On the court.
Arjun checked his system stats, noticing many sections still grayed out, meaning they weren't activated yet.
After going through various training sessions, Arjun's skills had slightly improved, bumping his overall rating from 78 to 79.
Starting from such a high level meant that Arjun's progress was slow.
As for Victory Points, he still only had one, which wasn't enough to do anything significant.
While UCLA's winning streak looked impressive, it didn't help Arjun earn any Victory Points.
During this time, Arjun focused more on understanding the game and gaining experience.
Unbeknownst to him, the Lakers' president and general manager were keeping an eye on this game.
Arjun's focus was solely on the court.
Beep!
With the referee's whistle, the game officially started.
UCLA got the ball for the offense.
Unlike other teams, the University of Arizona was playing like their lives depended on it against UCLA, turning what seemed like a regular tour game into a knockout match.
James was sticking close to Arjun right from the start.
Arjun didn't have much of an impression of James, a big name in the NCAA, which somewhat showed that James was just a college star, not quite NBA material.
If he were an NBA star, Arjun would've remembered him well.
James Harden had decent stats and talent, but it was still lacking something.
He kept pestering Arjun, and by this stage in the NCAA, no player dared underestimate Arjun because of his skin color.
The University of Arizona had set up a lot of targeted defensive strategies for Arjun.
James's close guarding was just the appetizer.
Afflalo dribbled up the court, hesitating whether to go for it himself or wait for Arjun to shake off James.
Arjun called for a screen from the center.
UCLA's center was big and solid, perfect for setting screens.
Arjun took the opportunity to cut back, trying to lose James.
James maneuvered around the screen, continuing to chase Arjun closely.
Afflalo passed the ball to Arjun.
James spread his arms wide, his left hand up to interfere, and his right hand ready to block Arjun's drive.
Defensively, James was perfect.
But to Arjun, James was just too short.
Arjun got the ball, stepped back to the top of the arc without hesitation, and launched a clean three-pointer!
"That's a bit forced, isn't it? His shot selection is a bit over the top..." Jim Buss commented skeptically from in front of the TV.
It was a shot reminiscent of Kobe's style.
A team only needs one Kobe,having another could confuse both teammates and coaches.
Before Jim Buss could continue, the TV audience erupted in astonishment!
"Swish!"
Arjun's three-pointer hit the mark.
Just as Arjun had assessed, James's defensive stance was good, but his lower center of gravity prevented him from jumping up to block the shot quickly.
That made Arjun's shot feel effortless.
3-0.
UCLA's first offensive play, and Arjun nailed it hard.
Jim Buss couldn't continue his critique.
A shot like that going in was just awesome.
James was speechless himself, believing he had defended well, but it wasn't enough,Arjun made it look too easy.
James had come into the game determined to dominate Arjun, but reality hit him hard with Arjun's shot.
After the basket, Arjun taunted James, "James, you might need to start relearning defense from grade school."
After trash-talking, Arjun turned and jogged back to defend.
Trash-talking felt great!
Using Durant's style to bully someone shorter was indeed very satisfying, making scoring seem effortless.
James quickly adjusted his mindset, still determined to dominate Arjun today.
He had the confidence, having shown his offensive prowess in NCAA games, possessing all the skills a scoring guard needs.
James was particularly known for his sharpshooting abilities. His technique was polished, and his impressive vertical made it easy for him to avoid blocks in mid-air. He also had the confidence to shoot under almost any circumstance.
His skills in using screens for shots, catching and shooting immediately, and pulling up for jumpers in stride were textbook perfect, supported by his good body balance and strength.
James wasn't just a shooter,he also had excellent driving skills that created scoring opportunities for himself.
His first step was quick and explosive, dazzling dribbles often shook defenders, and his adept speed changes and convincing fakes frequently threw opponents off balance.
Because his shooting form could be affected by physical play under the basket, he often opted for mid-range shots, where he was highly accurate.
James brought the ball up the court.
He decided to take on Arjun one-on-one.
Arjun was well aware of James's capabilities.
He chose to physically challenge James as he tried to drive past.
James was confident he could score for his team, but he found he couldn't shake Arjun.
Arjun blocked all of James's attempts to change direction.
Arjun's defense had improved the most during this period.
Continuous game experience had honed his ability to use his natural talent in defending offensive players.
Arjun was not only excellent in offense, but his defense was also outstanding.
Maybe the Arjun who had just joined the NCAA couldn't have stopped James, but now, James couldn't break through his defense.
"Snap!"
In the moment James pulled back to make a stop-jump shot.
Arjun cleanly swiped the ball from his hands.
Arjun didn't immediately control the ball after the steal and slightly lost his balance, tossing the ball to Afflalo.
As Arjun fell, he quickly got up and joined the counterattack.
James's defense was relentless,he chased after Afflalo desperately.
Soon, James caught up with Afflalo, who knew that attacking James directly wouldn't be very successful.
Afflalo quickly made a decision, glancing back and seeing Arjun catching up.
He tossed the ball back to Arjun, who was already prepared to catch and shoot.
With no other defenders close enough to challenge him,
Arjun, three feet beyond the three-point line, caught the ball and pulled up for a quick shot!
The basketball traced a beautiful arc.
And swished through the net!
"Swish!"
6-0.
Arjun had delivered two three-pointers to Arizona at the start of the game.
"Don't relax, keep on him," Arizona's coach Ricky Luke yelled.
Arizona had hopes for a championship spot this year, and Ricky Luke didn't want to see them get steamrolled by UCLA.
James gestured that it was his fault.
Arjun was his responsibility, but he had failed to prevent him from scoring easily.
...
In the Lakers' general manager's office.
Jim Buss's eyes lit up.
Arjun's shooting ability was a pleasant surprise, different from what the scouting reports had described. Watching Arjun play was more impactful.
Such a tall player, yet maintaining a shooter's touch.
Wasn't this the perfect partner for Kobe? Just being on the court could help space the floor for Kobe.
No wonder Kupchak was so enthusiastic about promoting Arjun.