NBA: Built to Dominate

The Shockwave of Alex Mo's Nike Deal

News of Alex Mo signing with Nike spread across the U.S. like wildfire.

And the media reaction?

"How is this even possible?!"

Just like Bill Duffy had feared, many saw Nike's independent brand deal as a gamble—or worse, a scam.

"How much market power does Alex Mo have to justify nearly $20 million a year in endorsements?"

To most analysts, the answer was simple:

He doesn't.

Yet, Mo rejected Adidas' $124 million guaranteed deal to sign with Nike's new independent brand, IM Series, for a base salary of just $2 million.

The media was brutal in its response:

"Mo's team took the longest time to decide… and made the worst choice!""Adidas saved $100 million. Nike is about to suffer because of this so-called 'independent brand'!""The commercial potential of the Celestial Giant has been completely wasted!""His agent team is unprofessional and irresponsible!"

Even though Nike had created the Air Jordan empire, critics were skeptical that Mo could do the same.

"Michael Jordan was a once-in-a-lifetime player. Alex Mo simply can't replicate what Jordan did for Nike."

Mo's Response? Domination on the Court.

December 2 – Los Angeles, CA

While the media storm raged, Mo remained unfazed.

That night, the Lakers faced the Denver Nuggets at home.

Before tip-off, Lakers GM Jerry West personally walked onto the court.

In his hands?

The Rookie of the Month trophy.

Mo stepped forward to receive it.

Then, without hesitation, he handed it to Iverson and stood back in place.

Because this wasn't just about Rookie of the Month.

Jerry West had something far bigger to present.

The Player of the Month trophy.

For the first time in seven years, the Lakers finally had a superstar again.

Since Magic Johnson in 1989-90, no Lakers player had won Player of the Month.

Tonight, that drought ended.

Mo had officially become the face of the Lakers.

And Jerry West made it clear:

"Bringing Alex Mo to L.A. was the proudest moment of my management career."

"People doubted me. They said I should've kept Shaquille O'Neal, that Mo was just an ordinary rookie from a basketball desert."

"But now? I think it's time for those people to applaud my decision."

"Mo is the future of the Lakers. He is the next superstar of Los Angeles!"

Mo raised the Player of the Month trophy high above his head.

At that moment, he officially claimed the Lakers' throne.

Iverson's Envy – And Determination

As Mo walked back to the bench, Iverson approached him.

"Mo, can I hold your trophy?"

"The Rookie of the Month one?" Mo asked.

"Nah, man. This one. The Player of the Month trophy."

Mo smirked and handed it over.

AI turned it in his hands, examining every detail.

His pride wouldn't let him admit it, but deep down?

He was envious.

But…

He also knew Mo deserved it.

AI laughed and handed it back.

"One day, I'm gonna tell my kids: 'Your dad's best friend was better than Michael Jordan.'"

Mo burst out laughing.

"Okay, okay, enough talking, boys," Del Harris interrupted.

"We've got a game to play."

Nuggets Destroyed in Three Quarters

With the Player of the Month buff activated, Mo was completely unstoppable.

And Iverson?

He wasn't holding back either.

By halftime, the Mo-Iverson duo had already combined for 58 points.

The Lakers led 65-45—a 20-point blowout.

"If the game ended here, I'd have been happy with 58." Mo joked later.

By the end of the third quarter:

Alex Mo: 44 points, 18 rebounds.Allen Iverson: 28 points, 10 assists.

The Denver Nuggets never had a chance.

L.A. sealed the victory in three quarters, securing their first win of December.

During the post-game interview, Iverson didn't even talk about the win.

His first words?

"Next game, be careful."

AI grinned mischievously.

"Our enforcer is coming back."

Big Ben Returns – Where Will the Chaos Begin?

Ben Wallace's six-game suspension was finally over.

At the post-game press conference, a reporter immediately asked Del Harris:

"Coach, will Ben Wallace play in the next game?"

Del Harris hesitated.

Big Ben wasn't just a player.

He was a ticking time bomb.

When and where he played could change the entire dynamic of a game.

"We'll evaluate the situation carefully," Harris said. "There are a lot of factors to consider."

Translation?

The league better be ready for chaos.

December 4 – The First Lakers-Celtics Showdown

The Lakers vs. Celtics rivalry was one of the most legendary in NBA history.

The '70s battles.The '80s Bird vs. Magic era.And now…

A new chapter was beginning.

This wasn't just about history.

This was personal.

Boston had traded away Allen Iverson for Jason Kidd and Kobe Bryant.

And Kobe had a message for Alex Mo.

Kobe's Challenge: A Dunk on Alex Mo

Before the game, Iverson walked over to Kobe.

"Yo, man. Long time no see."

"Hmph. Didn't expect us to be part of the same trade, huh?"

"Guess it's fate!" AI laughed.

"Enjoy the game while it lasts," Kobe smirked. "Because I'm coming for you."

AI raised an eyebrow.

"Oh yeah? That so?"

Then, Kobe dropped the bombshell.

"Also, tell Alex Mo something for me."

"What?"

"I'm gonna dunk on his head tonight."

Iverson's brain froze.

…What?!

Of all the people who had tried and failed to dunk on Mo, the most recent was Shawn Kemp.

And it didn't end well for him.

But Kobe?

He was dead serious.

Iverson walked back to Mo.

"Dude, Kobe wants me to give you a message."

Mo perked up.

"Really? What'd he say?"

"He said he's gonna dunk on you tonight. Ride you to the floor. And then say— 'Welcome to Boston.'"

Mo blinked.

"Are you serious? You didn't make that up?"

"Nah, man. That's exactly what he said."

Mo grinned.

"Well, that's interesting."

Instead of being insulted, Mo actually looked excited.

"Good. I was getting bored."

"This game needed a side quest."

Mo cracked his knuckles.

"Kobe's Dunk Challenge? Sounds fun."