Chapter 15: I Came to Los Angeles to Do One Thing
The excitement surrounding the 2015NBADraft still hadn't settled.
Across sports networks and online discussions, analysts were already debating one question.
Did the MinnesotaTimberwolves just make the biggest mistake of the draft?
Or did the LosAngelesLakers just pull off the biggest steal?
Either way, one thing was certain.
Adrian Cross had become the center of attention.
The third pick arrived quickly.
"With the third pick in the 2015 NBA Draft," announced Adam Silver, "the Philadelphia 76ers select… Jahlil Okafor!"
The decision wasn't surprising.
Philadelphia wanted a dominant interior player.
But when Okafor stepped onto the stage, his expression looked stiff rather than excited.
Some reporters even noticed that he barely smiled during the entire presentation.
Back in the seating area, another player looked visibly tense.
D'Angelo Russell.
Russell had once been considered a potential top pick.
But with the rise of the modern big-man era in this draft class, his projected position kept slipping.
His fingers tightened slightly around the fabric of his suit.
If he didn't go to Los Angeles or Philadelphia…
Then perhaps the next possibility was New York.
"With the fourth pick," Adam Silver continued, "the New York Knicks select… Kristaps Porziņģis!"
Russell looked up at the screen, stunned.
The tall European forward had just gone ahead of him.
His agent leaned closer and whispered quietly.
"Relax. The next team needs a guard."
Sure enough—
"With the fifth pick, the Orlando Magic select… D'Angelo Russell!"
Russell stood up quickly, forcing a smile as he hugged his family.
Even so, the tension in his shoulders was obvious.
Adrian Cross sat backstage, calmly watching the rest of the selections unfold.
One name after another flashed across the screen.
The 11th pick: Indiana Pacers select Myles Turner — a future elite rim protector.
The 13th pick: Phoenix Suns select Devin Booker — a young scoring guard with limitless potential.
The 22nd pick: Chicago Bulls select Bobby Portis.
The draft was filled with talent.
Many analysts would later call it one of the strongestclassesofthedecade.
But Adrian paid the closest attention whenever the Lakers were on the clock.
The team still held the 27thpick.
"With the 27th pick," Adam Silver announced, "the Los Angeles Lakers select… Larry Nance Jr.."
A cheer immediately came from the seat next to Adrian.
Larry pumped his fist excitedly.
"Looks like we're teammates now!" he said with a wide grin.
Adrian chuckled and bumped fists with him.
"Looks that way."
Later in the second round, the Lakers added another player.
"With the 46th pick, the Los Angeles Lakers select… Norman Powell."
A guard known for his scoring and explosive athleticism.
The Lakers' draft strategy was clear.
They wanted size, defense, andathleticism.
And Adrian Cross was the centerpiece of it all.
Finally, Adam Silver delivered his closing remarks.
The draft had officially concluded!
As the arena lights dimmed, players began congratulating each other and exchanging contact information.
Adrian was speaking with Larry Nance Jr. when a sudden commotion erupted behind him.
He turned around.
A group of people was walking toward him.
The LosAngelesLakersfrontoffice.
At the front stood General Manager Mitch Kupchak.
Beside him was assistant executive Rob Pelinka.
Behind them walked Lakers legend Magic Johnson, smiling as usual.
Head coach Byron Scott followed closely.
And then—
The final figure stepped forward.
The moment he appeared, the entire area seemed to grow quieter.
Kobe Bryant.
Dressed in a black suit with a perfectly tied bow tie, Kobe's sharp gaze scanned the room before settling directly on Adrian.
Larry Nance Jr. rushed forward excitedly.
"Kobe! I'm a huge fan—"
But Kobe walked straight past him.
Without stopping.
Without even glancing his way.
Larry froze awkwardly.
"…Okay then."
Kobe stopped in front of Adrian Cross.
Then he extended his hand.
The same hand that had delivered countless game-winning shots.
"Welcome to Los Angeles," Kobe said calmly.
"I watched your Combine footage."
His eyes burned with competitive intensity.
"I told the front office we needed you."
Adrian shook his hand firmly.
"Thank you," Adrian replied with a slight smile.
"Los Angeles is still your city."
Before the conversation could continue, Coach Byron Scott stepped forward.
He clapped Adrian on the shoulder.
"Our coaching staff already talked about it," Scott said.
"The starting center position is yours to compete for."
Kupchak and Pelinka also welcomed him warmly.
Magic Johnson grinned widely.
"Los Angeles is an amazing city," Magic said.
"If you ever want to enjoy it, come find me."
Just as Adrian finished greeting them, a sudden burst of camera flashes filled the room.
Reporters rushed forward instantly.
Microphones surrounded him from every direction.
One journalist from ESPN asked the first question.
"Adrian, as the Lakers' second overall pick, what are your goals in Los Angeles?"
Adrian wiped his palms with a towel and looked around the arena.
High above them hung the championship banners.
The legacy of the Lakers.
He took a slow breath.
Then he spoke.
"I came to Los Angeles for one reason."
The room fell silent.
Even Kobe turned slightly to look at him.
Adrian's voice was calm.
But every word carried weight.
"I'm here to raise new championship banners!"