Chapter Summaries

After the Knicks defeated the Lakers, Kobe and Li Fei said their endorsement partnership would not affect their rivalry on the court. The game became a worldwide sensation, with fans joking that Li Fei had given Kobe corporate training.

• Kobe said the Lakers had lost to a great Knicks team and insisted that business with Li Fei Brand would not affect how he played against Li Fei.
• Li Fei welcomed Kobe as a brand partner and said he would still try to defeat him, joking that beating him was a form of corporate training.
• Sports media praised Li Fei's 66-point performance and his decisive play in the game's final minutes.
• Barkley and Kenny Smith discussed Li Fei's dominance on television, while fans joked online about the boss-versus-employee showdown and Li Fei's Finger Wag.

Li Fei Brand executives celebrated the surge in sales and brand value after Li Fei defeated Kobe, while David Falk prepared to capitalize on the rivalry. After the game, Angelina Jolie picked Li Fei up and took him to a Japanese restaurant in Beverly Hills.

• David Falk told Li Fei Brand executives that the game had boosted shoe preorders and strengthened the brand’s marketing prospects.
• David Falk ordered his teams to promote the King and Challenger rivalry, accelerate Black Mamba production, and monitor Wall Street’s reaction.
• David Falk called Li Fei, who told him to stay alert despite the promising response from investors.
• Angelina Jolie waited for Li Fei in the parking garage and flirted with him before he left with her.
• Angelina Jolie took Li Fei to a secluded Japanese restaurant, where he found the elegant meal too light to satisfy his postgame hunger.

Li Fei shared an intimate dinner with Angelina Jolie before leading the Knicks through four dominant wins after his showdown with Kobe. The Knicks continued their second-half rampage, with their next game still ahead.

• Angelina Jolie served Li Fei sushi in an intimate fashion, and the two spent the night together.
• The next morning, Li Fei and Jolie read a newspaper recap of his clash with Kobe, which had become a media sensation.
• Li Fei scored 42 points and grabbed 16 rebounds as the Knicks defeated the Miami Heat 115–98.
• Li Fei recorded 35 points, 18 rebounds, and 8 blocks in the Knicks' 108–92 road win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
• Li Fei scored 38 points and collected 20 rebounds as the Knicks beat the Houston Rockets 121–105.
• Li Fei scored 30 points in three quarters to lead the Knicks past the Utah Jazz 101–76.

The Knicks beat the Raptors as Li Fei recorded 45 points, 17 rebounds, and 9 blocks, while the Lakers gained momentum behind Shaquille O'Neal's renewed fitness and Kobe Bryant's breakout season. On Inside the NBA, Kevin Harlan, Marv Albert, and Bill Walton discussed the season's awards, predicting Li Fei would again dominate MVP and Defensive Player of the Year and Kobe would win Most Improved Player.

• Li Fei led the Knicks past the Raptors 118–102, giving New York its fifth straight victory.
• Shaquille O'Neal improved his conditioning, while Kobe Bryant continued his strong play as the Lakers went 4–1 over five games.
• Kevin Harlan, Marv Albert, and Bill Walton reviewed the award races on Inside the NBA and cited Li Fei's league-leading production and the Knicks' top record.
• Bill Walton explained that Li Fei's rebounding had dipped because he played more at small forward and shared interior duties with Arvydas Sabonis and Larry Johnson.
• Marv Albert and Bill Walton backed Kobe Bryant for Most Improved Player after his scoring, rebounding, and assists rose sharply from the previous season.

Li Fei unveiled the Mamba I, a signature shoe designed for Kobe Bryant, and sent him a pair in Los Angeles. Kobe loved the shoes and vowed to wear them in his next game, leaving Li Fei confident that Kobe’s performance could launch the line without an All-Star debut.

• Li Fei inspected the Mamba I, tested its fit and performance, and sent Kobe a pair along with Polaroid photos.
• Kobe found the delivery at his Lakers locker, tried on the shoes, and excitedly tested them on the locker-room floor.
• O'Neal admired the Mamba I's design while teasing Kobe about its snake-like look.
• Kobe called Li Fei, praised the shoes, and learned that they were named Mamba I as his signature line.
• Kobe promised to wear the shoes in his next game, and Li Fei decided Kobe's strong play could serve as the line's best promotion.

Li Fei Brand rushed the Mamba I launch after Kobe Bryant received his signature shoes, and the company set a two-week deadline for a global release. Kobe’s 42-point performance in the shoes sparked widespread excitement and left a buying frenzy brewing before launch.

