NBA: Jordan at His Peak, Kobe’s Nemesis

Duke returned to 1996 and got a prime Michael Jordan template from the start. He was trying out for the Philadelphia 76ers, just as Kobe, the star player at Lower Merion High School, was riding high after beating Stackhouse in a one-on-one, feeling invincible.

Kobe: Who's next?

"Go on, this is your chance. Show them what a Jordan template can do!"

"Beat him, and your talent will be 20, your ability 50!"

Egged on by the System, Duke stepped forward.

To everyone's stunned disbelief, he beat Kobe decisively.

The whole gym was shocked!

Shaq: Why did the Logo trade for Kobe instead of Mark? He owes me several championships.

Jordan: I came back in '95, but not quite all the way. He stole two championships from me.

Kobe: Ever since he beat me in that one-on-one, he's been my lifelong nemesis!

This novel and its characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance is coincidental. Do not imitate.