Original subtitles

[radio chatter]

[commentator 1] Rebound for Allen. That was a crucial grab in the third--

[commentator 2] Simple rule. Get the ball to Kamal.

[commentator 3] This kid's playing better than Kobe played in high school.

[commentator 4] Allen's flying down the court for the three. It's good!

[commentator 5] We got another one, baby!

[commentator 6] You've got college scouts, you've got NBA scouts at his games now.

[commentator 7] He's a very talented young player already.

In case you're not familiar with greatness,

allow me to make the introduction.

I'm here with senior phenom Kamal Allen.

Many consider him to be the top prospect in the country.

Averaging a double-double with 26 points per game

and coming off his second consecutive California state championship.

Along with him is his dad, the equally famous,

if not infamous, father, Benji Allen.

Great to have you guys on the program.

Thanks, Stan. Great to be here.

And great to be introducing the world to the next GOAT, Kamal Allen.

- Time to put his name in the mix. - Thanks for having us.

There's been talk about your father's involvement in your career.

It seems he's always been there for you.

Man. Yes, sir.

Through thick and thin.

- Hey, that's what fathers do. - Man.

I'm always going to be there no matter what.

Have you guys discussed how you're gonna handle those long NBA seasons?

Well, you know, I haven't missed a game his whole life. I don't plan to start now.

Especially if he's covering my airfare.

All right. So I made a bet with your dad

that you couldn't hit this shot sitting down.

So let's see here, Mr. Number One Recruit.

You gonna prove me wrong here, young fella?

- He done stepped in it now. - I guess so.

Come on, come on. Show him how we do what we do.

Let's see what you got.

[sighs]

[Stan Verrett] Stay tuned, we'll be right back.

[player laughs]

Yo, bro, that's your mans? That boy's washed.

Let's go. Game point, dog.

You gonna let him disrespect you?

Come on, Black man.

Come on. Shit.

- [player] All right. Guard him. - [friend] Come on.

Do it. Whoo!

[Kamal] Don't you ever disrespect me.

- It's game. - It's win by two.

Not here it's not.

Dude be cheating, dog.

Nah, you just weak, son. It's all right though. Next time, man.

Next time, papi!

Bro, that move was cool and all,

but I know you seen me wide open in the corner, right?

Yeah, I saw you. I was just focused on winning.

We trying to get ready for this two-on-two tournament we got coming up.

- You fucking that up. - [scoffs]

Y'all practicing for a two-on-two tournament?

Nigga, hell yes. What you mean?

Look, grand prize is 25G

plus free entry into that big-ass tournament in Leimert

where the winner gets 500,000.

Come on.

Hey, shit, every hooper I know is entering that motherfucker.

And if we win a half milli,

maybe Speedy can stop fucking with these chubby-ass white women

that buy him general-release Jordans.

Yeah, whatever, nigga. I like Mildred. She cool.

All right, look. I love y'all, man. But what are we, 12?

I ain't playing in no two-on-two tournament.

Rude.

So we're at his old high school playing pickup basketball,

but he too good for the two-on-two tournament?

Tsk, tsk on this nigga.

A damn shame.

Being able to windmill dunk while working a minimum wage job and smoking no weed.

That sound like jail. Couldn't be me.

Hey, they letting yoga instructors in the gym now?

Look, just, uh, stretch out, play with the oversized ball.

Are you kidding me?

Columbus must think he found some new shit, huh? We been here though.

We should rob him. Send a message.

I am down for that.

Why would we... [grunts] No.

I was testing you.

Fucking stupid.

You guys got next?

Depend on who asking. If you asking, yeah, we got next.

And then after that it could be you

and ol' boy who mama look like she gave up on Black men.

Well, I would never give up on you guys.

Is that a colonic water?

No, it's, um-- It's actually my 30-day detox program.

You guys wanna try a free sample?

Uh, nah, I ain't drinking no boo-boo juice.

All right, fellas.

Just to send a message though.

Mm-hmm. I'm thinking about it.

- What the fuck is the point of the ball? - Stretch out. Just fucking stretch.

One.

Two.

Eyes up, eyes up.

Finish, finish, finish.

All right.

How many subscribers you think you up to?

I don't know. Thousand, give or take.

[scoffs] Give or take what? A thousand?

[chuckles]

Ball.

Ball.

Hey, man, I-- I just noticed you're not getting enough legs underneath your shot.

Are you dehydrated?

Because my detox program could really take care of that for you.

What the fuck?

Bro, give me the ball back and stop using that young Black kid for clout.

Give me the fucking ball.

You know, I just feel like you could use some of the attention

that your athleticism attracts to get your teammates involved.

Instead of taking these shots that are a little out of your range.

Out of my range?

[friend] Come on, bro. Don't do this shit.

Pick a spot, bro.

Hundred bucks you can't make more shots than me. Best out of five.

Look, obvious that you're an amazing pickup hoops guy, you know?

I could tell you have a lot of passion.

You got the tattoo of a basketball with the crown on it. I get it.

But let's not do this, man. I don't want to take your money.

200.

Let's just do 300.

[chuckles] It's not my dad's money.

Just fuck me, huh?

[influencer] Right there's good.

[Kamal] That's one.

Two.

It's been my spot since I was 14, gentrifier.

Next time look at the wall. Yeah.

That's three.

Hold on, you're Kamal Allen.

Didn't you get arrested your senior year?

- [spectators clapping rhythmically] - Overrated!

- Hey, Kamal, you fucking suck! - Overrated!

Hey, come on, Kamal!

[players gasp, murmur]

Was that guy just a random fan?

