Chapter 92: I'm Better

Back in the locker room, Alaric got a call from Austin, who was all like, "Congrats, man! Let's party when we're back in LA!"

Then his grandpa Blake rang him up, saying the restaurant was booming 'cause of him. Folks were coming in, eating, and chatting about the NBA.

After a quick shower, Alaric stepped out of the bathroom, and Phil called him over. "Hey, Alaric, come with me to the press conference in a bit. Keep it humble and don't go on about the future. The media will blow it up. And don't mention the team's title defense; it'll make us the league's target."

Phil knew the media's tricks and had some solid advice for the rookie.

Alaric grinned, "Thanks, I got it."

Phil gave him a nod, "You killed it today. Keep it up and don't get a big head."

At the press conference, Alaric was the main attraction. Shaquille had the best stats, but a 30+10 game was just another day for him. A last-pick rookie dropping 30+ in his debut? Now that's news!

Historically, lots of rookies had killer debuts, usually lottery picks or top three. They were already pegged as future stars before hitting the NBA. But Alaric? He had everyone buzzing.

Reporters asked Phil about the new kid, Alaric.

Phil said, "He's the kind of young guy who gets me excited. I'm ready to give him chances to shine, and I love watching him play."

A reporter asked, "How far do you think he can go?"

"I can't say for sure. He's only 6 feet tall. To do well, he needs the right system."

Phil's take would keep the media from overhyping Alaric, protecting the young player. It wasn't about underestimating him; even the best need the right setup and great teammates to win titles. Michael, Magic, Hakeem, and Shaquille all needed that.

Shaquille, in his interview, praised Alaric differently. "He's good at playing and having fun. He's got a great sense of humor, and I like him. He's my little bro now."

A reporter asked, "How do you think he compares to Tyronn? They're both small guards."

"No comparison. I've never talked to Tyronn," Shaquille shot back. It sounded like a joke, but it wasn't. He really didn't like Tyronn and didn't hide it.

"Do you think Alaric will become a star?"

"Definitely. Outgoing people tend to succeed, just like me," Shaquille laughed.

Kobe's take on Alaric was straight-up: "He's passionate, always full of energy, and works hard in training. I respect that."

Reporters zeroed in on Alaric, and the first question was a trap. "You scored more in your debut than Allen. How do you think you compare to him?"

Allen's debut saw him score 30 points and 6 assists, even though the 76ers lost 103-110. People already saw Allen as a future star.

If Alaric made a comparison and said he was happy to score more, the media might twist it to say he disrespected Allen and aimed to surpass him. Big media might be better, but some smaller outlets would spin it for clicks. That's why Phil told Alaric to stay humble; young guys could easily fall into traps.

Alaric thought for a sec and smiled, "I don't think there's any comparison. Allen joined the 76ers when they were the worst team last season, and he didn't have many great teammates. I joined the Lakers, with a star like Shaquille. The defensive pressure I face is way less than Allen's."

The room burst into laughter, even the local Portland reporters found the answer hilarious.

Alaric was just a rookie and didn't think it was embarrassing. In his previous life, it was well-known that Shaquille's strong presence made it easier for his teammates to win. Just look at his career stats: breaking backboards and averaging 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game!

He knew his place. If he didn't say it, wouldn't the fans say it?

Shaquille was pleased, thinking Alaric was a great fit as a little brother. Kobe, who joined the league with him, would never say something like that.

A reporter asked, "Do you want to compete for Rookie of the Year this season?"

"Of course I do. I not only want to be Rookie of the Year but also an All-Star. I know it's tough; there are many players in the league who can stop me from scoring. But," Alaric paused and then said seriously, "no one can stop me from dreaming."

The room erupted in laughter again. The earlier part of his statement made Alaric seem arrogant, but the last line turned it into self-deprecation, making it hard for reporters to find fault.

A reporter asked, "You performed better than Kobe today. What do you think about that?"

Alaric said, "I don't think I performed better than him. Even if Kobe's shooting is off, no team would underestimate him. Opponents will definitely send defensive specialists against him, or they'll lose badly. His role on defense is more crucial. I was just hot today, lucky with my shots, and the basket seemed as wide as the ocean. Everyone has those moments; it's nothing to be proud of."

Another reporter asked, "Damon won Rookie of the Year. You completely outperformed him today. Who do you think is better, you or him?"

"I'm better," Alaric answered without hesitation.

Everyone was surprised. Damon was a well-known star in the league, even if he hadn't made the All-Star team. He was at least a second-tier star. Alaric had only played one game and already claimed to be better, which seemed a bit too arrogant.

The reporter pressed, "Why?"

"Because I'm taller than him. I specifically stood next to him to compare. During the draft, almost no one believed in me. Even though I won the NCAA Final Four MOP, they said I was too short. Now, I finally meet someone shorter than me. By popular standards, it's obvious I'm better."

Someone in the room started clapping, and the reporter realized Alaric had diverted the topic.

The reporter had hoped Alaric would say he was already stronger than Damon, but Alaric's explanation made it seem more about height. He expressed his ambition while also emphasizing his height.

Damon was the seventh overall pick in 1995, and Allen was the first overall pick in 1996. The media often called them inspirational. So, wouldn't Alaric, the last pick, be even more inspirational? Those two were already widely regarded before the draft.

Phil, listening in, thought Alaric's answers were brilliant. He promoted himself in a joking manner. As long as the media focused on his height and draft position, it would immediately attract fans' attention. This game was nationally televised, giving him high exposure.

Alaric's words would also indirectly boost his status within the Lakers. Once he had high popularity, he would have high commercial value. If fans liked him, the coaching staff would have to ensure his playing time.

During the preseason, Phil had deliberately kept Alaric under wraps. There was no need to hide him anymore. Alaric was destined to be a star, and it only took one regular-season game!