Chapter 586: The Future of Warriors?

At night, in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, there was a star-studded party where Charles was chatting with Jessica Alba, whom he hadn't seen in a long time.

"What have you been up to? Haven't heard from you in ages, after Valentine's Day was released earlier this year?" Charles asked Jessica Alba, somewhat puzzled.

"I'm now a partner in Lululemon, and I've started my own company, focusing on beauty products and perfumes," Jessica Alba beamed with excitement as she got closer to Charles.

"I've cut down on many film projects and have been learning to do business!" she continued.

"Not bad, seems like you're really into business," Charles remarked, wrapping his arm around Jessica Alba's waist.

"It's all thanks to you, Charles," Jessica Alba said, touching Charles' thigh. "Without you, I wouldn't have achieved what I have now."

"You're doing great too," Charles replied, giving her waist a playful squeeze. "Are you planning to stop acting?"

Jessica Alba shook her head, "Of course not, just taking fewer roles. As long as I stay in the public eye, it's fine. If you need, I can make a cameo in one of your projects."

"Like in Valentine's Day, where the role isn't big but still makes an impact!" she added.

"Got it," said Charles, looking at Jessica Alba. "When the sequel, The Hangover Part II, rolls around, why don't you play a part? With you in it, the box office will surely get a boost!"

Jessica Alba nodded; comedies suited her well.

"I'm going to the restroom," Charles said, getting up.

...

"Hey, Kobe, Vanessa!" Charles greeted Kobe Bryant and his wife as he returned to the party.

"Hey, Charles, good evening!" Congratulatory events and parties filled the life of Kobe, who had recently won a championship, and he was pleased to bump into Charles Cape.

Charles hugged the Bryant couple and they headed to the bar for drinks.

"Congrats on your fifth championship!" Charles raised his glass and clinked it with Kobe's.

"Thanks, the Nets aren't bad either, the draft pick has potential," Kobe said, showing his bright smile.

Charles waved his hand dismissively, "With this lineup, just making it to the playoffs is already good enough."

"This year, many NBA teams haven't been doing well. Another club changed ownership this month," Kobe shifted the conversation.

"First, the Wizards and Bobcats got new owners, now the Golden State Warriors have been bought by that Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov. The New Orleans Hornets are under the league's care now!" Kobe noted.

Charles chuckled, after the economic crisis, many NBA team owners seemed to have faced difficulties...

After failing to acquire the New Jersey Nets, Mikhail Prokhorov spent 450 million dollars to buy the struggling Golden State Warriors from Chris Cohan.

He declared he would win a championship within five years and hired Billy King as the Warriors' general manager, aiming to turn the team into a Bay Area powerhouse.

As for the New Orleans Hornets, owner George Shinn ran the team frugally, and their performance never improved, stuck in a small market.

The Hornets suffered losses annually, failing to attract talents, leaving star player Chris Paul dissatisfied. George Shinn was also accused of sexual harassment by two cheerleaders.

With poor performance, mounting losses, an unhappy star, and the owner's illness, Shinn planned to sell the team for $300 million after the economic crisis.

But the NBA Board of Governors deemed the price too low, fearing it would lower the league's overall team valuation. Shinn explicitly expressed he didn't want to hold onto the team while finding a buyer.

Therefore, the league acquired the team for $300 million, managed it, forcing Shinn out of team operations. Thus, the NBA became the Hornets' actual investor.

...

After the party, Charles and Jessica Alba returned to her villa on Mulholland Drive.

In the bathroom tub, with Jessica Alba in his arms, Charles thought about Mikhail Prokhorov hiring Billy King, knowing he wouldn't hesitate to spend money.

The Nets dodged a bullet, considering the disastrous trades Billy King made later, which might now happen to the Warriors.

Charles decided he could advise the Nets' chairman Thomas Wayne and GM Rod Thorn to keep an eye on the Warriors to acquire Stephen Curry. Prokhorov would lack the patience for a step-by-step rebuild.

Moreover, Charles thought it might be necessary to bring Chris Paul to New York next year.

Sexy Jessica Alba kissed him several times, noticing Charles seemed distracted.

"Charles, what are you thinking?" Jessica Alba gently reminded.

"Oh," Charles snapped back, looking at the seductive Jessica Alba, reached out and rubbed her chest. He smiled, "I was just thinking about some NBA matters. You still seem to be the dream girl for a lot of NBA players!"

"Is that so? I think the Kardashian sisters are more impressive!" Jessica Alba pressed her body against Charles, irresistibly alluring.

"Kim Kardashian's current boyfriend is NBA player Kris Humphries. Khloe Kardashian dated Lakers' Lamar Odom last year, and they got married within a month!"

"I know Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian got married. Keeping Up with the Kardashians' ratings keep going up. It's already in its fourth season," said Charles, not particularly interested in the Kardashians, but impressed by their family's influence.

Keeping Up with the Kardashians was a top reality show produced by Capet Television. The Kardashians had become top American influencers, rivaling the Olsen twins.

"Paris Hilton seems outdated in front of the Kardashians," Charles remarked, lifting Jessica Alba's chin. "Influencer economy, it's a huge opportunity. If you can seize it, there's definitely profit to be made!"

"Influencer economy, really?" Jessica Alba was inclined to believe Charles Cape.

"Of course, but now's not the time to talk about this!" Charles said as he leaned in to kiss her, ready to unleash his hormones.

With her Latino heritage, Jessica Alba was always passionate, with a sexy body and pretty face, her assets in Hollywood.

Soon, the bathtub was filled with passionate and thrilling scenes...

*****

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