• Li Fei and David Falk activated the Mamba I emergency launch plan, aiming to stock major markets worldwide within two weeks.
• David Falk proposed starting Li Fei Brand’s IPO process before the playoffs if the shoe launch succeeded.
• Kobe Bryant wore the Mamba I against the Timberwolves at Staples Center, where the Lakers won 115–101.
• Kobe scored 42 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and made 6 assists while fans and commentators noticed his new shoes.
• Basketball forums and social media buzzed about the Mamba I, and fans anticipated its release.

Kobe Bryant’s Mamba I debut sparked intense fan interest, while Li Fei watched demand surge and Nike executives confronted the threat to their business. Nike CEO Phil Knight acknowledged that Li Fei was building the next generation of basketball stars and shoes.

• Kobe read fan discussions praising his Mamba I shoes and recalled working with Li Fei’s team to design them.
• Li Fei received news from David Falk that distributors and media outlets were flooding the brand headquarters with requests for Mamba I.
• Li Fei attributed the shoe’s success to its forward-looking design, Fly-Bullet cushioning, and Kobe’s 42-point debut.
• Nike executives reviewed Mamba I’s popularity and learned that its purchase intent had surpassed every Nike shoe scheduled for release that year, including Air Jordan 14.
• Phil Knight silenced an executive who dismissed the attention as temporary and said that Li Fei was creating gods for the future.

Nike’s Phil Knight launched a plan to counter Li Fei Brand’s growing dominance, while Wall Street investors watched Mamba I’s upcoming debut as a test of the brand’s value. In the following two weeks, Kobe Bryant’s strong play and the Lakers’ six-game winning streak built anticipation for the shoe’s launch.

• Phil Knight ordered Nike to accelerate Air Jordan designs, mount a major advertising campaign, and pursue promising players including Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, Ray Allen, Jerry Stackhouse, Antoine Walker, and LeBron James.
• Goldman Sachs investors evaluated Li Fei Brand’s endorsement lines and decided Mamba I’s first-day sales would guide their investment decision.
• The Lakers won six straight games, defeating teams led by Tim Duncan and David Robinson, Gary Payton, and Pippen, Barkley, and Olajuwon.
• Kobe Bryant delivered godlike performances during the winning streak as NBA courts became showcases for Mamba I.

Kobe’s outstanding performances in the Mamba I fueled worldwide excitement for Li Fei Brand’s shoe launch. When the shoes went on sale at noon, enormous crowds surged into stores, and the first buyers praised the Mamba I as a symbol of Kobe and Li Fei Brand.

• Kobe averaged 35.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while wearing the Mamba I, building anticipation for its release.
• Fans formed enormous lines outside Li Fei Brand stores around the world, including in New York, Los Angeles, Beijing, and Shanghai.
• At the New York flagship store, the manager rallied employees before the noon launch as the waiting crowd counted down.
• The store opened at noon, and the crowd surged forward while guards and employees struggled to maintain order.
• Jack received the first purchase voucher and told an ESPN reporter that the Mamba I carried Kobe’s spirit and had a soul.
• A girl wearing The Answer I said she admired both Iverson and Kobe and loved Li Fei Brand’s designs.

Li Fei’s Mamba I signature shoes for Kobe Bryant sold out rapidly across the world, drawing huge crowds and major media coverage. David Falk brought Li Fei the sales reports, celebrating the launch’s historic success.

• Fans in Los Angeles, Chicago, and major European cities lined up to buy Kobe Bryant’s Mamba I shoes and praised their design.
• The global launch began at noon, and crowds rushed stores as popular sizes sold out within hours.
• Chinese fans crowded flagship stores in Beijing and Shanghai, where the slogan “Descendants of the Dragon, forge a sword for the Black Mamba” fueled a buying frenzy.
• CCTV Sports News reported that Mamba I was expected to sell more than 500,000 pairs on its first day and highlighted Li Fei Brand’s competition with established global brands.
• David Falk brought Li Fei reports showing that stores in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Beijing, and Shanghai had quickly sold out, while distributors clamored for restocks.

After the Mamba I launch drove Li Fei Brand’s sales and cultural influence past expectations, Li Fei and David Falk prepared to announce an IPO and recruit future star LeBron James. Goldman Sachs reacted to the sales surge by urgently seeking to lead the IPO.

