Jake spent the entire celebrity game trying, and failing, to suppress his laughter. His mischievous grin was so radiant that even nearby spectators turned to glance at him multiple times. Some wondered, What's he so happy about?
The celebrity game wrapped up, giving way to the rookie challenge. Here, Booker, following Jake's advice to "go all out," delivered a jaw-dropping performance, scoring 42 points to clinch the MVP title. For the Sacramento Kings, who otherwise had minimal representation this All-Star weekend, this was a small but welcome victory.
As the first day of the All-Star festivities ended, Jake couldn't miss Booker's palpable excitement. He knew what was on the young player's mind—after all, Booker was well-known for his love of nightlife.
"If you want to go, just go," Jake said, smirking. "I'm not into that scene, but feel free to represent me tonight."
Booker's face lit up as if granted a royal pardon. "Thanks, boss! I'll just go for a bit and head back."
Watching Booker trot off like a puppy, Jake shook his head and settled into his chair to catch up on TV. That's when a familiar face appeared at his door.
"Zach? What are you doing here?"
Standing there somewhat awkwardly was Zach LaVine.
"Well..." LaVine hesitated. "I heard you were staying in this hotel, so I figured I'd drop by to say hello."
"Come on in!" Jake greeted him warmly. "How are things? Ready to crush it in tomorrow's dunk contest?"
At the mention of his specialty, LaVine's demeanor changed instantly. "Of course, I'm ready! You know me—I've never lost a dunk contest, and I don't plan to start now."
Seeing LaVine's confidence, Jake smiled with pride. "Good. Remember, you came up through the Kings. Make me proud out there."
LaVine paused, his expression softening. "Am I still a King?" he asked quietly.
"Tsk! What kind of question is that?" Jake's tone turned serious. "We nurtured you, and as long as I'm in Sacramento, the Kings will always support you. Business is business, but friendship is forever. Sacramento will always be home for you."
Hearing this, LaVine's eyes gleamed with gratitude. "Thanks, boss."
Before the conversation could go further, DeMarcus Cousins's unmistakably loud voice boomed from the hallway.
"Boss! Where are you? Zach! Oh, good, you're here too!" Cousins grinned. "Let's go! Rudy's hosting tonight, and I'm planning to clean him out!"
Jake sighed but couldn't help smiling. "Alright, alright. Let's go blow off some steam."
The following evening, the arena buzzed with anticipation as fans settled in for the 2015–2016 All-Star Slam Dunk Contest. Toronto's DJ hyped the crowd, but true basketball enthusiasts watched with skepticism. Ever since Vince Carter's legendary "UFO dunk" in 2000, the contest had struggled to recapture its former glory, and its popularity had waned.
Sitting courtside, Jake appeared ready to go—although not for the dunks. Beside him sat Ime Udoka, Gregg Popovich's first assistant coach, whom Jake had dragged to the event.
"Tell me again why we're here?" Udoka grumbled.
"Come on, Amy," Jake teased, using his nickname for Udoka. "You're here for history in the making."
Udoka shook his head. "History? The dunk contest is a glorified sideshow."
"It's not about the contest—it's about opportunity," Jake said, trying to win Udoka over. "Think about it. Come join me in Sacramento. Work with me for a few years, and I'll help you get a head coaching gig. Together, we can give the old man a proper send-off."
Udoka laughed, shaking his head. "You really have no shame, do you? First, you steal Uncle Chip, and now you're after me? Pop's going to disown you one of these days."
As they bantered, the lights dimmed, and the first competitor stepped onto the court. "Alright, Amy, start filming. You're about to witness greatness," Jake said.
Udoka rolled his eyes but obliged. The first dunker, Aaron Gordon, silenced the skeptics with a jaw-dropping dunk, soaring through the air and switching hands mid-flight before slamming it home.
"Did you see that?!" Udoka shouted, jumping out of his seat.
Before he could recover, Zach LaVine took the court. With seemingly effortless grace, LaVine launched himself into the air, switched the ball behind his back, and threw down a perfect dunk.
"How does he jump like that?!" Udoka exclaimed, his jaw dropping.
As the contest progressed, Gordon and LaVine took turns dazzling the crowd. The highlight of the night came when Gordon leaped over the team mascot, grabbing the ball midair and dunking it after switching hands under his legs. The arena erupted in disbelief.
"It's a miracle! This is a miracle!" Udoka shouted, clutching his head in amazement.
Not to be outdone, LaVine followed up with a dunk that seemed to defy physics, gliding through the air as if weightless.
By the end of the night, the contest was declared one of the greatest in history. The performances by Gordon and LaVine cemented their places in basketball lore.
"After tonight, these two will be household names," Jake said, smiling proudly.
As the lights dimmed and the crowd filed out, Jake felt a sense of satisfaction. The All-Star weekend had turned out to be more than just a midseason break—it was a reminder of the joy, camaraderie, and limitless potential that basketball could bring. For Jake, that was worth every moment.