for game days that stand out."
"Alright, I'll catch you at the game."
"Good luck Naruto."
Staples Center
After a long day of shopping for everything Nina would need for school and a bunch of clothes for himself Naruto discovered a new passion, sneakers. His contract with Under Armour limited what he could wear, but after a chat with Shikamaru he got a few casual sneakers that he could wear.
For example the black 'Cruel' high top Giuseppe's he was currently wearing. He also wore a pair of black pants, a orange long sleeve shirt and a black and orange scarf draped on his head. He also wore a thin gold chain that had a green gemstone attached to it. The gemstone used to be on a plain cord but Naruto stopped by the jewelry store and got the chain.
When he got to the locker room he found all of his teammates fully dressed standing around taking pictures for Instagram.
Nick Young smiled when he saw Naruto's outfit.
"Its about time you followed my lessons on swag."
Naruto laughed and joined his teammates in the impromptu photo. They took dozens of pictures on everybody's phones and posted them to Twitter and Instagram.
"Glad to see you are all having fun."
Everyone turned around to see their coach. "This is your job but remember it is also a game. So have fun, just make sure you give it all you got out on the court."
Everyone nodded and Rick Pitino smiled.
"Alright, y'all got another ten minutes of this before I need y'all to start getting ready."
Everyone smiled and went back to taking pictures.
Inside the NBA on TNT: Tipoff
"Ladies and gentlemen it is opening night in the NBA and we are moments away from the Lakers taking on the Clippers. I'm Ernie Johnson and as always I'm joined by Kenny the Jet, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal. Shaq what do you think of the Lakers rookie, Naruto Uzumaki. You attended a preseason game so you've seen him in action. What do you think."
"I think he's an amazing player. Not superstar caliber just yet but he will be. The way he see's the floor is just amazing."
Charles Barkley nodded his head. "It's also so great to see him even out there. It's been talked about since he declared for the draft but there were so many times in his life where he could has just given up but he's stayed positive and he's finally made it."
Kenny nodded. "We were also able to see sneakers durning his pregame warm-up. He signed a multi-million dollar deal with Under Armour and they allowed him to write the names of his lost ones on his sneakers."
"Very sentimental from him. And we'll get to witness him as he plays in his first official NBA game."
Lakers vs Clippers: Season Opener
Naruto sighed as he removed his warm up shirt. The game was moments away from starting and he was starting. He reached down and touched the names of his mother, father and Hinata. It made him happy that they would be able to share this moment with him.
He walked over to the scorers table where Nina was waiting for him already holding out her hand. Naruto smiled. The father daughter duo did their signature handshake, three hand slaps before bumping wrist three times, then they brushed off each others chest twice before finishing with a superman taunt and roar. Naruto turned around and beat his chest.
"LET'S GO!"
When he turned back to Nina he placed a kiss on her forehead and ran onto the court. The Lakers were going with him, Butler, Carter, Markieff Morris and Whiteside.
The Clippers were going with Chris Paul, J.J. Redick, Jared Dudley, Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan.
He got into position and looked into the crowd, sitting a few rows from courtside he saw his family. Amanda, Nina, Mia, Shikamaru and even Shikamaru's girlfriend Temari smiling at him.
He looked up and smiled. "This is for y'all."
Whiteside beat Jordan in the tipoff and Naruto brought the ball up the court in his first NBA game. He had Markieff set a screen for him and he led Paul to it. Once Paul hit the screen Naruto dribbled behind his back to stop Griffin from stealing the ball and threw a quick behind the back pass to Morris who hit the three.
Naruto nodded to Morris as they got back on defense. He played up on Paul like Nash taught him, forcing him to pass the ball up. As soon as he did he cut to the basket and Naruto had to chase him down but Jordan set a hard screen that knocked him down.
With him on the floor Paul was open for a easy layup.
Morris came over and helped him up. "You alright?"
"Yeah I'm good."
Naruto brought the ball up the court and he could hear his his coach telling him to shoot. Naruto patted his leg, letting his teammates know to clear out of the way.
