Saturday Conversations

The sun shone brightly through Lucas's bedroom window, casting warm beams across his face. He stirred, groaning softly as the aches from yesterday's training settled into his muscles. Saturday mornings used to be for cartoons and sleeping in, but now, they were a time to think, to plan, and to work.

As he lay there, the echoes of last night's solo practice and scrimmages with Dante played through his mind. His shot was getting better, his handles tighter, but it wasn't enough. Not yet. His NBA System dashboard haunted him, reminding him how far he had to go.

He needed more than just grit—he needed tools.

By the time Lucas made his way downstairs, the smell of sizzling bacon and fresh coffee filled the house. His mom, Maria, was standing by the stove, humming a soft tune while flipping pancakes. His dad, Steven, was at the table, a newspaper spread out in front of him.

"Morning, mijo," Maria called without turning around. "I thought I'd make a big breakfast since it's the weekend."

"Smells great, Mom," Lucas said, grabbing a seat next to his dad.

Steven peered over his paper, a smirk on his face. "You look tired. Up late plotting how to take over the world?"

Lucas grinned. "Something like that. I was at the park with Dante, working on my shot."

Steven nodded approvingly. "That's what I like to hear. Hard work pays off."

"Especially when you've got big dreams," Maria added, setting a stack of pancakes on the table. "Eat up, you'll need the energy."

Lucas piled his plate with pancakes, bacon, and eggs, digging in with the appetite of a growing athlete. As he ate, the conversation drifted from how school was going to his upcoming basketball season.

"How's the team looking?" Steven asked, pouring himself another cup of coffee.

"We're solid," Lucas replied between bites. "Got some size with Jaylen and Evan. Miguel's our main scorer. I think if we work on our chemistry, we could go deep in the tournament."

Maria sat down, a thoughtful look on her face. "And what about you, Lucas? What do you think you need to work on?"

Lucas paused, considering his words carefully. "I need to be stronger. I'm quick, but I can't finish through contact as well as I should. And my three-point shot isn't where I want it to be."

Steven leaned back in his chair, nodding. "Sounds like you've got a plan."

Lucas took a breath. "Actually, that's what I wanted to talk to you guys about. I've been thinking… if I really want to get serious about basketball, I need some stuff to train better at home."

Maria raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Like what?"

Lucas reached into his pocket and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper, smoothing it out on the table. "I made a list."

Workout Equipment Wish List:

Resistance Bands – For strength training without heavy weights.Foam Roller – To help with muscle recovery and flexibility.Jump Rope – For footwork and conditioning.Medicine Ball – For core work and improving passing strength.Cones – For dribbling drills and agility work.Small Dumbbells (5-10 lbs) – Just to start adding some resistance for strength.

Steven whistled low, giving Lucas an appraising look. "You really thought this through."

Lucas nodded earnestly. "I know it's a lot, but I'm serious about getting better. I don't want to just play—I want to be the best."

Maria exchanged a look with Steven, a mix of pride and amusement on her face. "Well, I think it's wonderful you're taking your passion so seriously, mijo. But all this equipment might cost a bit…"

Steven folded his newspaper, setting it aside. "I think we can work something out. Maybe not everything at once, but we can start with a few things."

Lucas felt a wave of relief and excitement. "Thanks, Dad. I promise I'll use it. Every day."

Maria smiled, reaching over to squeeze his hand. "We believe you, Lucas. Just remember to balance everything—school, friends, basketball. It's all important."

"I know, Mom." Lucas met her eyes, sincerity in his voice. "I won't let anything slide. Promise."

After breakfast, Lucas helped his mom with the dishes while Steven made a few calls. When his dad returned, he had a grin on his face.

"Alright, champ," Steven said, clapping Lucas on the shoulder. "I've got a friend who runs a sporting goods store. He said he can hook us up with some gear at a discount. Why don't we go check it out this afternoon?"

Lucas's eyes lit up. "Seriously?"

"Seriously."

Maria laughed. "Looks like I'll have two kids bouncing off the walls today."

The rest of the morning passed in a blur of excitement. Lucas couldn't help but think about how this equipment would change his training. Resistance bands meant he could work on his strength without needing a full gym. The foam roller would keep him loose and prevent injuries. The cones and jump rope would make his footwork sharper, quicker.

By early afternoon, they piled into the family car and drove across town to a small but packed sports shop. The walls were lined with racks of basketballs, footballs, jerseys, and training gear.

Lucas followed his dad through the aisles, grabbing the items from his list and feeling the weight of the dumbbells in his hands. They were light now, but they were a start.

When they got to the checkout, the clerk—an older man with a friendly smile—gave them a knowing look. "Starting him young, huh?"

Steven laughed. "Kid's got big dreams. Gotta support that."

Lucas smiled, feeling a swell of gratitude. Not every kid had parents who understood their ambitions, who went out of their way to make them possible.

As they loaded the gear into the trunk, Lucas couldn't resist giving his dad a quick hug. "Thanks, Dad. For real."

Steven ruffled his hair. "Anytime, champ. Now, show us what you can do with all this."

Lucas nodded, determination blazing in his eyes. "You got it."

The ride home was filled with plans—Lucas talking through his new workout routines, his dad throwing in tips from his own high school ball days, and his mom reminding him to stretch before and after everything.