Benchwarmer’s system:Rising through Global Hoops

The Lakers training gym floor was polished to a shine, and as Lin Mo stepped on it, he thought of the cracked (plastic) court at his old school three years ago. Tryout players stretched—some wore heart rate monitors, others adjusted shooting forms in mirrors—everyone carrying the scent of "future."

The first drill was pick-and-rolls. Partnering with a tryout center, after the first screen, Lin Mo instinctively waited for the system to suggest "roll or pop," but the center had already cut toward the basket! He passed instinctively, assisting for a score. The Lakers GM nodded from the sidelines, writing something on his tablet.

In the defense test, he matched up against the NCAA assist leader. The opponent's crossover was lightning-fast, and the system suddenly flashed: [Opponent's step frequency 1.8 steps/second, recommend stepping back half a step], but Lin Mo didn't retreat—remembering Trey's feet, Gobert's shoulders, LeBron's words about "watching shoulders." Sure enough, the opponent dipped his right shoulder when crossing over, and Lin Mo slid over, stealing the ball!

The final drill was clutch shots: 10 one-on-one game-winners. Lin Mo made 7 of 9, and for the last one, his defender was Lakers assistant coach and former NBA player Fisher.

"Kid, know how many game-winners I've hit?" Fisher grinned, spreading his arms to guard. As Lin Mo dribbled, the system panel suddenly lit up brightly: [Activate "Legacy Imprint"—LeBron's 2016 G7 4th quarter focus (1 use remaining)].

He took a deep breath, not confirming it.

Instead, he remembered the one-armed teenager's words: "Treat the NBA like a bigger court."

He faked like he did in the finals, then suddenly slowed down half a beat as he pushed off with his left foot—Fisher's balance wavered! Lin Mo drove right, flicking his wrist on the layup, the ball grazing the backboard before going in.

"Swish!"

Fisher patted his backside: "Nice. Got something the system can't teach."

At the tryout's end, the GM handed him a Lakers practice jersey: "Keep this up for the draft in two weeks." Lin Mo took it as morning light streamed through the gym windows, falling on his back of his hand—still bearing calluses from practicing, a real warmth unlike the system panel's glow.

The system panel lit up slowly: [Lakers tryout rating: A (potential exceeds expectations), compatibility 15.5%], but he barely noticed the number. His phone vibrated—a photo from the training camp: kids practicing in morning light, the one-armed teenager holding a ball, his shadow stretching long.

Lin Mo smiled, messaging LeBron: "Thank you. I think I found my own rhythm."

As the message sent, Los Angeles wind blew through the window, carrying the scent of basketball and sunlight—just like the beginning of everything.