Kupchak, having received Kobe's request to come to the office regarding a prospective Lakers player, didn't object.
Within the Lakers organization, only the owner, Old Buss, truly held sway over Kobe. The rest, including Kupchak, largely deferred to the superstar.
Having always held Kobe in high regard, Kupchak naturally couldn't refuse his request.
Kobe, Lin Feng, and Su Muqing arrived at the general manager's office, where Kupchak, dressed in a formal suit, was already seated and waiting.
"Hi, Kobe! Is this the Chinese player you mentioned who's been performing quite well recently?" Kupchak regarded Lin Feng with interest.
Kobe casually settled onto a single sofa, gesturing to a nearby leather sofa for Lin Feng and Su Muqing to sit.
Then he addressed Kupchak, "Yes, Old Ku. His name is Lin Feng. He's a defensive-minded player from our affiliate team. He plays point guard, but he has an uncanny ability to grab difficult offensive rebounds. That's what I admire most about him."
"Secondly, Lin is a very active and excellent defensive player. I need him on our team to improve our competitiveness! Next season, I want that damn championship trophy far away from others and in our hands! I need a championship!" Kobe's voice carried a strong conviction.
This year had been deeply frustrating for him. O'Neal, teaming up with Wade in Miami, had secured his fourth championship ring, while Kobe and the Lakers had been eliminated in the first round.
It was a bitter pill to swallow, especially with some misguided fans and media perpetuating the narrative that O'Neal could win without Kobe, and that Kobe was nothing without O'Neal.
Given Kobe's fiercely proud nature, such ridicule was unbearable.
He was determined to prove to the world that his ability to lead a team, as Kobe Bryant, was second to none.
Kupchak, reading the determination in Kobe's sharp eyes, simply nodded, dispensing with further debate.
"Okay, I agree with your proposal to sign this Chinese player. His name is Lin Feng? He plays point guard?"
"Yes," Kobe confirmed with a slight nod.
"Then we'll sign him to the Lakers as Fisher's backup. Once next season starts, we'll see if this kid can adapt to the intensity and rhythm of the NBA." Kupchak's perspective differed from Kobe's. He possessed a pragmatic eye for talent and considered it a long shot for a short Chinese player to establish himself in the NBA.
Numerous Chinese players had come to the NBA, but only Yao Ming had truly achieved lasting success.
"Joining on a minimum salary, no objections, right?" Kupchak turned his gaze towards the excited Lin Feng.
To be frank, if Kobe hadn't vouched for him, Kupchak wouldn't have considered signing a Chinese player, regardless of his NBDL performance.
In his mind, it was a deal with a high probability of failure.
Historically, Chinese players had struggled in the NBA.
Firstly, their physical conditioning often fell short of the grueling demands of NBA games.
Many African-American players found the intensity challenging, let alone a slender and shorter Chinese player.
Secondly, Chinese players often lacked explosive athleticism and tended to fade in the final quarter of games.
This inconsistency would make it difficult to perform well consistently throughout the NBA's demanding 80-plus game regular season.
Even if they made the playoffs, the increased defensive pressure would likely expose Lin Feng's limitations, rendering him unable to provide significant help to the team.
Even at the minimum salary, the investment was likely to be a waste.
If not for Kobe's sake, Kupchak would never have entertained this seemingly losing proposition.
"Lin, Old Ku wants to know if you're willing to join us at the minimum salary?" Kobe turned to Lin Feng.
Lin Feng nodded quickly. "Boss, I agree. The minimum salary is fine. In the coming seasons, I will use my strength to prove that I am not a third-rate player who only deserves the minimum."
"Hey! This kid's got some ambition..." Kupchak offered a faint smile, tinged with skepticism.
He had heard such pronouncements countless times. Every young player entering the NBA vowed to make their mark.
The reality, however, often fell short of the dream. Only those with exceptional talent and unwavering dedication, coupled with a strong mentality and a bit of luck, managed to carve out a lasting career.
"Here's the contract. If you sign it, you'll be a member of the Lakers for one year at the minimum salary. Starting next season, you'll be a Laker." Kupchak produced a contract, signed it himself, and pushed it towards Lin Feng, indicating where he should sign.
Lin Feng glanced at the contract, noting it was only for one year. Was this a probationary period?
Kupchak was giving him a chance at the minimum salary solely out of respect for Kobe.
The base salary wasn't substantial. Playing for the Lakers for one season would yield $750,000.
While a significant sum for the average American, it was relatively meager, even paltry, for an NBA player.
Nevertheless, Lin Feng signed readily.
Kupchak's skepticism was evident, but Lin Feng wasn't naive. He understood that Kobe's endorsement was the primary reason for this opportunity.
After Lin Feng signed the contract, Kobe stood up, not wanting to further inconvenience Kupchak. "Kupchak, I'm leaving with Lin. I can see you're not entirely thrilled about this deal, but I want to tell you that my judgment of people is usually accurate. Next season, Lin's performance will definitely surprise you!"
"I hope so. I don't want that $750,000 to go to waste. Kobe, you should know that Buss has become much stricter about financial oversight than before."
"Okay, I get it. You signed a future Hall of Fame player for $750,000. When Old Buss finds out, he'll definitely reward you," Kobe quipped.
Kupchak didn't respond, feeling like Kobe was subtly mocking him.
"$750,000 for a future Hall of Famer? Is this some kind of joke?!"
The more pressing question was whether this Chinese boy named Lin Feng could even adapt to the NBA.
After bidding farewell to Kupchak, Kobe, Lin Feng, and Su Muqing exited the office.
Lin Feng looked at Kobe with gratitude and said sincerely, "Boss, thank you for trusting me. It's clear that Kupchak wasn't keen on signing me. He's only willing to take a $750,000 gamble because of you."
"Don't carry any unnecessary pressure. Starting next season, just play the way you did this season in the D-Fenders. As long as you maintain your focus, I firmly believe that with your skills and overall ability, you will establish yourself in the NBA." Kobe encouraged Lin Feng with a warm smile.
Lin Feng nodded emphatically. "I will, Boss. I will never let you down, because you're the one who brought me to the NBA. You're my guide."
"Come on!" Kobe gave Lin Feng a brief hug, instructed his bodyguard to bring the car around, and then left the Staples Center.