"...from UCLA, center—Zhang Zhaohua!"
Stern's voice came through the computer speakers crystal clear, every word carrying weight.
In his apartment, Zhang Zhaohua finally felt his heart settle.
He'd done it!
Thirteenth pick!
Lottery territory!
He'd actually pulled it off!
The trajectory of his fate had been completely rewritten in this moment.
Almost simultaneously, deep in his consciousness, the system chimed again.
[Rookie Mission: Lottery Call completed!]
[Mission Rating: Excellent]
[Rewards distributed: Rookie Package (Exclusive Training Space access, Basic Footwork unlocked)]
[Exclusive Training Space activated. Host may enter at any time.]
[Basic Footwork ability unlocked. Related techniques integrated into host's muscle memory.]
Another warm current surged through his body, more subtle than the previous physical enhancement. It felt like countless pieces of information and techniques were being etched directly into his nerves and muscles.
His understanding of body positioning and footwork had instantly jumped to another level.
The phone rang almost the moment Stern finished speaking. Gabriel.
"Zhang! Zhang! Did you hear that?! Thirteenth pick! Lakers! It's the Lakers! We did it!"
Gabriel's voice was distorted with excitement, background noise filled with cheers and chatter.
"I heard it, Gabriel." Zhang Zhaohua tried to keep his voice steady, though his excitement was hard to hide completely. "Thank you."
"You earned this, Zhang! Your workout performance won them over!" Gabriel shouted excitedly. "The Lakers traded away a future first-rounder to get you! They're betting big on you!"
After hanging up, Zhang Zhaohua let out a long breath and slumped back in his chair.
But he knew this was just the beginning.
Online, news of his Lakers selection exploded across Chinese basketball forums and sports websites.
"BREAKING! Zhang Zhaohua selected 13th by Lakers! Lottery pick!"
"The Next Yao Ming? Chinese center shines in Los Angeles!"
"Purple and Gold's New Hope! Lakers trade up for Chinese phenom!"
"From Division MVP to NBA lottery pick—Zhang Zhaohua makes history!"
"Lakers select Yao Ming 2.0, aiming to recreate Shaq-Kobe dynasty"
Endless praise came flooding in, more intense than in his previous life.
After all, a lottery pick got completely different attention than a late first-rounder.
The nicknames "Little Yao Ming" and "Yao Ming's successor" appeared again, even louder than before.
Looking at these familiar headlines and hype, Zhang Zhaohua felt no joy—only a sharp sense of alarm.
In his previous life, it was at exactly this moment of universal acclaim that invisible danger had quietly approached.
Sure enough, the next day, a call-up notice arrived as expected.
The "Chinese National Team Training Camp Roster for World Championship Preparation" was released, with Zhang Zhaohua's name prominently listed.
Soon after, Zhang Zhaohua received a call from the basketball association.
"Hello, is this Comrade Zhang Zhaohua?" A slightly bureaucratic male voice came through, carrying formulaic enthusiasm.
"Speaking."
"This is the Chinese Basketball Association office. Congratulations, Comrade Zhaohua! Being selected 13th in the NBA draft—you've brought honor to our country!" The caller offered congratulations first.
"Thank you." Zhang Zhaohua's response was lukewarm.
"Here's the situation," the caller paused, getting to the point. "The national team, after careful consideration, has decided to officially call you up for training camp to prepare for the upcoming World Basketball Championship. This represents the organization's trust in you and the expectations of fans nationwide. We hope you can arrange your schedule and return to China for reporting as soon as possible."
Here it comes!
Zhang Zhaohua's heart sank.
The exact same process as his previous life, possibly even faster due to his higher draft position.
National team call-up for World Championship preparation.
It sounded like the highest honor.
But Zhang Zhaohua clearly remembered that in his previous life, it was during this so-called "national team training camp" that he'd encountered those sinister "accidents" and targeted "training incidents."
Those dirty plays and elbows aimed at ending careers still made his spine crawl.
Though he'd dodged a few through instinct, the accumulated injuries had set the stage for that later car accident.
This time, he absolutely would not repeat those mistakes!
"I'm deeply grateful for the national team's recognition and call-up." Zhang Zhaohua took a deep breath, his tone becoming serious. "Being able to serve my country has always been my dream since childhood."
He first expressed his attitude to avoid direct conflict.
"However," he continued, "my current situation is quite unique."
