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

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[Agent]

Shannon Sharpe jaw jacking court side again?!

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Shannon Sharpe jaw jacking court side again?!

Wouldn't be a Laker game without it

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[Agent]

they gotta throw is on when Grace steps out at the parade. Congrats on another chip big dawg

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they gotta throw is on when Grace steps out at the parade. Congrats on another chip big dawg

But can the guys go for three?

This offseason is going to be something.

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2024 Retirements

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Fathers & Sons

“Do you think he’s gonna stay?”

“Say what?” I looked up from where I was cutting our son’s grilled chicken into small pieces.

“LeBron. Do you think he’s going to stay no matter what happens in a few days?”

I was enjoying a rare night in with Dominique and DJ. It has been crazy since the championship win last week. Now that we had defended our title, the conversation around the league turned toward the 2024 Draft. It was expected to be pretty deep, but one player that was being talked about more than any others was Bronny James, ever since he opted out of returning to USC. He didn’t have the breakout year that was expected, and his stock started to fall quite a bit, from potential lottery pick to late first round, but we don’t even have any picks this year. So, we’d have to make a deal on Draft Night or hope no one drafts him and sign him as an undrafted free agent afterwards.

“I don’t know. I didn’t really wanna ask, you know because it’s been all over the media. It’s been all the talk this season. Even after he retracted his earlier statement and said he didn’t care if he played on the same team as Bronny or not.”

“But this decision is going to impact your future too, babe.”

“How so?”

“If he stays, you’re playing under him for another season. Maybe two. Depending on his contract that’s going to affect your money too.”

“Well, I think we’ll be okay in that aspect.” I look around our condo. “I mean how much money do we really need?”

“It’s not about that. I just want to make sure you get what you deserve. Finals MVP. League MVP. It’s giving max deal, luv. There may not be enough cap room to carry you, AD, and LeBron.”

“Okay, I see you, Agent Malloy.” I smiled at her. I handed DJ his cup of juice before sitting back in my chair to cut into my steak. “Listen, I trust that the organization will do right by me. I’m their future.”

She raised her eyebrow at me. I just shook my head. My agent, Raymond, and I had already talked to the guys in the front office, not long after AD signed his contract. We were going to be just fine. I know most guys are here for the bag, but I feel like the situation that I’m in is a win-win for me and the organization.

“You know you’re gonna be the hot ticket this summer. You are the current MVP, Finals MVP, and an All-Star, babe. I know it’s like four or five teams trying to get at you.”

“Oh, you and Ray been chatting it up?” I smiled.

“I am something like his intern.”

“You know I’m not trying to leave you in L.A. though, so none of those deals matter right now, but like I said, I trust the front office. You thinking I should do a short term deal if Bron stays? Secure the bag once he leaves?”

“I’m just saying. I know the father and son thing would be cool, but I want to make sure you get what you deserve. Don’t leave any money on the table. Anything can happen.”

“We’ll be alright, I think it would be cool for them though. I’d love to play with DJ in fifteen years.”

“And what if DJ wants to be a lawyer like his mama?”

“Well, you can start your own firm then.” I looked over at my son, who had more mashed potatoes on his shirt than in his mouth. “What do you think, DJ? You wanna play basketball like Daddy or be a lawyer like Mommy?”

“I’m gonna play football, Daddy. Like Jalen Hurts.”

“What?”

“You and your mama wanted to take him to those Eagles games,” Dom said, trying not to laugh. “You can be whatever you wanna be, okay, DJ?”

“Yep. A football player and a veterinarian.”

“That’s... interesting, Son,” I said as I raised my glass. Dominique raised her glass and DJ picked his up too. “But cheers to the football playing veterinarian.”

##########################

Two days later I was pulling into the driveway of the James household. I parked next to Anthony Davis’ Porsche Panamera. I took a deep breath and walked to the door. LeBron opened it before I could even knock. He had a glass of wine in his hand.

“Why you looking so nervous?” He furrowed his eyebrows.

“I’m not. But you obviously felt like this conversation couldn’t be had over FaceTime.” I followed him into the house and out into the backyard where AD and Rich Paul were sitting.

“What’s up, fellas?”

“Yo, Dave.”

“MVP in the house.”

LeBron extended a glass to me. “I’m good.”

He shook his head and poured the glass anyway. “Relax, Dave.”

I accepted the glass and took a seat.

“Alright, so look, we all know what the talk has been all year and definitely the last two weeks. And, honestly, I don’t know what I want to do. I mean, I know what I said. What do y’all think?”

“Dom and I just had this conversation. I would love to play with DJ in 15 years if given the chance for real. But I think it would depend on the situation that I’m in too. We’re not gonna just sit here and act like you’re not a generational talent.”

Everybody laughed and that loosened up some of the tension that I was carrying.

“As Bronny’s agent, if we can get a deal done, I think we should get a deal done,” Rich said. “I know you don’t really wanna leave L.A.”

“We have the potential for a three-peat,” AD said. “But you also have the opportunity to make your own history with Bronny.”

“What does he think about it?” I asked.

“I think he’s cool with whatever. He just wants to be in the NBA, whether as my teammate or as my opponent.”

“How have the workouts been going, Rich?”

“Good. Trying to only entertain teams that are serious and where he’ll have the chance to really develop. He’s only worked out for the Spurs, the Lakers, and the Thunder. OKC has like five picks in the first round.”

“I doubt we have anybody we’re willing to trade to OKC though,” LeBron said.

“You right. Would you consider going to OKC?”

“I might. That’s a good young group. Shai, Giddey, Chet. We could definitely make some noise in the Western Conference.”

“Now he’s talking like we ain’t shit,” AD laughed.

“Like we didn’t just get him two championships.” I added.

“Shiiiiiit, I was there for all three!” AD reached for the wine bottle, but LeBron got to it first.

“Alright, that’s enough wine. Y’all getting real loose with your words out here.”

“But,” I said as I tried to stop myself from laughing. “We respect your decision. I’m sure you want to go where you have a chance to compete as well as play with Bronny.”

“True. How cool would that be? Father-son teammates and we get a ring together?”

“That would be pretty sweet.”

“And of course, I’d be willing to cut the Lakers a deal. I know I’m on my way out and we got a big contract that needs to be signed by somebody out here,” he looked at me.

“We all can’t be billionaires, huh? I gotta secure that bag. I got mouths to feed.”

“Well, let’s hope everything works out in our favor then.”

“Who we kidding? It’s LeBron. If he wants it to work, the shit will work.” AD said, causing everybody to laugh again.

“Yeah, your ass is definitely cut off.”

We all raised our glasses in a toast to fathers and sons.

“Y’all going to the K Dot concert tomorrow?”

“No question.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Fa sho’.”

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page bump for the draft