Behind The Spotlight Chapter 279
"But here's the deal. They need to see if you actually know how to play basketball and if you're worth being part of their team. I'm going to be honest with you, you'll probably start in the D-League first just to prove you have what it takes to be officially on the roster."
"Ain't I able to get drafted instead?"
"Do you have any collegiate basketball credentials?"
"..."
James didn't answer. He had played sports in high school, but it was football.
The NBA draft was a system designed to select new players from colleges, international leagues, and other established lines. However, James' situation was complicated. Would a major team even consider drafting a total nobody?
"The best possible route is to use our connections to get you a look with the Lakers Los Angeles. You'll likely start in the D-League until you develop into a bona fide NBA player. My question is, do you have what it takes to reach that goal?"
"I'ma do it." James clenched his fists slightly. When he first stepped into the agency, he hadn't held out much hope. But hearing that Golden Spotlight Group had a concrete plan gave him a newfound sense of determination. He suddenly realized there was a clear, achievable path forward.
"I see... Then you'll need to sign a contract and officially become a client of GSG." Lila smirked. The paperwork was already prepared, all they needed was his signature.
James read through the contract with utmost seriousness, though a few legal terms left him puzzled.
"Would it be cool if I took these papers home so my Mom could read 'em? I wanna have a lawyer look over the contract before I sign anything, too."
"Of course you can. That's actually what I recommend."
Collin simply listened, letting Lila take the lead.
"I understand. Thank you, ma'am, sir," James said respectfully. He now treated them with genuine respect, realizing just how influential an agency capable of landing him a tryout with an NBA team truly was.
"You can contact us whenever you're ready to sign," Collin said, bidding him farewell as James prepared to leave.
"So that's the guy you were talking about. How tall is he?"
Once James was gone, Lila turned to Collin.
"He's probably 6'6" or 6'7"."
"What about you? You're pretty tall too. Over six feet, right?"
"6'2"," Collin answered.
"Who's going to handle James? We currently have three agents with experience in athletic management."
"I'm thinking of Amelia Nova."
"Her?" Lila frowned slightly. "But isn't she--"
"Trust me, she's a great fit for someone like James."
"I trust you."
...
...
...
Three days later.
"Amelia Nova, you're wanted in the CEO's office."
"Me?"
Amelia Nova was stunned when the HR representative delivered the message. She felt both confused and anxious. She had only been working at Golden Spotlight Group for about a month, and she still questioned whether joining them had been the right move.
Amelia had previously worked as part of an athlete team, specifically as a nutritionist for a professional football player. She had managed a few other athletes as well, but that football player had been her primary source of income.
Unfortunately, the player retired and their team disbanded soon after. Amelia lost a massive chunk of her livelihood and had no idea what her next step should be.
Then, someone had reached out and offered her a position with a higher salary. Naturally, with nothing left to lose, she accepted and joined Golden Spotlight Group.
Though hired as a talent agent, she lacked formal experience in the role. At her core, she was still just a nutritionist.
"Amelia... You can do this," she whispered, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves.
She reached the CEO's office and stepped inside after the secretary opened the door.
"Amelia, we've been waiting for you."
"Yes, sir."
Amelia greeted Collin and Lila. Seated alongside them were a mother and son whom she didn't recognize, looking at her with curious expressions. Despite her confusion, Amelia maintained her composure.
Collin nodded inwardly as he spotted the text floating above her head.
-- Amelia Nova
-- Anxiety Breaker (Yellow)
Collin didn't know much about sports, but he understood that being a professional athlete was a grueling profession that extended far beyond physical demands.
Mental resilience and psychology were critical factors in determining whether an athlete possessed the fortitude to improve.
'Basketball is a high-stress sport, and James needs someone who can help him manage that pressure.'
Honestly, Amelia's unique talent was better suited for mental health counseling, but Collin had decided to bring her aboard anyway.
'This is the first time I've encountered a talent capable of improving mental well-being. It's definitely unique,' Collin thought. He didn't know the exact mechanics of how her talent functioned, but he chose to trust his intuition.
"Hello, I'm Amelia Nova," she introduced herself.
"Amelia, this is James. You will be managing his career negotiations moving forward."
James had officially signed the contract. GSG would handle all major negotiations for his career, taking a 10% commission in return.
Mrs. Kobe had accompanied him, eager to ensure her son wasn't being scammed. She had thoroughly read the contract herself and confirmed its legitimacy.
"... So what happens now?" Mrs. Kobe couldn't help asking. This concerned her son's future, so naturally, she wanted clarity on their next steps.
"Tomorrow, Miss Nova and I will take James to the Lakers Los Angeles practice facility. The head coach will evaluate James and decide whether to offer him a contract," Lila replied, having already laid all the groundwork.
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