• Falk told Li Fei that Mamba I had helped the brand surpass Nike in sales and appeal, and said investors now valued its ability to create superstar brands.
• Falk revealed investment banks had estimated Li Fei Brand at $30 billion, with a possible short-term market capitalization above $50 billion, and urged Li Fei to announce an IPO.
• Li Fei agreed the timing was right but called for stronger management, research and development, and endorsements before the company went public.
• Li Fei gave Falk a Future Plan list that included high school prospect LeBron James and instructed him to approach LeBron and make arrangements for his family.
• Goldman Sachs managers saw projected first-day Mamba I sales exceeding $150 million and ordered staff to contact Falk and pursue the lead underwriter role for Li Fei Brand’s IPO.

As Kobe Bryant’s success with Mamba I intensified attention on him, Li Fei noticed jealousy and tension among the Knicks and used practice to remind the team to trust one another. He began telling them how he and Charles Barkley had handled a similar rivalry in Phoenix.

• Kobe Bryant practiced hard as his rising fame and the success of Mamba I changed the atmosphere around the Knicks.
• During a scrimmage, Kobe scored over Donyell Marshall instead of passing to the open Allan Houston, leaving Houston disappointed.
• Li Fei passed out of a double-team to Larry Johnson, who finished with a two-handed slam and showed renewed warmth toward him.
• After practice, Li Fei gathered the players and urged Kobe to pass to teammates such as Houston rather than chase individual highlights.
• Li Fei addressed Houston and Johnson’s worries about losing their standing, then began recounting his early days beside Charles Barkley on the Phoenix Suns.

Li Fei restored unity among the Knicks, who crushed the Sacramento Kings, while media attention around his romance with Angelina Jolie helped set the stage for his brand’s IPO announcement. At a press conference, David Falk revealed Li Fei Brand’s planned NASDAQ IPO and its preliminary $30 billion valuation, leaving Li Fei to face questions about whether the brand could succeed beyond his personal influence and star endorsements.

• Li Fei reminded Kobe, Larry Johnson, and Houston that teamwork and championships had to come before individual stardom, and they agreed.
• The Knicks defeated the Sacramento Kings 135–77, with Li Fei directing the offense and Kobe, Houston, and Larry Johnson playing within the team’s system.
• Kobe approached Houston after the game, and the two discussed their coordination as their relationship improved.
• A paparazzi photo of Li Fei with Angelina Jolie spread through the media, boosting Li Fei’s public image ahead of the IPO.
• Li Fei and David Falk announced that Li Fei Brand would begin its NASDAQ IPO process, with a preliminary valuation of $30 billion.
• A Wall Street Journal reporter asked Li Fei whether the brand could remain successful without relying on his influence and that of a few superstars.

Li Fei defended Li Fei Brand’s value by unveiling its Future Plan and publicly naming LeBron James as a prospect, prompting Phil Knight to order an all-out campaign against the brand’s IPO and aggressive offers to future stars. As Wall Street’s major banks competed to underwrite the offering, Li Fei met with Goldman Sachs CEO Henry Paulson, who praised the company as the beginning of a sports-culture entertainment empire.

• Li Fei told reporters that the Future Plan would identify and develop promising athletes, then publicly named LeBron James as a talent the brand was watching.
• Phil Knight watched the press conference, grew furious over Li Fei Brand’s valuation and interest in LeBron James, and ordered Nike to undermine the IPO and improve its offers to Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady.
• David Falk reported competing underwriting offers from Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Merrill Lynch to Li Fei.
• Li Fei met Henry Paulson, who praised his strategy as the foundation of a sports-culture entertainment empire and explained why Goldman Sachs wanted to partner with the brand.

Li Fei secured Goldman Sachs as a strategic ally for his brand’s IPO, then sent David Falk to recruit LeBron James with a comprehensive plan for his family, education, training, and a profit-sharing partnership. Gloria and LeBron were stunned by the offer, which would make LeBron part of the brand’s long-term strategy.

• Li Fei secured Paulson’s promise that Goldman Sachs would support the brand’s long-term strategy after its IPO.
• David Falk traveled to Akron to recruit LeBron James before Nike and Adidas could approach him.
• Falk presented Gloria and LeBron with a plan offering them a home, a job for Gloria, private training, and an education fund for LeBron.
• Falk offered LeBron an endorsement deal with brand profit-sharing, presenting him as a partner in Li Fei Brand’s growth.
• Gloria and LeBron were left stunned by Falk’s proposal.

LeBron James accepted Li Fei’s invitation after hearing Falk’s vision for his future, while the Knicks and Rockets prepared for their highly anticipated matchup at Madison Square Garden. The chapter ended with both teams setting their strategies before tip-off.