Now where'd you end up playing in college?

[players murmur]

[influencer] Three for five. Not bad, my brother.

Hope you can shoot, Sherman Oaks.

I grew up in Beverly Hills actually. Not the super nice part.

Yeah, you know, sometimes I like to practice shooting off the dribble

'cause it's rare you can catch a shoot with all these wannabe Hardens out here.

- [players gasp] - [influencer] One.

You get it. You're a Harden.

No offense.

That's two.

You thought I couldn't hang. I get it.

But a shoot-out?

- Three. - [players laugh]

I mean, don't you guys assume all white dudes can do is shoot?

[sighs]

You know, there's this old quote that says,

"Under pressure, you don't rise to the occasion.

You sink to the level of your training."

And...

that's four.

[player] Wow.

So, I prefer Venmo or Zelle,

but you seem like a Cash App guy, so that's fine.

[friend] That was disappointing as fuck.

We ain't never gonna get our reparations that way, bruh.

Yo!

Hey, yo!

You left your...

[sighs]

Who the fuck is this guy?

["Hollandaise" playing]

[music continues]

[music ends]

[siren wailing in distance]

[patron] This salon space is hella dope.

I can for sure see you running shit there.

[hair stylist] I know.

And look, I'm not trying to be rentin' a chair in somebody else's spot.

- You know? - Mm-mmm.

[hair stylist] This spot right here is so close I could literally walk to work

without having to worry about what gas prices looking like every week.

- [patron] That's fire. - Hey, babe.

Hey.

[clears throat] Can you-- Can you back up?

My fault. The zookeepers let you out?

- [imitates laughing] Shut up. - Ba--

- Daddy! - Hey! Come up.

[both groaning]

Babe, what's this?

- Oh, Edith got that for Drew's birthday. - Mm-hmm.

He's opening presents already?

Present. I told him he could open one.

Hey. You wanna go with Daddy to get some ice cream?

- Yeah! - Yeah!

- [wife] Yeah, all right now. - Yeah!

When he come back and he up all night from that sugar, he's gonna be with you.

It'll be fine. Right? Say, "Don't worry, Mommy."

- Don't worry, Mommy. - Don't worry, Mommy.

- Oh, babe? - Hmm?

It's almost the 1st, by the way.

Yep, mm-hmm. I'ma go tomorrow. I forgot.

Mmm. Why don't you just go now and get your pralines and cream after?

Because everyone don't have a sugar daddy like you and can go at anytime.

First of all, I'm a PIMP.

Second of all, bank is open till 6:00 on Crenshaw so what are you talk--

My bad.

- I'ma go tomorrow. I promise. - Okay.

- [Kamal] Love you. - Love you too.

- [Kamal] Say, "Bye, Auntie Edith." - [Drew] Bye, Auntie Edith.

"I'm sorry you on welfare."

- I'm sorry you on welfare. - [Edith] Bye!

- Why you so fucking nosy? - I'm just trying to help.

- Okay, okay. - This is getting crazy with you.

All right. See you later.

Jeremy!

Big Mooch.

Hey, look, man.

I hate to be this guy, but the boss is on my head about membership fees.

You know what's more important to a gym than money?

Watch this.

Susie, you are getting so toned.

Save it, Jeremy.

You're too much for me, woman.

[laughs]

Every gym needs a morale guy. You're welcome.

You don't even know her old ass!

I'm already breaking protocol letting you train people up in here

without renting out the court.

[Jeremy] I got other spots, bro. You act like I'm here all the time.

You here four hours a day every day. Just pay your dues.

It's not right for you to be charging the working class 34.99 plus initiation fees.

Like, come on.

Pay your fees or go to them other spots.

[sighs] Jesus.

- [cell phone chimes] - Here.

Next month's due on Thursday too, if you wanna take care of that.

I live for today, Mooch. Tomorrow's not promised to us poor folks.

Hold on, what the hell you mean "tomorrow's not promised"?

What you got in that bag?

See, that's why white folks make me nervous.

[Jeremy] You'll shed fat, gain muscle, and detoxify your whole system

all with the purchase of a 30-day supply.

So what you gotta ask yourselves, Mikey, Angel, Flaco,

is do you wanna be the tortoise or do you wanna be the hare?

Goddamn, J!

Looking good, my brother.

Thanks, Teej. You know, my knee hasn't felt this good since junior year.

Fuck yeah, dude.

What's up, "quesa-dildos," how ya doing?

- Ah, the detox? - Ah, you know.

You guys ready to ride the brown river or what?

[in Spanish]

[in English] What'd he say?

[TJ] You know, one of these days,

you're gonna have to teach me these breathing exercises, man.

I think they really unlock next-level mobility in your hips.

Okay, you want the usual?

'Cause I got Oxys. I got Percs, Xanis.

I got some Klonopin.

I got some Adderall, Ritalin. And I got some good old-fashion booger-sugar.

Yeah, I'll take the usual, please. Just put it on my tab.

Yeah, I got you, bro.

Don't take too many of these. Okay?

You take too many of those,

you'll be on Hollywood Boulevard doing TikTok dances without a cell phone.

Also, I got some insider information for you.

Even though I probably shouldn't be telling you this

because you getting healthy is kind of a conflict of interest for me,

but you are my boy.

Okay?

Let's hear it.

Stem cells.

Two words. [clicks tongue]

The two words are "stem cells"?

Regenerative medicine, bro.

Are you kidding me? You haven't heard of this shit? It's gone totally mainstream.

It's, like, 10 G's for a full treatment now.

Rich people love this shit.