Once everyone moved aside Naruto began dribbling in front of him. Paul reached for the ball and Naruto whipped it behind his back putting Paul behind him. He was going to drive but caught a glimpse of Jordan sliding into the paint so he stepped back just as Paul recovered and pulled up for a three.
Paul jumped to contest the shot and drew a whistle just as the ball left Naruto's hands. Naruto fell on his butt in front of his bench and watched as the ball hit the back of the rim.
From his sitting position he turned to his bench and yelled. "Let's go!"
His coach smiled. "Alright, get up hotshot."
Naruto missed his free throw and ran up the court.
"Everyone grab your man, grab your man!"
His teammates did and they managed to stop the fastbreak. The Clippers moved to ball around and Naruto watched as Morris put his hand up to intercept the ball.
Naruto immediately ran up the court and was rewarded with the ball. The pass was way long and Naruto had to chase it down. It almost went out of bounds but Naruto jumped in the air and threw it back in, right into the hands of the only person who trailed him down the court, Jimmy Butler who rose up and dunked the ball.
The crowd erupted at the amazing passing skills that Naruto possessed and he saw his bench going crazy. Even Kobe Bryant, who was in a suit, had a smile on his face.
Despite the roar of the crowd the Clippers didn't call timeout and brought the ball up.
"Two, two, one!"
Naruto called out the defense and it allowed Whiteside to get a block on Griffin.
The ball stayed in bounds and Naruto slowly walked up the court allowing his offense to set up. He dribbled to the right side of the court and looked at Whiteside.
"Rearview fade!"
Whiteside nodded and set a screen for him. Naruto ran through it and Paul went under it as both he and Griffin double teamed the rookie.
Naruto kept going towards the basket and almost lost the ball, but before he could he threw the ball under his legs to Whiteside who rose up for a monster dunk that got the entire Staples center on their feet.
Doc Rivers called timeout and Naruto ran to his bench, Young met him halfway and the two jumped in the air for a shoulder bump.
Naruto was handed a cup of water and Rick Pitino clapped him on the shoulder.
"Good job so far. Keep running plays and just stay focused cause they're gonna go on a run at some point and we need a nice cushion."
Naruto nodded and headed back onto the court.
His coach was right cause the Clippers went on a run and never looked back. Coming out of the timeout they scored twelve unanswered points with Naruto going 0-3 durning that time.
When Naruto came out of the game the bench didn't fare much better because by the end of the first the score was 24-13.
Naruto started the second quarter with Livingston, Young, Carroll and Whiteside. They were going up against Darren Collison, Jamal Crawford, Matt Barnes, Glen Davis and Deandre Jordan.
Collison brought the ball up the court. He passed to Crawford who came off of a screen and drove to the basket only to be blocked by Whiteside.
Naruto jumped up to grab the ball and ran up the court, pulling up for a three. It rattled out but Whiteside came flying out of nowhere with a monster putback dunk.
"Don't worry I got you!"
Naruto nodded as he walked back down the court. And he did have Naruto. In the second quarter Naruto went 0-7 and Whiteside put four of those missed shots back in the basket. He also caught three lob passes from Naruto giving him sixteen points, seven rebounds and surprisingly five blocks by the end of the third quarter.
Thanks to the offense from the seven footer the Lakers were back within striking distance, with the score 49-40 at the half.
Naruto disappointingly walked back to the locker room with a towel on his head.
When he got to his locker he sat down hiding his face in shame. For months there had been so much talk about him, good and bad. Now he was just playing like he didn't belong out there.
"Naruto."
The rookie looked up and saw Kobe Bryant calling him over.
Naruto got up and bit his lip. He had only met the future hall of famer once at last night's Bowl-A-Thon and they had only exchanged pleasantries.
"What's up with you out there? I've seen you at practice and from your college footage. You don't suck this bad."
Naruto shrugged and Kobe sighed.
"Look man I know it's not easy playing out there. You got all these expectations and stuff but you just wanna play the game so here's some advice. Have fun, play your game and follow through on your shots. There's still twenty four minutes left in this game so you got time."
Naruto nodded. "Thanks."
