How Sweet the Sound - The Story of David "Amazing" Grace (2K23 MyCareer)

[ChosenOne58]

Rumors

July 2022

We had just lost to the Sacramento Kings in the California Classic Championship game. I finished with 10 points, three rebounds and three assists. I was sitting in front of my locker when I saw a shadow overhead.

“Hey, Kid, you looked good out there. You can’t win them all. You know that, right?”

It was my assistant coach Phil Handy. He served as the head coach for us in this tournament.

“I know, but I don’t feel like I played my best ball out there today.”

“Well, what are you gonna do, Grace?”

“Get to work. Vegas is gonna be bigger and brighter. Can somebody send me some film from the last game?”

“Oh, you one of those huh?”

“One of those what?”

“Most guys don’t put a lot of stock in the summer league. Claim they’re saving it all for October.”

“Nah, I know I’m not the most athletic guy, but I’ll be damned if somebody is going to outwork or outsmart me. I have to study what works for me and work on it over and over again.”

“I hear you. I’ll get someone to get that film to you.” He turned to leave the locker room, but stopped when he got to the door.

“If you ever want to get some extra work in, you’ve got my number. Use it. You have a lot of potential. And expectations aren’t as high for you just yet. So, you can still catch some folks by surprise. Bus leaves in fifteen.”

I nodded my head and put on my slides. Getting an invite to work with Mr. 94 Feet of Game personally? That was an honor. This man has worked with Kobe, LeBron, Kyrie. He’s been to six straight NBA Finals. The resume speaks for itself. I’m not taking any of this lightly. I can’t afford to let up. I’m going to earn my spot and show everybody that I belong here.

[i]Present Day

I pulled up for a jump shot and missed. That was my third straight miss after going through this drill only five times.

“Your head isn’t in it, Grace. What’s going on,” Phil asked.

“As if you don’t know.”

“Ah, you saw that, huh?”

“It’s kind of hard not to. How can they just trade me like that? They won't find anybody that works harder than me. I’ve been busting my ***, man.”

“I know that. Your last few games have been great.”

“So, what? I’m just getting my stock up so that can try to bring another big name player to L.A.? I’ve set up shop here, Phil. My girl is here, my son, and my mom. I’m trying to take care of my family. Can’t you put in a word? I’ve started the last two games and I’ve been on point.”

“I can and I have, but my word only goes so far. It is management’s decision at the end of the day, but just keep your head down and keep playing like you’ve been playing. Ownership will see your value. You’re starting to build a little fan base too. I saw Doris Burke shout you out.”

I felt a smile trying to creep up. That was pretty dope. But I was still upset.

“Why are even looking for a trade this early? We have a good record."

"Teams are always looking to improve for the playoffs."

"Why can’t they package someone else? Why me? Last one in, first one out?”

“Just keep working, Grace. This isn’t something that’s going to happen overnight.”

“My agent said the same thing.”

I called Ray last night fuming about this whole thing. Especially how it’s playing out on social media and nobody from the organization has talked to me about it. He advised me to stay off social media and just keep working. Show the team that I can handle adversity and that I'm not easily distracted. He thinks I should just keep working and use the loss of Russ as an opportunity to prove my value to the team. It’s a messed up way to think about it, but he was right. We were still winning and looking pretty good doing it. Russ being out until New Year’s will definitely help my case, but if the team still feels like they want to trade me by the deadline, there’s not much I can do.

“Well, it sounds like you’ve surrounded yourself with some smart people then.”

“I just feel like I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t. If I don’t play well, they might trade me for not contributing. But if I do play well, they may be able to get greater value for me.”

“But they also may decide that it’s beneficial to keep you.”

“Just know that if they trade me, it better be to a team in the Eastern Conference because they will regret it.”

I went through the drill and this time the jumper went straight through the net.

“You’ll be just fine, Grace. Of that I have no doubt.”

[ChosenOne58]

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[RolePlayer]

Sorry just tuning in now, curious what made you wanna play for the lakers?

[ChosenOne58]

Quote: Originally Posted by RolePlayer

Sorry just tuning in now, curious what made you wanna play for the lakers?

Better late than never. Thanks for dropping by.

Thought I'd try something different. I've been doing these MyCareers for a while and I've never played for the Lakers and I've never played with LeBron.