Whoadie, listen. It heals old injuries and new injuries,

rejuvenates your whole body.

It can heal old injuries?

If you're serious about getting your body in shape

and making a push for the G League, you need the stem cells, okay?

It will cure your ACL for good.

ACLs. Plural.

[TJ] 100%.

Dude, how do you think Tiger Woods grew back his leg after they amputated it?

That didn't happen.

["Met on the Gram" playing]

[brakes screech]

[music continues]

[knock on door]

[huffs] Thank you! Yes!

All the way from Asia.

Yo, had to pay resale prices, but it's all good. It was worth it.

- Mm-hmm. - [device beeping]

Wait, don't I know you?

Nah, bro.

Wait, wait, wait, wait.

Aren't you Kamal Allen?

[chuckles] Yo, the Kamal Allen at my house?

Yo, this is crazy! What happened?

Do people recognize you? Cool if I get a pic?

[device beeping]

Nah, man.

Come on, man. Don't be all Hollywood on me. It's just a pic.

Boomerang with me, nigga.

- What? What? What? - Look-- Yo.

- Fuck did I say, bro? - What? The fuck.

- Yo, you broke my shit. - Yeah, put a case on the next one.

Fake-ass Dwyane Wade.

So, you can't even take one goddamn selfie?

That supposed to be part of my job now?

My man, look.

Have you ever thought about therapy?

- You serious? - That shit changed my life, man.

After I lost Cake n' Bake.

Did I never tell you about my cupcake and marijuana shop?

Cake n' Bake? The business that got away sort of thing.

- Cake n' Bake. - Mm-hmm.

- Cake n' Bake. Yes. - That's right.

- I'll look into therapy. - Great.

Sorry about dude's phone.

Still gonna have to cut your shifts for the week.

What?

I'm so sorry.

Bobby, you know that I need these shifts.

Hold up.

You're my homey.

So, take a couple of these. Take the edge off.

You wanna come back for them later or...

["Good Days" playing]

[music continues]

[no audible dialogue]

[chuckling] Go away.

I will.

[music fades]

[partner] I found this salad dressing.

You are going to love it. Okay? I'll just go whip it up.

[grunts] Or we could go out to dinner tonight?

We're supposed to be saving money, remember?

[Jeremy] Yeah, but you've been working so hard.

[exhales] And I got a few new clients, and I wanna celebrate.

- One night. - New clients?

- Yeah. - Who?

Babe. Let's go to dinner. Come on.

[partner] What about soba noodles? That sounds good.

- [Jeremy] No. - Uh, avocado toast?

- That's easy-- - No. No.

[sighs] You're the only vegan I know who can't eat in a vegan restaurant.

It's 'cause half these veggies are hybrids.

[partner] Mmm.

Did I ever tell you just

how much it turns me on when you talk shit about vegetables?

[both chuckle]

Joke all you want,

but when I get these stem cells and start hooping like I'm 19 again,

I'll be the one laughin'.

Stem cells. Wh-- What are you talking about?

Regenerative medicine.

It can heal my ACLs.

Rich people are obsessed with it.

Rich people? You have an EBT card.

We have an EBT card.

You promised me you were done trying to play ball.

- Done with the painkillers, the surgery-- - We're ready.

We need a minute. What the fuck do you need stem cells for?

Do you have an awful disease that I don't know about,

or is this about you trying to play basketball? Again.

What if I just want my body to get healthier instead of breaking down?

[scoffs] Look, I want to try and plan for the future in a realistic way with you,

but it's really hard to do that when we're always worried about money

because you're out here living in a fantasy.

Oh, my God. [sighs]

Look, I'm just working with my clients.

I'm done with the pills.

I'm not gonna do anything irresponsible.

I got you.

I just can't help but wonder if you'd be happier moving on from basketball

and finding something that actually loves you back.

What, like porn?

[server sighs]

- My bad. - Mm-hmm.

God damn! Got them thighs out.

Out here looking like Mailman Thee Stallion.

Yeah, whatever. Y'all got jokes, huh?

- [chuckles] - What, y'all didn't get picked? [chuckles]

[sighs] Y'all still trying to play in that two-on-two tournament?

With the 25K prize?

We already signed up with my brother.

Didn't he go to jail for trafficking?

That was wanton endangerment.

And that was my brother Keon. We playing with Lamont.

Yeah, Lamont used to sell pit bulls in front of that Krispy Kreme on King.

[Speedy] That he did.

Then just tell him that you playing with me now.

I would do that, but he already paid the fee.

He got that 2,500 like it wasn't anything.

[Speedy] No, he says he's trying to spend more quality time with me.

It's kind of nice actually.

Plus I thought you gonna never play in a tournament.

What did he say? He was like,

"My name's Kamal. I don't play no basketball tournament.

Only time I play is if I get paid in the NBA."

[Speedy] "I'm on the baseline. Windmill dunk."

- "My name's Kamal. Give me the ball." - " Slamma Jamma. Kamal."

Look, Bobby cut my shifts.

Want me to cut his brakes?

Bro, what the fuck is wrong with you?

I could make that call. He know you got a family to feed?

What, you gonna throw a chip at him?

- I'll chip his ass. All right now. - Bro.

Whatever, man.

I just need a human being who can play so I can make some money.

Now watch. Watch how I ran pick and roll.

Always kept defenders on my hip.

Way before Trae, way before Ja Morant. I was ahead of my time. For real.

I feel like Steve Nash and Chris Paul did that for years.

[sighs] You're so negative for your age, bro.

Whoa.

Nah. Phil Williamson is training players here? [chuckles]

Oh. He's super lit.

