Becoming an official NBA player means that a second identity will soon emerge, namely a rich young man. But Michael Udin and Kobe have not officially signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, at least today they are still poor high school students with little money.
Attentive Joe Bryant promised to pay rent for the two brothers, and then Michael Udin and Kobe would fly to Los Angeles.
The two youngsters would soon be independent, and the Bryant family completely let go of Kobe and Michael Udin.
Michael Udin and Kobe will rely more on themselves in their future life in Los Angeles. Of course the Agent will also provide great help for their work and life.
After arriving in Los Angeles with a large bag and a small bag, their Agents have found their respective places for Michael Udin and Kobe.
Michael Udin is rookie No. 24 in the first half. His proposed contract was $2 million dollars over three years. The first two years are full guarantee, and the third year is a team option.
Kobe's contract is much bigger. His proposed contract is $3.5 million for three years. This was the case for a first-round rookie contract in 1996. The first two years were fully guaranteed and a team option for a third year.
The difference in income of hundreds of thousands every year makes the living conditions of the two men even worse, not to mention that Kobe has received a lot of commercial support.
Bryant chose a three-story villa in a wealthy area of Los Angeles as his new home, while Michael Udin rented a modest apartment not far from Staples.
After Michael Udin helps Kobe move in, he is accompanied by Agent into his own little world, although far from Kobe's house, Michael Udin doesn't care.
Talking about Agent Michael Udi's agent name is Karim Martin, 32 years old American and has been an assistant to several well-known agents, besides Karim Martin is an outstanding student who graduated from the University of Michigan Law School. He has absolute confidence in all contract matters.
"Odin! How?!, I chose this house after I wandered around!, it's close enough to Staples, you can even run into Staples during home games!" Martin immediately informed Michael Udin of the condition of his apartment.
After all, Michael Udin is Martin's boss, and he still cares deeply about his basic needs.
"I'm very satisfied with this place, talk about the contract When can I officially sign the contract? ", Compared to where he lives, Michael Udin is more concerned with his contract.
"Tomorrow morning I will take care of Kobe's contract first, and I will sign with you at two o'clock in the afternoon.
If you have a need for a contract just ask me! "
"I want to know, when will I receive my first salary?", Michael Udin asked his agent
Money is now Michael Udin's main concern, after all, he can't even pay rent for it.
"The Lakers will pay players on the 1st and 15th of every month during the regular season for players on full guarantee contracts.
A total of twelve salaries will be issued during the six-month regular season, and twelve money is the player's annual salary.
Your salary component is 80% of base salary and 20% of bonus salary. In order to receive 20% of the bonus, you must meet the team's expectations of you.
The Lakers take good care of the rookies. You can pay one month's salary in advance on the day of signing. Your first year salary is about 630,000 US dollars. After deducting my commissions and taxes, you can earn about $30,000 in monthly payments.
For a young person your age, this income is already enviable! ", Karim Martin explained it very clearly, and it was exactly the same detail that Michael Udin had heard before.
Michael Udin used the apartment phone to let Joe Bryant know he was safe, and he started taking care of himself. Besides that, Michael Udin also called his parents to tell them his condition, after chatting with his parents on the phone he rushed to take a shower and rest mentally really tired.
The life of a rookie is always full of hope, Michael Udin came to the Staples Center, the Lakers office area at noon the next day.
In the conference hall, Jerry West, Kupchak and Karim Martin were all present
The reporter and team also filmed the signing scene.
Lakers and Karim's legal counsel again checked the details of the contract in front of Michael Udin. After the procedure was completed, Michael Udin solemnly signed his name on the contract.
Jerry West gave a simple congratulations to Michael Udin and left in a hurry. After all, he still had big things to do and Michael Udin was just a rookie.
Kupchak took the initiative to chat with Michael Udin.
"Welcome to the Lakers!
How does it feel to officially become a member of the Los Angeles Lakers? ", To join Michael Udin, Kupchak is still very happy.
"The moment of signing the name was absolutely incredible!, I can't wait to wear the Lakers purple and gold jersey!", Michael Udin expressed his true feelings.
"Don't worry, everything has been arranged for you!
Since you don't have a sneaker sponsor, you'll need to hand over your training and gaming shoes to our equipment manager, and he or she will take care of the shoes for you.
If you want a special style, he will get it for you, of course, you have to pay for it yourself.
By the way, what number do you want to use?
You know, the Lakers have a great history, and we've retired a lot of numbers! ", Kupchak gave Michael Udin a detailed introduction to the team.
"I want number 10!", Michael Udin answered without thinking.
"No. 10?, Is there any special meaning?", Kupchak was very curious about Michael Udin's choice.
"No special reason, but you know I come from Indonesia and our society rarely see basketball but Football and number 10 in Football is a very important number in the team even very sacred in football, I want my brothers there to know that I am an important part of this team.
This is why I chose the 10th!",Michael Udin explained the meaning of No. 10 for Kupchak exactly, actually he wanted to attract his country's fans to see that there are still Indonesians playing in America.
"Wow!, this is a great reason and I hope when you retire your number will become a legend in the Lakers!", Kupchak smiled at Michael Udin.