With the contract finalized, the rest of the process was comparatively simple.
Custom jerseys, medical exams, locker assignments, team photoshoots…
Ogawa Tetsuya had even advanced part of his salary to rent an apartment suite near the Staples Center.
Money wasn't his main concern; his primary goal was to quickly establish his value on the court.
The suite was located in Los Angeles' commercial district, just 300 meters from the Staples Center. From here, he could enjoy the city's beautiful nighttime skyline.
The residence offered free Wi-Fi, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, a garden and terrace, plus complimentary parking.
Ogawa Tetsuya meticulously followed the team's planned schedule, participating in all training sessions with discipline.
During this time, he also gained a rough understanding of his teammates.
The young talents on the Lakers were all holding their breath, eager to prove themselves in the new season.
Part of it was youthful ambition. Another part was resentment over Ogawa Tetsuya's massive contract.
Especially the two top draft picks, Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball, who were vying for team leadership. They were noticeably displeased that an unknown big man like Ogawa Tetsuya had secured a $15 million contract.
As No. 2 picks in the draft, their salaries were only half of Ogawa Tetsuya's.
Other young talents like Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart, and Ivica Zubac may have been less vocal due to lower draft positions—but their relentless training betrayed envy and competitiveness.
Meanwhile, news of Ogawa Tetsuya signing a $15 million one-year contract spread like wildfire back home.
"Ogawa Tetsuya signs with the Lakers for $15 million a year? Finally, a player from our country is shining on the NBA stage again. He's incredible!"
"Are you serious? The Rockets' pick signed for four years—he isn't even from our country!"
"Tetsuya's one-year deal is almost four times the total of that other player's four-year contract. How can their status on the team even compare?"
"Looks like some foreigners are just rich kids with money to burn. Tetsuya hasn't even played a single regular-season game, yet he gets such a huge contract?"
"Why are you jealous people even criticizing Tetsuya? Can't you see his insane Summer League performance?"
"Who cares? I just want to see Tetsuya tear through the league like Shaq, destroying your idol superstars—hahaha…"
Ogawa Tetsuya paid no attention to the online debate, whether praise or criticism.
The best way to silence doubters? Actions speak louder than words.
October 1, 2017.
The 2017–2018 NBA preseason officially began.
Honda Center, Anaheim.
The home arena of the Anaheim Ducks Ice Hockey team, temporarily hosting the Lakers' preseason games.
The Lakers' first opponent: the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Thanks to Kevin Garnett, Ogawa Tetsuya was fairly familiar with this team.
Since Garnett left for the Boston Celtics to form the Big Three with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, the Timberwolves—once a rugged, hard-nosed team—had transformed into huskies.
The Timberwolves, who finished the 2003–04 season with a 58–24 record atop the Western Conference, had missed the playoffs for thirteen consecutive years since.
Even with young talents like Ricky Rubio, Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Jeff Teague, the Timberwolves remained a perennial lottery team.
During the offseason, head coach Tom Thibodeau persuaded former Bulls star Jimmy Butler to join the team.
Alongside additions like Taj Gibson, Jerryd Bayless, and others, the young Timberwolves roster gained minimal experience.
The team's core—Butler, Wiggins, and Towns—was dubbed the Timberwolves' new "Big Three." From the media day, they loudly vowed to dominate the new season.
Confident as ever, the Timberwolves' goal wasn't just making the playoffs.
And now, Ogawa Tetsuya—who had never played an official NBA game yet secured a $15 million one-year contract—had already begun to draw attention in the league.
Pre-game, media outlets seeking headlines interviewed the Timberwolves' Big Three.
"Hey Karl, who do you think the Lakers will put out against you today?"
"Who? Ivica Zubac? Sorry, I already destroyed him last year!"
Towns smirked dismissively, acting cool.
The reporter pressed: "No, I mean the player from the East—Ogawa Tetsuya, Las Vegas Summer League MVP. Are you ready for him?"
Towns froze, then responded with nonchalance:
"Ogawa Tetsuya? Never heard of him. Summer League MVP? Pity I'll never get to play in such a low-tier game in my life."
Last season, Towns posted massive stats: 25.1 points and 12.3 rebounds per game, earning All-Star selection.
In only his second NBA year, he was already dazzling, with some media predicting him as the league's top center soon.
The mischievous reporter then approached Jimmy Butler, the Timberwolves' vocal leader.
"Ogawa Tetsuya? That rookie who's never played an NBA game but already has a $15 million salary? No disrespect to the Lakers, but I have to say—that's a terrible decision."
"What challenge does he pose to us? Honestly, I think an MVP from a minor league won't challenge us at all."
"But we have the talented Karl, who will teach that rookie just how brutal the NBA is!"
Drafted at a low position, Butler clearly disliked players securing large contracts without working their way up.
When the reporter exaggerated the Timberwolves' comments and passed them to Ogawa Tetsuya, he didn't explode in anger.
Instead, he grinned and quipped humorously:
"I'll make them pay for underestimating me. I'll beat them into huskies!"