NBA: Built to Dominate

China's All-Star Voting Power Shocks the NBA

The efficiency of Chinese fans in collective efforts was unbelievable.

On the first day of All-Star voting, the phone lines at CCTV headquarters were completely overloaded.

CCTV executives had no choice but to open a dedicated All-Star voting line.

But that wasn't enough.

The email inboxes exploded.

Even the post office was overwhelmed by an avalanche of handwritten ballots flooding in from all over China.

This wasn't just fan support—this was a national movement.

And while NBA executives hadn't fully realized it yet…

They were about to witness history.

One thing was certain:

This year's All-Star voting numbers would shatter every record.

And Alex Mo?

He wasn't just aiming for an All-Star spot.

He was aiming for the most votes in NBA history.

Portland Showdown – A Visit to Nike HQ

On December 17, the Lakers flew to Portland to face the Trail Blazers.

Last time these teams met?

Ben Wallace knocked out Rasheed Wallace.Chaos ensued.

Would there be another fight?

Fans were waiting for round two.

But before the game?

Nike sent a private car to pick up Alex Mo.

And not just any car—

A custom open-top Lamborghini.

Why?

Because Mo was too big for a regular supercar.

Nike wasn't just treating him like a star—

They were treating him like the face of the future.

Nike Headquarters – The IM1 Sneaker Reveal

Phil Knight personally welcomed Alex Mo to Nike HQ in Portland.

"Mo, when you played here last time, we should have invited you sooner."

"But I was out of town. Otherwise, we might've signed this deal months ago!"

Mo grinned.

"If we signed back then, there wouldn't be an IM Series."

"Everything happens for a reason."

Knight laughed.

He then took Mo on a private tour of Nike's design labs—

Where he saw some of Nike's most legendary sneakers:

The Air Force 1s.The Air Jordan series.And the latest AJ12s.

Nike's first-ever sneaker with Zoom Air technology.

Knight smiled."We're putting the same Zoom tech into the IM1."

"Actually, we're considering double-layer Zoom Air."

"Your explosiveness is insane, Mo. We need extra cushioning just to handle your power."

Mo nodded.

"That's great. But more importantly—does it look good?"

Mo wasn't too worried about the tech.

But the design?

That mattered.

Knight chuckled."At first, I thought your design ideas were crazy."

"But when I saw the prototype? I realized—you were right."

Then, he revealed the first-ever IM1 sneaker prototype.

Mo's eyes lit up.

Even in 2020, this sneaker would have been a masterpiece.

With his dual-market appeal in China and Los Angeles, the IM1 series was destined to sell out.

"Mo, this shoe is going to define an era—just like Air Jordans did."

Mo held the shoe in his hands and smirked.

"No, Phil. It's gonna be even bigger."

Trail Blazers vs. Lakers – Rasheed Wallace Stays Quiet

That night, the Lakers faced Portland at the Rose Garden.

Last time?

Big Ben KO'd Rasheed Wallace.The game turned into chaos.

This time?

Wallace kept his mouth shut.

It wasn't just Big Ben that scared him.

It was also Iverson.

Rasheed had seen what AI did to Kevin Garnett.

And he wasn't about to make the same mistake.

Without Sabonis, the Blazers had no chance.

Ben Wallace dominated inside.Mo and AI controlled the game.

After a blowout win, Big Ben mocked Rasheed Wallace post-game:

"Fake Roaring Beast: Talks tough until Mo Ran shows up."

"Real Roaring Beast: Drops 0 points but still trash-talks the other team's star!"

That night, the title of "Roaring Beast" officially belonged to Ben Wallace.

The 7-Day Plan – Countdown to Christmas

After the game, Del Harris called a team meeting.

"In seven days, we head to Chicago."

"Christmas Day."

"Against the defending champions."

The Chicago Bulls.

"We have the best record in the league—but no one considers us the best team."

"To beat them, we have to be at our absolute best."

"So here's the plan—no losses in the next 7 days."

The Lakers needed momentum.

They had to win every game leading up to Christmas.

"Win out, stay sharp, and we'll go to Chicago ready to make history."

The locker room erupted.

Alex Mo clenched his fists.

"I didn't come to the '90s just to watch Jordan dominate."

"I came here to defeat him."

Iverson grinned.

"Time to slaughter the gods."

And Big Ben?

He was already stretching his fists.

"I've been hearing about Dennis Rodman."

"I think it's time we see who's tougher."

Meanwhile in Chicago…

The Bulls were preparing too.

In a rare moment, Phil Jackson gathered the team.

"Listen, guys… Christmas is gonna be rough."

"I have a feeling those young Lakers are gonna walk into Chicago and destroy us."

Scottie Pippen rolled his eyes."Oh, come on, Phil. You just don't want us to enjoy Christmas."

"Don't worry. We've got someone who wants to win more than you."

Pippen turned and looked at Michael Jordan.

Jordan sat silently.

But everyone knew:

He wasn't about to let a couple of rookies come into his house and embarrass him.

And then?

Dennis Rodman spoke up.

"Hey, Mike—leave Iverson to you and Scottie."

"I got Alex Mo."

Rodman grinned.

"I've been waiting to go against that kid. I'm gonna lock him down."

"And maybe—"

"I'll hug him a little too. Y'know, just to welcome him to Chicago."

Rodman grinned wildly.

No one was sure if he meant basketball…

Or if he was planning some WWE-level wrestling moves.

Either way, Mo and Rodman were destined for a collision course.

December 24 – The Lakers Fly to Chicago

Christmas Eve.

The Lakers boarded their flight to Chicago.

Mo turned to Iverson.

"Remember last Christmas?"

"I still owe you a Christmas present."

Iverson laughed.

"If you wanna give me something—then tomorrow, destroy Dennis Rodman."

"Give me a Christmas win."

Mo grinned.

"Deal."

Tomorrow wasn't just another game.

It was a statement.

December 25 – Christmas Day.

Seattle SuperSonics vs. Utah Jazz.Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Lakers.

Rodman vs. Alex Mo & Big Ben.

The biggest game of the season was about to begin.