Kobe smiled. "No problem. We're teammates and in a month or so I'll hopefully be out there with you."
Naruto took Kobe's advice and played his brand of basketball. He took less shots and passed up shots to get teammates involved. With two minutes left in the fourth quarter Naruto had picked up seven assists bringing his total up to thirteen as they trailed by just two points.
The team was in a huddle and Naruto let out a breath as he talked to his teammates.
"Y'all hear that, that's for us not them. We may share a court but tonight it's painted purple and gold. Everyone thinks we can't win without Kobe but let's show them. Markieff, I need you to start going for those boards with two hands. Too many of those have been coming off of your hands or should I say hand. Jimmy you gotta drive with ferocity. Doesn't matter who's there just attack. Hassan keep grabbing anything that comes off of that rim. Carter you gotta keep your head up. If the shots not there don't force it bring it back out or give it to me so we can reset."
Everyone nodded. "We got this don't worry about it, this is our night."
The team left the huddle and the ball was inbounded to Naruto. The point guard watched as Whiteside set a screen for Carter who got open for a midrange. The veteran quickly found the ball in his hands courtesy of Naruto but he missed the shot.
Luckily Morris was able to secure the offensive rebound with two hands and threw it back to Naruto.
Naruto sighed as Paul played up on him. Naruto drove to the basket and did a half spin. Paul stopped but expected Naruto to shoot and jumped. Naruto simply pivoted the other way and hit a fade away jumper.
The crowd cheered as Naruto tied the game but those cheers were silenced by a alley opp by Griffin.
Naruto quickly yelled to Morris. "Keep an eye on him!"
Naruto looked at the clock and nodded. He took the ball and ran up the court as fast as he could. He weaved through the paint and went up for a layup. Both Jordan and Griffin jumped to block the shot and just managed to get the ball out of his hands, aiming for the box on the backboard, also drawing a whistle as Jordan hit him.
Naruto landed off balance and had to jump over the camera guys under the basket. He landed in a empty baseline seat next to a blonde haired girl with bluish green eyes who stared at him in shock.
"You made it."
Naruto looked up at the Jumbotron and watched the replay show him contort his body in mid air to make the layup.
"I guess I did, names Naruto."
The girl blushed and was going to say something but was interrupted by the ref.
"Uzumaki!"
Naruto gave an exhausted chuckle.
"That's my cue."
And with that he got up and went to shoot his free throw, which he missed.
Naruto sighed as he ran down the court with just over a minute left in the game.
Paul used the entire shot clock before passing to Redick who effortlessly drained a three.
With just forty seconds left Naruto ran up the court and drove to the basket. Unlike last time he threw the ball to the corner to Carter who shot a three, missing it. Naruto channeled all his strength into his legs and managed to tip the ball to Butler who drove and dunked the ball.
The Clippers called timeout and Naruto took the time to chug down a whole bottle of Gatorade.
"You good kid?"
Naruto nodded to Kobe. "Then I want to see the Naruto that won the NCAA championship. The one that has ice in his veins."
Naruto nodded as he toweled the sweat off his face.
With thirty seconds left Paul tried to get a easy look down low with Jordan but Whiteside kept the paint on lock and got his eighth block of the game.
Carter corralled the rebound and the Lakers used their final timeout with fourteen seconds left.
After drawing up a play the Lakers inbounded the ball to Naruto who held the ball until there was eight seconds left. Whiteside came up and set the pick which Naruto used but Jordan and Paul tried to double team him but Naruto simply picked up his dribble and spinned in between them before making the layup with just two seconds left in the clock.
The entire arena cheered as Naruto did his superman taunt and the Clippers used their final timeout.
"I can not believe it! But time shot by the rookie. He's struggled shooting the ball all night but in the clutch he has delivered."
After the timeout everyone grabbed their assignment and played lock down defense. The Clippers managed to inbound the ball to Crawford who went for a three but Butler managed to get his fingers on it and the shot fell short.
The entire team surrounded Butler as the Lakers picked up the win 89-88.