He's got his own sponsorships, he went to Duke.

- He even got his own player on 2K. - I know who Phil Williamson is.

Then you know it's a big deal he in this weak-ass gym, right?

Why are you trying so hard to agitate me today, bro?

I'm just saying. You know?

The fuck is this?

Oh, Phil, he booked the court for the day.

And he paid in money.

Not morale or whatever the fuck you was talking about.

- Hey, yo, what's up, Mooch? You good? - Phil.

- Yes, thanks, man. - All right, yeah.

Phil Williamson.

You just name-drop yourself?

Jacoby Grant, right?

- Yeah. - Yeah.

Played AAU with Malachi.

- For sure. - Hey, yo, Malachi.

Uh, nice to meet you too, Mr. Phil. Big fan of yours.

- [Phil] Thanks. - Yeah.

Yeah, they say Malachi might be the number one pick next year.

- What's up, bro. That's hard. - Yeah. Yeah, it's good for business too.

Just signed a lease on a Tesla.

Got invited to The Hype House.

My IG's been popping off, bro.

I mean, I got a lot of haters in the comment section,

but I think it's mostly just white hoopers

who hate to see another white hooper find his lane.

You feel me?

We don't talk enough about that, bro.

White on white crime, like, that's just a disease, man.

- Amen. - [Phil] Yeah.

You a trainer?

- [scoffs] Hell nah. - Play you for the court.

Two-on-two. Big dogs versus regular-sized dogs.

[chuckles] Yo, you joking, right?

["Who That Is" playing]

You wanna put some money on it?

All right.

[Jacoby grunts] Come on. Jump.

Hey, watch-- Pick, pick!

Ball! Ball!

[alarm beeping]

Shit.

[beeping continues]

Two minutes, two minutes. I'm coming right back.

[Jacoby] What? Jeremy!

- [beeping stops] - Yo, where's he going?

[machine] Parking validated.

Shit.

[music stops]

Yo, what the fuck was that?

It's fine. Check it up.

[music continues]

Come on.

You know what to do.

- [grunts, groans] - [bone crunching]

[music ends]

Fuck!

[Kamal] You just gonna let him have the court like that?

The fuck? I think I proved my point.

- Do you? - Yeah.

How's the knee?

Dude, what do you want?

[sighs]

You stalking me?

[Kamal] It's called Google, bro.

You think you fucking slick, huh?

Showing up to courts dressed like a dumbass,

acting like you can't hoop when, really, you played at Gonzaga.

Now see, you assumed I couldn't hoop because I'm white,

- which is incredibly outdated, by the way. - No, I assumed you couldn't hoop

'cause you walk around with testicles around your neck, bro.

What up, J! Hey, man, can we talk about that tab later?

I got you next time, Teej.

I know you do, twin. All right, keep pushin' P.

Look, bro, I came to see

if you wanted to play in a two-on-two this weekend at Venice Beach.

We can hustle a few games together to get the money for the entry fee, all right?

You're joking, right?

Dude, there's a million leagues I can play in right now.

Tons of opportunities to get scouted.

I'm straight.

You seriously still trying to play pro ball?

I mean, maybe not the G League but...

Wow.

[Jeremy] What? What, you don't think I'm good enough?

Nah, you just make so much more sense now.

Yeah? You don't make any sense.

No injuries. You're in good shape.

Why are you still playing pickup?

I'm not one of your poor little Black boys looking for a father figure, all right?

Don't need a coach, don't need a mentor,

and I damn sure don't need a friend.

What I need is for you to show up on time, stand in a corner and hit some open shots.

Maybe play a little bit of defense. That's it.

Wow. Lot to unpack there.

[scoffs] I mean, fuck. How can I say no to that?

Bro. What?

What the fuck?

Who gives a parking ticket for backing in?

Everyone backs in!

I can't afford a fucking parking ticket right now.

Cash prize is 25,000 for one day of hoop.

Look, bro, do you wanna play or what?

25K.

Look, we're gonna get in here and hustle a few games

and get our entry fee for the tournament. Period.

And no one's gonna think that you can play dressed like that.

I look like a modern hooper with low body fat and functional strength.

I'm basically a less-fat Luka,

who's the best player in the league by the way, and once people admit that,

race relations in this country might actually improve.

I'm just saying we could really use it to our advantage, all right?

Get on the court. Rinse and repeat until we get the entry fee.

- How's the knee? - Great.

Hey, come on. [mutters] Where the fuck you going?

I mean, am I still the do-it-all playmaker with elite athleticism?

Not quite, but I'm getting some bounce back.

Plus I'm just way better now 'cause of how my injuries have made me evolve.

Game's easier now. It's way slower.

I just play the angles and let the ball pretty much come to me wherever I am.

Okay.

What?

[scoffs] Nothing, man.

[whimsical music playing]

[player 1] Offense, offense. Right here.

[player 2] To the wing!

This won't work here. There's too many white guys.

We need to go back to the Eastside where they won't see you coming.

The race shit is dated, bro.

Everybody but you knows white dudes can hoop now.

I'll find some marks, get in their heads, throw 'em off their game,

and we'll clean up.

I'm great at spotting mental weakness in hoopers, bro.

I'm like the P.T. Anderson of basketball psychological warfare.

Who the fuck is P.T. Anderson?

Our greatest living director.

Spike Lee is our greatest living director.

Spike Lee's not even a good Knicks fan.

I knew this was a mistake.

Look, man. You're the one who said you don't even wanna make friends.

- I don't. - Let's just make our money.

I guarantee you I can get everyone out here to bet on themselves.

I got you to put up 300.