The caller fell silent, seemingly waiting for his explanation.
"The Lakers paid a significant price to select me 13th, including a future first-round pick." Zhang Zhaohua spoke deliberately. "They have high expectations for me and have made it clear that I must immediately participate in the team's Summer League and subsequent training camp to integrate into their system as quickly as possible, particularly their complex triangle offense."
"Summer League starts in early July—time is extremely tight. If I return to China for training camp now, I'll miss the entire Summer League and the Lakers' most important early integration period."
"This could not only affect my standing with the team but potentially waste the Lakers' investment entirely. They place enormous value on my Summer League performance."
Zhang Zhaohua deliberately emphasized the Lakers' attitude and investment, as well as Summer League's importance.
He didn't mention injury risks, instead focusing on professional development and responsibility to the Lakers.
"This..." The caller's voice showed hesitation. "The national team's competitions are also very important. The World Championship is an international tournament..."
"I understand." Zhang Zhaohua interrupted. "But I believe that at this stage, establishing myself in the NBA and performing well would be a greater contribution to Chinese basketball. If I struggle in the NBA due to missing crucial early integration, that would be the real loss."
"Furthermore, the Lakers have made it clear they want me to focus on NBA preparation, and they'll communicate with the basketball association directly." He strategically brought up the Lakers to add credibility.
"My personal intention is to give everything to Summer League first, establish myself with the Lakers. Once I've proven myself in the NBA, there will definitely be opportunities to wear the national team jersey and compete for my country."
His tone was sincere, his reasoning sound. He expressed willingness to serve his country while explaining current obstacles, cleverly shifting some pressure to the Lakers.
The caller remained silent for a longer time.
"Alright, Comrade Zhaohua, I understand your situation." The caller's tone had clearly cooled. "We'll report your circumstances to our superiors and communicate with the Los Angeles Lakers. You... take care of yourself."
That final "take care of yourself" carried a barely detectable warning.
Zhang Zhaohua didn't care.
After hanging up, he immediately called Gabriel.
"Gabriel, the Chinese Basketball Association just called wanting to call me up for national team training camp to prepare for the World Championship."
"What? Now?" Gabriel sounded surprised. "Summer League is about to start! The Lakers would never agree to that!"
"I've already declined temporarily, citing Summer League preparation and team integration needs." Zhang Zhaohua said. "But I need you to coordinate on your end. If the association contacts you or the Lakers, we need consistent messaging. Emphasize the Lakers' investment in me and the absolute importance of Summer League and early training camp—that I cannot miss it."
"No problem, Zhang! Leave it to me!" Gabriel immediately understood. "The Lakers spent the 13th pick on you—they're not letting you run off to some training camp right after being drafted and miss Summer League. I'll talk to Lakers management and have them deal with the Chinese Basketball Association directly. Don't worry, your priority is staying in Los Angeles and preparing for Summer League!"
With that handled, Zhang Zhaohua finally relaxed.
Refusing the national team call-up would likely create controversy in China, possibly earning him labels like "unpatriotic."
But he had no choice.
Compared to potentially career-ending risks, temporary public pressure meant nothing.
He had to seize this second chance and make it in the NBA.
That was the best outcome for himself and his family.
Pushing aside these concerns, Zhang Zhaohua focused on the system rewards.
Exclusive Training Space.
He concentrated and tried to enter.
The scenery instantly transformed. He found himself standing on a spacious, brightly lit standard basketball court.
The lighting was bright and soft, the floor spotless, with hoops and basketballs available.
More amazingly, the space seemed adjustable according to his thoughts.
[Exclusive Training Space: Can simulate various training scenarios, opponent intensity, and game environments. Currently available modules: Basic Training, Basic Footwork Enhancement Training.]
The system prompt appeared again.
Zhang Zhaohua picked up a basketball and dribbled a few times. The feel was incredibly realistic.
He tried using his newly unlocked "Basic Footwork" ability.
A simple crossover drive—his body's reaction, center of gravity shift, and foot movement were all much smoother than before, carrying an indescribable coordination.
As if these techniques had always belonged to him, just being reawakened.
He immediately threw himself into training.
Dribbling, shooting, footwork...
He needed to quickly familiarize himself with this system-enhanced body and master his new abilities.
Summer League would be his first stage to showcase himself to the Lakers and the entire NBA.