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LeBron James peered down at the floor of the Lakers locker room. 41 years old. He’d enjoyed his birthday, spent time with his family, and had a great day so far. But right now, that didn’t matter. The Detroit Pistons wanted the smoke, and LeBron was gonna give it to them in front of all Lakers fans on his special day. He was locked in.
Until the accented voice of his most talented teammate, Luka Doncic, took him out of his zone.
“LeBron? There’s two people here to see you. I don’t know how they got past security, but they said they know you.”
LeBron looked up. “Two? Must be Savannah and Bryce-“ he said, but that didn’t make sense. Luka would’ve said that.
“No. Shorter. And they’ve got…elf ears.” He motioned towards his ears and tilted his head when LeBron’s face lit up. “Rui is trying to keep the two out, but-“
“No way! It’s Link and Zelda!” LeBron stood up and marched into the tussle happening at the entrance of the locker room. Multiple security guards and Lakers players stood in front of the entrance, clearly trying to keep the two out. Link was visibly protesting, and Zelda, with a red face, was subtly trying to pull him away.
“Hey, guys, it’s okay. Let them in.” LeBron said, causing a silence. The Lakers and security guards before him looked at him, blinked, and went back to what they were doing. “Guys, what are you doing here?” LeBron asked, looking down at the two, smiling.
“We wouldn’t miss your birthday, LeBron!” Zelda said, a wide smile on her face. The first thing LeBron noticed was that the two were both wearing Laker jerseys, both with his trademark number 23. That made him grin. “We’re sitting courtside. Purah and Link found out a way to get us here,” Zelda added, her arm on Link’s shoulder, who was nodding the whole time with a wide smile.
“Aw, man. It’s good to see you two. How did you know it was my birthday?” LeBron asked, genuinely curious.
“Link follows TheNBACentel on X. That’s what he says. I don’t know what that means…” Zelda said, side-eyeing Link with a soft giggle.
“We just had to show up. And I needed to see you play again!” Link added, nudging Zelda.
“Well, I’m flattered, and I’m glad you guys came. How did you afford courtside seats?” LeBron had so many questions.
“Long story.” Link said, not elaborating. He recalled, then, exactly how they did.
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Link knew the price of courtside seats, and the fact that Rupees had no purchasing power in LeBron’s world. Surely, though, gems were still valued.
His day began by sneaking into Lookout Landing and stealing the Monster Control Crew’s map of Stone Talus sitings and gliding across Hyrule to find and destroy them. When he returned to Hateno Village, he was clutching multiple satchels filled with flawless diamonds and jewels.
Once Link and Zelda managed to pass into Los Angeles via Purah’s understanding of the ice in Link’s veins, they hit up local pawn shops. Almost all shop owners turned them away, afraid they were selling stolen goods.
“I don’t know, Link. We should probably head back to Hateno. I’m sure we’ll see LeBron again.” She sighed, rubbing the shoulder of her disappointed knight as they turned to leave their final store.
“Hold on a minute.” A voice stopped them in their tracks.
“Hm?” Zelda tilted her head as her and Link turned around to see a bearded, bald man before them.
“Hey folks. Rick Harrison from the hit TV show Pawn Stars here. I’ll take those jewels off your hands for nine thousand dollars.”
Link blinked. He opened his bag of jewels in thought. For two courtside seats, he would need ten thousand. “Ten.”
Rick blinked. “Deal.”
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“Loooong story,” he said again, smiling at Zelda.
“Well, however you did it, I’m glad you’re here! But you should get to your seats now. We’re about to start warming up.” LeBron said, crouching to eye level of the two. They nodded.
“Okay, LeBron. Play a good game for us!” Link tapped his shoulder.
“You know I will,” LeBron grinned, waving as the two turned to leave.
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So Link and Zelda sat, courtside, as the Lakers ran out of the tunnel. Her head was on his shoulder as they admired the beauty of Crypto arena. If they could stay longer, Zelda would love to study this world LeBron called home. For now, she was happy to see Link, her love, smiling with excitement, and happy to watch her friend play a sport that intrigued the two of them so much.
Zelda kissed Link’s cheek. “I love you.” She said, nudging his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her and smiled.
Game time.