[music fades]

- [player 1] Oh! - [player 2] Okay!

- [player 3] All right! - [Kamal sighs]

Hey, bro. We got this.

[mouthing] Fuck.

You might wanna shoot a little closer to the rim.

I feel like you're out of your range.

Told you, man.

Let's put some money on it. Make it interesting.

One-on-one. First to 11.

You gonna wear that trash bag?

You gonna wear that fake-ass Richard Simmons outfit?

Let's put 200 on it.

Okay. Fine.

But only because I have a soft spot for thick-ass ballers like you.

- Who the fuck-- - [Jeremy] Mike Sweetney.

Tractor Traylor. Escalade.

Guys like you were the neck bone of the league for so long.

[player] Two-on-two and make it 300.

Huh.

Excuse me one second.

See what the fuck he got on? That's the shit I don't like, bro.

Okay. We've got a problem.

The guy just picked up an Antetokounmpo.

I don't like this at all. What if they're trying to hustle us?

You got your money?

Nigga, I got nine kids.

Black people come from a long line

- of kings and queens, all right? - True.

Had to fight for every right since we been in this country.

- I always say that. Yeah. - Thank you. It's confidence.

Why would they be afraid of you walking around looking like a Sierra Mist can?

- True. - Let's whoop 'em.

You are a king.

All right.

You wanna work, huh?

Oh! [shouts]

- [Kamal] Ball. Ball. - [groans, grunts]

[player 2] Look at us.

- What are you doing? - Relax.

[player 2] Whoo-hoo! Yes!

The fuck is that?

[Jeremy] My bad.

Whoa, whoa, whoa! Oh, I get it.

Y'all got like a jungle fever type connection, huh?

Nasty-ass nigga.

What you looking at, boy?

Easy!

Stop being lazy on D, bro.

Fuck you say? Being lazy? What, you my overseer now?

I just said a thing that's true. Everything isn't racist, bro.

You acting like I said, "Quit being angry, Black fellow."

But you wanted to say that shit, didn't you?

I'm not one of those people, bro.

One of what people, Jeremy?

People who say stuff like that.

Say stuff like what?

Like, "Oh my, God, Kamal, you're so well-spoken." Which you are, by the way.

See, you wanted to say that shit right now, didn't you?

- You have a nice flow, like Obama. - Man, just stop.

Look, I'm just saying you don't scream thuggish

even though you're chocolate chocolate.

The fuck is chocolate chocolate?

Well, a lot of Black people these days are milk chocolate.

And I think it's because interracial relationships were illegal till the '60s.

It was a fucking rhetorical question.

And you know what? I'm done with that racist shit.

- Same. No more race. - Fine.

- Great. - Great.

Hey, yo! What the fuck is going on?

[Jeremy] Can you not see we're having a fucking conversation?

[both grunt]

[Kamal] And one!

Ain't nobody foul you.

You're a hack, bro.

Shoot for it.

- You make it, you get the call. - [chuckles] Say less.

[player] Nobody fuckin' fouled him.

I probably should've asked this earlier,

but how much cash do you have on you?

Did you not bring enough money to cover this game?

I brought, like, 80...

minus 60.

[Kamal] So you brought $20 to cover a $300 bet?

[player] He's trying to cheat 'cause...

When you say it out loud, it's pretty fucked.

...I had my hand up.

[Kamal] Why don't you just Venmo them the money that you finessed me for?

- I burned through that days ago. - [player] It was a shit call. That's it.

They're not just gonna accept $20 on a $300 bet.

Then they better not win, right?

We could really use some rain, huh?

[sighs]

[Kamal] Check up.

Yeah, check up.

["Whoomp! (There It Is)" playing]

[Kamal shouts]

- Fuck! - [Kamal] There it is!

Game point, baby.

- I'll screen back. - Switch, switch, switch!

- Oh, yeah. - Oh, yeah, I'm here.

[Kamal] Mismatch! You got that mismatch.

- Go ahead. - [player grunts]

Yes, sir! Bucket!

Fuck, man!

[grunts] Yeah, boy. Fucking go.

Boy, look, I don't know how much you talking shit played into that,

- but good fucking work. - Thank you.

By the way, bro, you could talk way more shit out there.

You have so much material I can't even touch.

Like what?

- Never mind. - No.

Tell us.

What other Black jokes you want to say, Jeremy?

- Fuck you say, white boy? - [spectator] What he say?

You're telling me your friend here doesn't look exactly like Malcolm X?

[onlookers groaning, laughing]

Hey, yo. Shut the fuck up and play ball.

I'm gonna clamp that ass up. Let's go. Come on.

It's all love, dude.

[music continues]

Ball!

And you better bust his ass.

[onlookers shouting, cheering]

[spectator 2] Yeah, yeah, yeah! Whoo-hoo! All right!

Fuck!

[player] What you doin' now?

This ain't your court.

- It don't work like that, man. - Hey, fellas.

Why don't y'all just fuck already?

- You're too easy. Hey, it's too easy, dog. - Quit playing with me. What?

They would look good together, huh?

- Shut the fuck up, man. - [Kamal] Ball.

[Jeremy] Switch, switch, switch, switch, switch.

Hey, white boy. What's up?

Nah, you're mine so go on and pass. Just pass it.

- [player] Watch out. Watch out. - [Kamal grunts]

Man, get your pussy ass up! I ain't even hit you that hard.

- That's what we doing now? - Yeah, that's how we gonna play.

Yo, just let it go, 'Mal.

- [player] Yeah, let it go. - Let it go. Let it go.

