Rebound: A 2nd Chance

Nate was gripping his fist tightly as the show came to an end. With an ugly expression he spat out "What the hell are they saying?

Of course Jaya deserves the contract with Nike." Kyle let out a chuckle as he watched Nate's reaction.

"If you're going to be spending more time with Jaya you should learn to get used to this type of stuff Nate.

Jaya has a real knack for stepping into the spotlight and not everybody is a fan. Besides, why are you getting so worked up when the person that they're talking about doesn't even care."

Kyle motioned to Jason with his head. Nate turned his head and saw that Jason was just nonchalantly eating his food seemingly unbothered.

Nate looked at Jason with a confused expression "Aren't you upset Jaya? That guy was talking so much trash about you.

Saying stuff like you only got the endorsement deal from Nike because you're Asian and that you're not good enough to get it because of your skills."

After swallowing the food in his mouth Jason shrugged his shoulders as he answered "I honestly don't care Nate."

Nate was stunned by his answer. Jason took a drink of water before continuing "I know how much work I put in and I know how much sweat and blood I've poured into the game.

So why would I care about what someone on TV has to say about me? Plus, one thing that I've noticed is that it's only people who have never played that like to criticize me.

All the retired players and TV guys that have played high school or college ball typically only have good things to say about me."

Jason thought back to his memories from his past life 'Shawn B. Stevens, one of the most popular TV sports talk personalities.

He's famous for his hot takes and sometimes crazy opinions but he has made some accurate predictions.

He likes to play up his reactions and his takes but he has some real knowledge when it comes to basketball.'

- - -

Back in some house in San Diego. Kawhi sat in his office as his giant hand held his phone making it look like a kids toy.

He held his phone in hand hesitating to call a number. After a few minutes of debating with himself he pressed the call button.

A second later the other side picked up "Yo Kawhi how's it going man." Kawhi let out a sigh "Thanks Bron."

On the other side LeBron's deep voice laughed "Hahaha I know that had to hurt you man. You're welcome bro.

But this favor ain't free, you know that right?" Kawhi's deadpan face twitched "What do I owe you?" LeBron answered "Nothing much. I just want you to be in my next project."

Kawhi let out another sigh 'I knew it. He's been bugging me for years about this.' "And what exactly is that?"

LeBron answered "Don't sound so sad man. This will work wonders for your brand. Close your eyes and picture this.

NBA legends of times past join forces with the Legends of today's current game to defend the planet from an invading presence. My next project is Space Jam: A new Era."

Kawhi face palmed after hearing that.

- - -

In the days that followed Jason and the rest of the guys continued to attend the training camp but there were some noticeable differences compared to before.

More fans began to show up to the Nike training center as they all crowded around the entrance. And most of them came for Jason. 

Nate also began to join Jason as he watched him do his training. Normally only athletes were allowed inside the training facility.

But after Jason made a quick call to Benny's personal number a special exemption was made for him and Nate.

And despite the special treatment none of the other guys complained as they all recognized that Jason never abused his status.

They saw that Jason was always the one that worked the hardest during training and that he held nothing back in practice.

During these days the attention that Jason received from the media didn't lessen. In fact it was actually the opposite.

As more retired and current players commented on Jason's endorsement deal it was like pouring gasoline on a campfire as different TV shows and hosts talked about him.

This lead to more people hearing about Jason and in turn becoming curious about him. This then lead to record numbers for Nike's docu-series.

Seeing as how Jason was able to boost their viewership Nike began to give Jason more and more screen time which simply boosted his popularity and fame even more.

- - -

After practice finished Jason stayed behind at the training center as the other boys returned to the hotel.

Nate and Kyle followed Jason as he was taken to a different room. There were lighting specialists with all sorts of equipment and a photographer. 

Jason had to put on all sorts of different clothes and shoes as the photographer had him do all sorts of different poses.

"Dribble the ball for me. Now do a crossover. Nice! Now spin the ball on your finger. No do it with your right hand. There it is!"

After two hours of taking photos and recording different lines, all of which were in English, Jason could finally rest as the marketing department told him that he was done for the day.

As Jason was slumped over in his chair Kyle laughed as he walked up to him and slapped him on the back.

"Hahaha, why do you look so tired bro? I've seen you play entire games and not look this drained." Jason looked at Kyle before rolling his eyes.

"At least when I'm playing basketball I know what I need to do and when to do it. Having to listen to a photographer for two hours is way more tiring."

Nate laughed as he sat down next to Jason. He then patted him on the shoulder "Good work today bro. All those TV people talking trash about you should spend a day in your shoes.

You did a whole day of training and you still did a two hour photo shoot. Not to diss any of the other guys but you are definitely the hardest working guy at the camp."

Kyle shook his head with a smile on his face. But a moment later his smile disappeared "It kinda sucks that tomorrows our last day.

Things were getting really fun. We were all just starting to get close with each other, even the guys from Texas were getting cool with us."

After hearing that Nate's expression also became somber "I forgot that you guys were leaving. I really wished we could keep going like this."

Jason turned to Nate with a slight smile on his face. He playfully punched Nate on the shoulder "Don't look so down man.

After spending some time with you I feel like I've gotten to know you pretty well. I'll talk with my parents after I get back and hopefully we can patch things up.

At least with you and your folks. I don't know about the rest of the family tho." After hearing him say that a bright smile blossomed on Nate's face.

- - -

After their last day of training Jason hosted a big goodbye party in their hotel room. Jason paid for all the food as all the guys from the training camp hanged out and let loose.

In the morning Nate followed the guys to the airport. After saying goodbye he waited outside the building.

After seeing the plane that Jason and Kyle were on fly into the sky he waved with a smile on his face as a few tears rolled down from the corners of his eyes.

On the plane Jason looked out the window as they climbed in altitude 'I gained a lot from this training camp. I guess I need to thank Nike.'