One Thousand and Fourteen: The Last 4 A.m.

Link has not forgotten the first time he trained with Kobe Bryant in the early morning.

At that time, it was during the All-Star Game. Back then, he was just an amazing undrafted rookie. And Kobe still rules the league.

At that time, no one would compare Link with Jordan.

At that time, Kobe could easily defeat Link in one-on-one situations.

At that time, Kobe still had room to coach Link.

But what now?

Link is almost 30 years old, and he has gone from being an undrafted rookie to a superstar with three championship rings. And, it's at its peak.

The superstar who once dominated the league has retired at home.

This year, Kobe Bryant is 38 years old.

Los Angeles in the early morning was just like Link's first early morning training.

Quiet, extremely quiet, the hustle and bustle of the Los Angeles metropolis on weekdays will only temporarily subside at this time.

This quiet state has the advantage that it allows people to hear their inner voice. At this time, people's minds are extremely clear.

Therefore, Kobe and Link did not speak to each other. They just looked out the window silently at the street, looking at the sky which was still dark but could already see a glimmer of light.

Then, think about your own things separately.

Link and Kobe got off the bus at Venice Beach Stadium, a famous street court in Los Angeles that is always crowded during the day.

But at four o'clock in the morning, the venue was empty, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the day.

Link took a deep breath. In the sea breeze, even the air seemed to have a salty taste.

The golden beach stretches along the road, dividing the view into two distinct worlds. On one side is the endless Pacific Ocean with blue water. On one side are lush tropical forests and the bustling streets of Los Angeles.

The sky-blue Venice Beach Stadium is located on this "dividing line".

Compared to those street courts located in reinforced concrete, the Venice Beach courts are obviously more attractive to Link.

He and Kobe looked at each other and smiled. In an instant, everyone became energetic.

Link raised the basketball and took a jump shot from beyond the three-point line.

Just like Link had done countless times, the basketball hit the net hollowly.

Kobe picked up the basketball, ran to the other half, and barely managed a dunk.

Green trees, yellow sand, endless coast, beautiful sky blue courts and an orange basketball...the happiness of the super rich is sometimes so simple and unpretentious.

"Come on, the warm-up is almost done, let's get started!"

After a few more minutes of play, Kobe handed the ball to Link and then got into a defensive stance.

The meaning is very clear, he wants to challenge Link to a duel!

"I don't dare to fight you. If I break your bones, Vanessa will have to kill me." Link said no, but his body was honest.

He dribbles slowly with his left and right hands alternately, ready to attack at any time.

"Do you think I'm really old? I retired not because I'm old, but because I don't want to play with you anymore. Come on!"

As soon as Kobe finished speaking, Link suddenly accelerated and rushed to the "Black Mamba".

Before Kobe could take a sideways step, Link quickly turned around and floated past Kobe's eyes.

In just one move, Link passed the nine-time NBA All-Defensive First Team member.

Kobe turned around and prepared to chase after him.

But at this time, Link was already jumping high with the ball.

Kobe was a little surprised, taking off so early? Link should have jumped as soon as he stepped on the free throw line!

But soon, Kobe regained his composure.

The guy in front of him is Link. Is there anything he can't do?

In the air, Link fully stretched his body. After gliding a certain distance, chop the ball into the frame with one hand.

A tomahawk chop that took off from the free throw line, Link easily performed it.

"1 to 0, Corvo."

"It's only 1-0, keep going!" Kobe could see that Link had no intention of letting go.

But that's why Kobe liked this guy.

In the end, Kobe lost 4-21.

Link was indeed merciless and slapped Kobe several times.

Kobe's few four goals were all difficult goals under tight defense.

After a round of bullfighting, both of them were sweating profusely.

Kobe was not upset about losing to Link. He happily picked up the basketball, sat on the sidelines, and looked up at the sky.

It's almost dawn.

"Thank you, Link. This may be the last time I get up at four in the morning to play ball."

Kobe was very grateful. Link came to Los Angeles the day before yesterday to accompany him to play ball at four o'clock in the morning for the last time.

"Tch, say thank you." Link waved his hand. He also enjoyed playing ball with Kobe in the early hours of the morning.

"Hey, do you know why I asked you to accompany me?"

"Because I didn't reach the finals this year, otherwise I would be preparing for the championship parade right now." Link curled his lips.

"No, because I know that only a madman like you can accompany a madman like me. Coming here to play basketball at four o'clock in the morning, these two fucking lunatics... Hey, you still can't give in, Link .Although you have won three championships, you still want to win, right?"

While chatting, Kobe changed the topic to the NBA.

Link looked at Kobe, not confirming, but also not refuting.

"Ha, I knew it! So, in some ways, we are the same kind of people, Link. Relax, your failure this season is only temporary. As long as you are here, the Grizzlies will always be in the same position. Championship ranks. It won’t be long before you are back on your feet.”

Kobe's eyes were very determined and he didn't look like he was joking.

Link looked at Kobe, a little surprised. In fact, even many Memphis fans themselves believe that it is very difficult for the Grizzlies to regain their strength.

The Warriors' "Galactic Battleship" is right there, and the Grizzlies' current lineup is simply incomparable.

Even if the Grizzlies do get back on their feet, it won't be a "soon" thing. It took Kobe a full 7 years to go from three consecutive championships to two consecutive championships.

But Kobe doesn't think his own affairs are of reference value to Link. Kobe is right, they are all madmen.

But they also have many differences.

"My daughter Jaina regards you as her idol, Link. Don't let him down, you must do better than me. Okay, now, don't blink. Look, the sun is coming out."

Kobe pointed at the sea level with his chin. Link turned around and saw that a dim light was slowly rising from under the sea level.

Link stared at the beautiful sunrise, completely stunned, and did not move for a long time.

The sunrise in Los Angeles after four o'clock in the morning. God knows how many times Kobe has seen this indescribable beauty.

Perhaps, this is a reward for him getting up at four in the morning to train every time.

Gradually, the sky was illuminated by the sun, and the sun rising from the darkness became very dazzling.

just like......

Just like the Memphis Grizzlies preparing to burst out of the darkness into the sky!

Link clenched his fist, he was bound to let the grizzly bear break out of the darkness!

There was only one year between Michael Jordan's two three consecutive championships.

It turns out that this kind of thing has not been done before.

Jordan can do it, why can’t I?

"Thank you, Corvo." Link now knew why Kobe called him out the last time he played at four in the morning.

"Tch, thank you." Kobe smiled and returned what Link just said.

"By the way, I have one more thing to ask you, Link. Don't worry, I won't ask you to play ball at four o'clock in the morning again. This time, it's a business cooperation."

"Business cooperation?"

"Hmm, you're almost 30 years old, it's time to get more involved in business matters."

"What kind of business cooperation."

"Well...it's related to sports drinks. Let's talk about it in detail after we go back."

When Link heard the word "sports drink", he understood it instantly.

Yes, Kobe is now a rising new giant in the sports drink industry.