Man, he ain't finna do shit--

[grunts]

- Jesus Christ, bro. - What now, bitch?

[player groans]

What, you want some too?

- Okay, don't look now... - Huh?

- ...but he has friends coming. - Uh-uh.

- Fuck his friends. - [onlooker] I'm outta here.

- Come on, girl. He got a flamethrower. - Flamethrower?

Yeah, bitch, flamethrower.

What is this? Mad Max?

- [onlookers clamoring] - [spectator] Aw, hell nah.

- [Kamal] Yo, yo. - [Jeremy] Yo!

- Damn. Oh, shit. Whoa! - [onlookers shouting]

What about my car? What about my car?

[tires squeal]

Whoo-hoo!

[driver] Fuck!

Get the fuck out the way!

[brakes squealing]

- [horn honking] - Come on. Get in. Get in!

Come on! Drive, drive, drive, drive, drive!

Yo, where the fuck you going, man?

Come on, man. Come on, come on. Stop fucking around!

Just fucking drive. Come on, come on.

- Come on, come on, come on. - [Jeremy grunts]

- You're fucking crazy, bro. - [horn honking]

[shouting]

[music ends]

[Jeremy] Now, that was the craziest shit I've ever been through.

- Here, man. - Thanks, bro.

So, where's your girl?

At work. I gotta go pick her up soon.

That's what's up.

Here. Take this.

All you eat is lettuce, but then you pop pills?

Life's too short to be in pain when you don't have to.

You're a complicated dude, bro.

You ever tried therapy?

What, like physical therapy? That shit takes forever.

No, like, therapy therapy.

Where you sit and talk with a professional about whatever's on your mind.

Man, I got a barber I've been going to for, like, 12 years.

Mmm.

Name is Arnold, I pay him 35 bucks, he gives me a fresh fade,

and I sit and I talk to someone who actually knows me.

Wow. I wish my therapist would give me a fresh fade.

That's a beautiful Black experience.

I just think you should try something. Try meditation.

No offense, but meditation is for white folks.

None taken, but meditation isn't gonna turn your skin white, you know?

It's just gonna help you calm yourself down whenever you're about to lose it.

Oh, you talk more shit than anybody else I've ever met on the court.

What are you talking about?

Yeah, but only to assholes or for, like, strategy.

I don't ever get angry. I never get violent.

Fuck that noise, bro.

Yo, is this you? [chuckles]

Oh, hold up, bro, is this-- Is that this place?

Yeah, I live in the same two bedroom I grew up in.

With your parents?

[Jeremy] They moved to Vegas to blow their retirement on slot machines.

I figured I'd keep the place

'cause rent's low-key affordable since they lived here for so long.

Now, I'm about to whip you up something real special.

You want a smoothie?

Uh...

Nah, I'm good.

You did pretty good out there today.

Another full day of hustling, and we'll have that 2,500 easy.

[Jeremy] Sick.

Yeah, my body's feeling better than it has in a while.

I'm actually excited to play in this tournament.

I'm gonna take my half of that 25K prize and fix my body for real,

so I can take a real shot at the G League, maybe even the big show.

I'm looking into this regenerative medicine.

This stuff called stem cells.

It's supposed to be a game changer.

So you wanna make more money

to fix your broken body so you can still play ball,

which is what broke your body in the first place?

Yep.

[chuckles] Basketball's a curse, bro.

You love basketball. If I remember correctly,

I met you playing pickup without a gun to your head.

[Jeremy scoffs]

Look, when I was in high school, my pops took out this crazy loan

and bought me an Escalade

just 'cause he thought I was going to make it to the league.

Now I'm a nobody.

And that Escalade needs a new transmission.

[Jeremy] Everybody's a nobody, bro.

It doesn't matter how much money you have, we're all the same.

[Kamal] Hmm.

[Jeremy] I grew up just as broke as you. I just don't let it define me.

That's 'cause you have the privilege of being defined by never needing a haircut.

Tatiana cut my hair last week.

Yeah, it shows.

Why are Black guys so obsessed with haircuts?

Why do white guys not give a fuck about 'em?

[Jeremy] Thought we said no more race, bro.

No more race, bro.

[sighs]

[lively music playing on speaker]

It's a banger, right?

What?

It's cool.

- I saw you tapping your foot. - No, you didn't.

Bro, you were literally just tapping your foot to the beat.

But I wasn't, though.

- Oh, okay. So you don't like this? - No.

Okay, do you like any white artists?

[sighs] I don't know.

That one redhead dude who also has trash-ass haircuts.

- Ed Sheeran? - Yeah. Him.

I fuck with him.

[Jeremy] All right, so imagine this.

You're in your Escalade, riding down Slauson, windows down,

vibing to some fucking Ed.

You pull up to a light, you look over, it's a car full of fellow Black men.

You either A, turn that shit down as quick as you can,

or B, keep singing those timeless classics.

Hey, 'Mal, guess what?

What?

I love the shape of you.

What-- Get the fuck outta here.

- Shit. - I do.

[Kamal scoffs] Here.

Thanks for the heating pad, man.

Hey, no problem.

Just, uh, don't baby the hand. You'll be good in a few days.

Hey, look,

my son's having a birthday party this Saturday.

- You should roll through. - [scoffs]

That's so fire.

I fuck with kids.

- Yeah, maybe don't say it like that. - Nah,

I'm saying, like, kids are a vibe, they're chill.

Got you. And look, bring Tatiana too. All right? So she can meet Imani.

[Jeremy] She'll love that. Just, uh, do me a favor.

Don't bring up the hooping or the stem cells.

Definitely don't mention the gambling. Please.