• LeBron James told Falk that he accepted Li Fei’s invitation, and Gloria supported his decision.
• Nike and Adidas scouts arrived at the James family’s apartment but found it empty.
• Fans filled Madison Square Garden wearing Li Fei Brand shoes as commentators previewed the Knicks-Rockets matchup.
• Charles Barkley rallied the Rockets, and Rudy Tomjanovich instructed his team to slow the pace and limit Li Fei’s drives and passing.
• Li Fei told the Knicks that Barkley had been his friend in Phoenix, then assigned Allan Houston to attack through pick-and-rolls and Larry Johnson to defend Scottie Pippen.

Li Fei and the Knicks faced Barkley, Pippen, and the Rockets at Madison Square Garden, where the pregame rivalry gave way to a fast-paced opening stretch. Kobe and Li Fei scored early against Houston, while the Rockets answered through Olajuwon and Barkley.

• Li Fei warned his teammates to disrupt Pippen’s playmaking, then greeted Barkley in the tunnel and exchanged promises not to hold back.
• Pippen told Kobe Bryant that he had won a championship ring at Kobe’s age, provoking Kobe before the game.
• The opening ceremony showcased Li Fei Brand shoes, and the Knicks and Rockets began play at Madison Square Garden.
• Kobe stole the opening possession and scored a jumper over Pippen, then Olajuwon answered with a post move against Sabonis.
• Li Fei scored a turnaround fadeaway over Barkley, while Pippen set up Barkley for a layup on Houston’s next attack.
• Li Fei drove past Barkley for a mid-range jumper and pointed toward his Li Fei III sneakers for the courtside camera.

The Knicks battled the Houston Rockets in a heated game as Li Fei returned early to play center after Arvydas Sabonis injured his knee. Li Fei dominated at both ends and hit a buzzer-beating three to give the Knicks a 58–50 halftime lead, while his shoe brand’s advertising blitz played during the break.

• Barkley scored while showing off his Flying Pig 2nd Generation shoes, and Latrell Sprewell then beat Scottie Pippen in consecutive isolations as the Knicks took a 28–24 first-quarter lead.
• Arvydas Sabonis sprained his knee while blocking Eddie Johnson’s layup and was taken out of the game, leaving the Knicks’ interior depleted.
• Jeff Van Gundy sent Li Fei back onto the floor at center, where Li Fei denied Hakeem Olajuwon in the post and then drove between Olajuwon and Barkley for a two-handed dunk.
• Li Fei scored and set up teammates, including Allan Houston for a corner three, while Barkley answered with a physical 2+1 as the Knicks built a six-point lead.
• Li Fei hit a buzzer-beating three over Barkley to make the halftime score 58–50; he had 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.
• During halftime, the Knicks presented a Mamba I shoe commercial and runway show as part of Li Fei’s costly advertising campaign.

The Rockets erased the Knicks’ lead with a suffocating defense and a 12:2 run, but Li Fei took charge and adjusted the Knicks’ offense. He set up Madman Sprewell for a three-pointer that put the Knicks back ahead, leaving the contest close.

• At halftime, Tomjanovich assigned Pippen to defend Li Fei, while Van Gundy urged Larry Johnson and Kobe to help the Knicks counter the Rockets’ defense.
• Pippen, Barkley, and Olajuwon smothered the Knicks’ offense as Barkley, Pippen, and Olajuwon scored to give the Rockets a 62:60 lead.
• Li Fei called a timeout and told Larry Johnson to wear down Pippen, Kobe to keep moving, and Madman Sprewell and Stephen Jackson to prepare for catch-and-shoot opportunities.
• Li Fei moved to the high post and passed to Madman Sprewell, who sank a three-pointer to put the Knicks ahead 63:62.

Li Fei and Sprewell helped the Knicks preserve their lead over the Rockets with clutch plays in the third quarter, while Li Fei and Barkley shared a friendly moment that David Falk used to promote their brand. In the decisive fourth quarter, Li Fei found open teammates and Sprewell forced Pippen into foul trouble, leaving the Knicks ahead 102:100 with 1 minute and 30 seconds remaining.

• Li Fei passed out of a double-team to Sprewell, who made another difficult three-pointer for the Knicks.
• Li Fei blocked Olajuwon's layup, and the Knicks ended the third quarter leading 82:78.
• Li Fei and Barkley exchanged jokes and bumped fists, while David Falk presented their camaraderie to underwriters as part of their brand's appeal.
• The Rockets double-teamed Li Fei, but he assisted Marshall on a layup and Jackson on a three-pointer.
• Sprewell scored against Pippen and drew his fifth foul, sending him off the court.
• With 1 minute and 30 seconds left, the Knicks led the Rockets 102:100 and had possession.