Lakers Key performers
Naruto U.: 9pts (4-14 fg, 1-5 3pt), 13 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 turnover
Hassan W.: 29pts, 19 rebounds, 8 blocks
Jimmy B.: 22pts, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
"Yo kid!"
Over the roar of the crowd Naruto heard Chris Paul calling him. The All Star approached him and the two shared a pound hug.
"Good job out there tonight. Just forget about the misses alright. Stay aggressive, like that last shot. You gonna be big in this league I can tell. Just a little bit of advice. Don't worry about the haters, they always gonna find something to hate on and try to watch the game. Not just the people around you but buy the league pass. Watch other games, other guards. See what they do and try to incorporate it into your game."
Naruto nodded and the two separated and headed to their respective locker rooms.
Post Game Interview
Naruto walked up to the table with Nina right by his side. He took a seat and put Nina in his lap.
"You alright?"
Nina nodded and picked up the water bottle in the table.
"Y'all can go and ask your questions."
"With your first game officially in the books, what are your thoughts?"
Naruto shrugged. "I could have shot the ball better. But it was a good team effort."
"The front office did a good job surrounding you with talent that can put the ball in the basket. What is your thoughts on the team?"
Naruto smiled. "Man we got a great team. Everyone works hard in practice and is definitely ready for coach to call their number. You saw Whiteside tonight. I wasn't feeling it on the offense and this guy has a lot to prove to everyone and he just went crazy out there."
"After the first game, what are you liking about this team?"
Naruto scratched his chin. "I like our mindset. We were in the locker room before the game acting as if we could beat anybody. That feeling didn't go away as we went down and it helped us fight back into the game. I also like how together we are. Its only been a few weeks, maybe a month but we've all come together and we just click."
"You couldn't find your shot most of the game but in the last few minutes you were able to score. What changed?"
"I just played more aggressive. I felt like I settled for a lot of jumpshots and even the open ones I rushed a little. Those last few minutes I sensed the urgency and I just wasn't gonna let them stop me."
"You exchanged words with Chris Paul after the game what did he have to say to you?"
"He was just telling me how I shouldn't dwell on the missed shots. Told me that I need to stay aggressive and hunt for my shots. I think that's enough questions for tonight."
Naruto got up but Nina grabbed the microphone.
"My daddy is the best basketball player in the world!"
Naruto smiled as his daughter ran back to him and the two left the room.
As soon as he left the room Shikamaru was waiting for him with a smirk on his face.
"Do you know what you've done?"
Naruto shrugged. "What are you talking bout?"
Shikamaru handed him his phone which displayed a article on Complex.
Basketball Player Flirts With Model During Game
Tonight Naruto Uzumaki made his much anticipated NBA debut. Despite a poor shooting performance he still thirteen assists to go along with his nine points. Two of those points came off of a acrobatic layup which ended with Naruto sitting in one of the baseline seats next to a Gigi Hadid. The two exchanged words before Naruto had to go shoot a free throw, which he unfortunately missed. Not a good way to impress a girl.
Naruto smiled. "I honestly didn't know who that was."
"I know you didn't but now there's gonna be rumors spreading around. The media likes to blow everything up. Just making sure your prepared."
Naruto nodded. "Alright let's dip, gotta get this one home. She has school in the morning."
Nina yawned and Naruto picked her up.
And Done!
Lakers Roster
6 Kent Bazemore
14 Marcus Morris
24 Kobe Bryant
9 Naruto Uzumaki
99 Jae Crowder
21 Jimmy Butler
27 Hassan Whiteside
5 Demarre Carroll
35 Chris Kamen
15 Vince Carter
36 Shaun Livingston
11 Markieff Morris
10 Steve Nash
50 Rudy Gobert
0 Nick Young
The pairing for this story is still unsure. A few of you guys have suggested the same person but I'm not too sure about it. I can definitely do it but I want to get a few more suggestions first.
For now I have:
Nicki Minaj
Gigi Hadid
Kendall Jenner
Jennifer Lawrence
Rihanna
Leave your votes or suggestions in a review, like seriously review. I accept guest reviews and everything. If you read this I need your feedback.
As always read, follow, favorite and REVIEW!
Duces!