I kind of told Tatiana I'm done with all that stuff.

Sounds like a healthy relationship.

It is.

Okay. Hey, don't spend any of the money until we can cover the fee, all right?

I should be saying that to you.

- Boy, I'm good with money.

- So am I.

- Me too. - Word.

Word, bro.

[chuckles]

Clean up, man.

[people chattering]

[person] Hey, hey. What's up, girl? Come on. What you got?

[children scream, giggle]

Come here.

- Do me a favor, all right? - Hmm?

Take this 10, give it to your grandma. Tell her I need an eighth.

- Okay. - Okay?

- Okay. - Don't short her.

- Where the doobie? - It's on the way.

- Ooh! - Yes, man.

Drew, slow down.

Don't worry, I got him.

Thank you.

- Hmm. - Yeah, you still ugly.

Yo, where you been?

I've literally been setting up by myself this whole time.

- [clears throat] - No, you don't get to bring Sprinkles

and think shit is all good. It's not giving that.

- No? - No.

Oatmeal chocolate chip.

For the queen.

- Damn cookie. - Mmm.

Does this cookie mean you made it to the bank?

We're coming up on a week late now, babe.

Already done.

How?

Just playing some ball again.

- Okay. - Yeah.

I know that's not the parole officer coming to the function.

[friend] With a little caramel queen too? The gall.

Tatiana's Black?

The Bon Iver concert canceled, homey.

Is that why you're not selling water bottles at SoFi?

You gonna let him talk about you like that, Black man?

[Speedy] That's essential work.

Hello. How are you?

[Lorenzo giggles]

Don't worry about that. Lorenzo.

Hi.

[Lorenzo] Look at yourself. Look at yourself.

Man, sit your ass down, bro.

Hey, man.

How you doing? I'm Kamal.

- Hi. - Nice to finally meet you.

It's nice to meet you too. Jeremy says you're on his detox program?

Ri-- Yeah, no. Um...

Yes. With the parsley and the-- and my gas is better now, and I'm shitting right.

Like, it's...

Hey. You must be Tatiana and Jeremy.

- I'm Imani. Kamal's wife. - So nice to meet you.

- Thanks for having us. - Yeah, no problem.

- Hennessy. - Oh, yeah.

You-- Yeah. It's-It's one of my favorite cognacs. You know, so...

People have no idea how much care

goes into making this such a smooth and warm blend.

Seriously. And they've been doing it since 1765.

Feel like it's slept on.

- Oh. Okay. - [Kamal] Hmm.

Auntie, uh, can you turn for us so we can jump rope?

- Yeah, boo. I'll be right there. - All right. Thank you.

- Can I help? - Yeah, come on.

Let me know if you guys need any backup.

- Boy, get out of here. - Fine.

Now I'm a part of your lies?

[scoffs]

- [person] What's up, white boy? - Wow.

You would never eat that if you were on my cleanse.

Yeah, you right.

[sucks teeth] Mmm.

How come everybody always buys my son basketball stuff?

I don't know, maybe because his dad is kind of a well-known basketball player.

[chuckles] Yeah. Was.

[partygoers laughing]

[Jeremy] Who's that?

My pops.

Oh, shit.

- [sighs] - [Lorenzo] Ah!

- Oh, no. He crazy for that. - MS.

He got diagnosed when I was in high school.

The night I got arrested? He was in the hospital.

Sorry to hear that.

[Kamal] It's cool.

It is what it is.

[laughing]

The extra pickup money really helped.

My girl started doing hair in our crib to make ends meet.

Now she doesn't wanna go back to working at a salon.

So I been raising money

so I can get her and her bougie-ass friends out my fucking living room.

I feel you.

My girl's a crazy talented choreographer who--

who's wasting her time teaching classes at a dance studio

because my income's so shaky right now.

[laughs] What up, Pop?

How you doing, son?

Gonzaga basketball, right?

How'd you know?

I watch all the good ones. You had a nice touch.

Thank you, sir.

[scoffs] Oh, man, this dude is already cocky enough.

Got to have some confidence to bring a bottle of Henny to a Black function.

It's all I drink, honestly.

[Kamal's father] It's funny you two being friends.

I bet y'all got more in common than meets the eye.

- That's debatable. - I doubt that.

Like I said, a lot in common.

You want something to drink?

Yeah, give me some of that Henny.

- I can drive the boat for you, sir. - No.

[laughs] See this a good friend you got here.

Nah.

I had no idea about Kamal's pops.

Dude was like the star of the show when Kamal was the best player in the country.

Life is crazy.

- What happened? - [Tatiana] Um...

The studio got me a meeting with SZA to go on tour as her assistant choreographer.

Babe, that's amazing.

[stammers] It's just a meeting. I don't know. [sighs]

Yeah, but it's a compliment that they put you up there for that.

- [stammers] - She obviously sees how special you are.

The money's not great,

but my job would still be here when I get back.

Another win.

It-- It's like significantly less, actually. Um...

Babe, take the win.

I don't know.

Take the win.

Listen, if you want to make this happen, we're gonna make this happen.

How?

Well, I don't wanna jinx it,

but I kind of have an opportunity of my own to make us some extra bread.

Like a lot, actually.

Like doing what?

Just some private workouts with some high-end guys.

It's not a big deal, but I could make like ten grand.

- What? - Yeah.

- No big deal? Are you insane? - Yeah.

- What is wrong with you? - Okay, fine. Fuck it. It's a big deal.

- Yeah. - Let's celebrate our good news together.

Hmm. What did you have in mind?

- [Jeremy grunts] - I got it.

How's your knee?

