Tracy McGrady stayed at Kobe's house until the summer was nearly over, with the three unmarried young men immersing themselves in training and soaking in the world of basketball.
They were all under 20 years old, at an age full of energy and free from worries, allowing them to focus everything in their lives on their beloved career and dreams.
It was beautiful and fortunate, but when McGrady was leaving Portland to return to Los Angeles, Kobe and Little O'Neal drove him to the airport, feeling reluctant.
Kobe kept saying harsh words, claiming that when the regular season starts and they face the Lakers, he'd give McGrady a good lesson and dunk over his head.
But McGrady just drooped his eyelids and shrugged, saying, "I'll fight for a starting position, and so should you, Kobe. Go get that starter spot first."
Though a year younger than Kobe, McGrady seemed to view his NBA future with greater clarity and sensibility.
