His home in Los Angeles was warm and peaceful, but there was no escaping fans crowding around him and the media interrupting his life. The training hall and the court were battlefields, and even on vacation he was often recognized and disturbed. He wanted a sea that belonged only to his family and him, a sanctuary where he could step out the door onto the beach, look up at nothing but the stars, and never be bothered.
He hadn't mentioned it to anyone. Every so often, though, he browsed listings for private islands before bed. As he looked at photos of turquoise waters and white sand, the idea slowly took root in his mind.
A few days later, Lakers Owner Tamim flew back to Los Angeles specifically to meet Wang Yi one-on-one.
They met at the team's Private Club. There were no reporters or entourage, just two glasses of whiskey and flames dancing in the fireplace.
Tamim got straight to the point, smiling at Wang Yi. "I know your mindset has changed lately. You're not focused only on winning and losing anymore. You've started making time to enjoy life."
Wang Yi was taken aback, then smiled candidly. "I'm getting older. I've learned when to push and when to let go."
Tamim nodded, pulled up a set of photos on his phone, and slid it across the table to Wang Yi.
On the screen was a private island off the coast of California. Reefs surrounded three sides, with a white-sand beach on the fourth. The island had a detached villa, an infinity pool, and a private dock, along with lush vegetation and crystal-clear water. It was only a short trip from Los Angeles, yet completely secluded—so remote that even aerial photographers could hardly get close.
"I've owned this island for five