Chapter 14: The Lakers Select… Adrian Cross!
When AdamSilver announced the name Karl-AnthonyTowns as the first overall pick, the basketball world instantly exploded with debate.
"How do you pass on Adrian Cross with those Combine numbers?!"
"Did you see the scrimmage!? He dominated everyone!"
"That might be the biggest gamble of the draft!!"
Across social media and sports networks, analysts argued nonstop. Some believed the MinnesotaTimberwolves had chosen the safer option.
Others believed they had just passed on a generational monster.
But then another thought began spreading.
"Wait… if Minnesota passed on him…"
"That means he could go to Los Angeles!"
"Imagine Adrian Cross on the Los Angeles Lakers."
The idea alone was enough to send fans into a frenzy.
Inside the famous Green Room at BarclaysCenter, the energy had changed instantly.
LarryNanceJr. nearly jumped out of his chair.
"Are they serious?" he said incredulously. "Towns? The guy who barely went full speed in the scrimmage?"
He turned toward Adrian, still stunned.
"Your numbers crush his!"
Adrian Cross simply chewed his gum calmly.
His expression didn't change at all.
When he refused Minnesota's private workouts, he had already predicted something like this might happen.
The Timberwolves were known for playing it safe.
And Adrian Cross…
Was anything but safe.
He shrugged slightly.
"Relax," he said casually.
"The real show hasn't started yet."
Even so, a small spark of irritation flickered inside him.
Not because he missed the first pick.
But because being doubted always left a bitter taste.
One day…
He would make Minnesota regret it.
Just then, his agent RichPaul hurried over.
He placed a hand on Adrian's shoulder.
"Get ready," Rich said quietly.
"Put on your jacket."
Adrian stopped spinning the pen in his hand.
His eyes sharpened immediately.
Because he knew something important.
The Los Angeles Lakers held the secondoverallpick.
A moment later, Adam Silver returned to the podium.
"With the second pick in the 2015 NBA Draft…"
"The Los Angeles Lakers select…"
A short pause filled the arena.
Then the name echoed through the speakers.
"AdrianCross!"
The Green Room exploded.
Larry Nance Jr. immediately wrapped Adrian in a bear hug.
"Lakers! You're going to Los Angeles!"
Adrian stood up calmly, adjusting his suit jacket.
This time, a real smile appeared on his face.
Los Angeles.
A basketball city.
A global stage.
Definitely better than freezing winters in Minnesota.
Fans inside Barclays Center erupted into cheers.
Across the internet, the reaction was even more chaotic.
"Adrian Cross in Los Angeles?!"
"That's insane!"
"Kobe Bryant and Adrian Cross on the same team!"
"The Lakers just won the draft!"
Basketball forums, sports shows, and social media feeds were instantly flooded with discussion.
Some analysts were already calling it the stealofthedraft.
Others wondered if the Timberwolves would regret their decision for years.
Inside the Lakers' war room, laughter erupted the moment the selection became official.
General Manager Mitch Kupchak clapped loudly.
"We got lucky," he said with a wide grin.
"I had five trade scenarios ready just in case."
"Turns out we didn't need any of them."
Head coach Byron Scott adjusted his glasses.
"With him protecting the rim," he said, "our defense next season will be completely different."
Across the room sat one man watching quietly.
Kobe Bryant.
When Towns had been selected first overall, Kobe hadn't reacted at all.
But when the Lakers called Adrian Cross's name…
A faint smile finally appeared.
He had already watched the Combine footage weeks ago.
260-kilogram bench press.
125-centimeter vertical.
Dominant scrimmage performance.
That kind of talent didn't appear often.
Kobe leaned back slightly in his chair.
His eyes gleamed with the same competitive fire he had shown in the biggest games of his career.
"I said it before," Kobe said calmly.
"Anyone who passed on that kid made a mistake."
He stood up and grabbed his jacket.
A small grin crossed his face.
"Too bad I'm not in my prime anymore."
"Otherwise…"
"I'd really like to see how good this rookie actually is."
Kupchak laughed.
In the Lakers organization, there had always been an unwritten rule.
Every rookie had to go through KobeBryant'swelcometest.
But Adrian Cross might be different.
Because this time…
It might be the rookie testingthelegend.