It's good. Why?

What? What, you wanna do some freaky shit?

'Cause I can be talked into some stuff.

- Come here. - Shut up.

["Oakland Blackouts" playing]

[Jeremy] And a lot of it has to do with...

[Kamal] All right, look, bro. This is Watts, so watch your mouth.

Don't say none of that slick shit.

Don't look nobody in the eye longer than you have to.

- This shit ain't for play, all right? - [Jeremy] Yep.

Here they play five-on-five and we should get picked up pretty quick.

[Jeremy] Uh, don't worry. I got it.

You ready?

Born ready.

[Jeremy] Kamal!

Hey!

Buckets.

What?

I just wanted to see if you had superhuman hearing 'cause of your--

'Cause of my what?

- Huh? - It's all good.

Yeah, all right. All right.

White boy coming in my hood talking shit.

- Yeah, I got something for you. - Ball.

Ball, ball, ball, ball, ball!

- [Kamal] Oh, he's trash. - Fuck!

Do those help or hurt your vertical?

'Cause you know Dumbo could fly, but he was obviously a cartoon--

- [players clamoring] - Yo, yo! Chill, chill.

No, no. You know what? Fuck you, white boy!

[player] Chill, chill.

I love your-- I love them.

- [player 2] What's up with your boy? - [player 3] What's he doing now?

[player 2] We ain't got all day.

He's almost done.

[people cheering]

Look, I gotta tell you, those short shorts look incredible on you.

I mean, you're so comfortable in your skin.

Can I be honest, brother?

Your shit is sitting in those. Sitting.

Do you have an OnlyFans?

- [glass shatters] - [car alarm beeping]

[sighs] It's okay, no one saw that.

I don't know why you fed his ass, if you know you ain't got the money.

Here.

I don't know how an independent woman like yourself deals with it.

Thank you.

Mm-hmm.

Let's go. And get my purse.

[sighs] He ain't getting none tonight.

[mutters]

Yo, yo, yo, yo.

Come on-- Come on, man!

Fuck. Shit.

I got something for you, buddy.

- What's in this one? - Protein plus ginger.

Made special for you, boss.

Give it a shot.

Mmm.

- Yo, that's actually not that bad. Yeah. - Right? Yeah.

You like it, huh?

It's from the earth, brother.

From the motherland. Africa.

Don't do that again.

I'm just saying, bruh. It's organic.

[Kamal] Man, stay focused. We got way more games to play.

[Jeremy] We could let them pick our team, and we'd still win.

[people chattering]

["Money" playing]

All right, fellas. Thank you for joining us.

- I'm Jeremy. He's Kamal. - 'Sup.

Why'd you let them pick your team?

We like giving back to the community.

It's because they're hustling, man. Come on.

Can't get anything past you, huh?

Can't you just buy crypto or, like, run a credit card scam if you need cash?

You sell homophobic chicken sandwiches.

Hey! Don't clown him for making a livin'.

Will you please take those fucking shades off?

It's distracting.

Can I take them--

- You touch 'em, you die. - [Jeremy] All right.

Move.

Come here.

- [Kamal] Come on, one more. - Swing it!

Swing it! I'm open!

- Swing it! - [grunting]

- No! - [grunting continues]

[people cheering]

- Nice shot, you slick son of a bitch! - Don't talk to me!

Can't even root for this dude.

Four, three, two.

All right, let's exhale for four.

Three. In through the nose, out through the mouth, please.

Fill this diaphragm up. Fill this up for me.

From seven, six, fi--

I want you to inflate like a balloon.

And release.

Release for me. Release for me.

Keep releasing.

We're about to fucking rob these fellas blind.

["Why Can't We Be Friends" playing]

You ready?

- Yeah. - What's--

- Screen right, screen right! - Got him.

Right.

[grunts]

- [spectator 1] Close out, close out! - [spectator 2] Yeah. Look out!

[panting]

[clears throat]

[sighs]

[Jeremy panting]

[Jeremy grunting]

Oh, no. Hold on.

- Come on. - Oh, no.

[player] Come on. Throw it, man. Come on.

[Kamal grunts]

- [player 2] Fuck that boy up. - [player] Did you see that?

[screaming]

Wow. Boy, we cleaned up, 'Mal.

[breathes deeply, exhales]

[scoffs]

- Are you meditating? - [chuckling]

Think so.

And look. You're still Black.

[chuckles]

Fuck outta here, man.

[Jeremy] Now I gotta figure out what to tell Tatiana about this tournament.

[music fades, ends]

It's all good. Mm-mmm. Thank you.

Incense, my brother?

- All good, bro. All good. - All right.

- [street drumming] - [people clamoring]

You sure you want that?

Yeah, my girl's a dancer.

Shit, everybody girl is these days.

No, a dancer dancer.

Right.

[salesperson] A hundred bucks, but I'll give it to you for 85.

Any chance you'll do 60?

Just on some

white-guy-supporting-the-Black-community discount?

I'll do 85.

Yeah, I'm booked all day Saturday with these high-end clients.

We're gonna be rolling in it, babe. It's all good.

You got nothing to worry about as far as finances are concerned.

I got you.

Thank you.

For what? Being sexy? [chuckles]

For being a good dude.

Huh?

For being a good dude.

Yeah, you can thank my mom for that one.

She put me on to Gilmore Girls at a early age.

That show really helped me connect with the female point of view, you know?

I thought it was Living Single.

That too. Both were in heavy rotation.

- [Tatiana] What is that? - Ah.

- What is that? - Ah. Open it.

[Tatiana] Wow! [chuckles]

Thank you.

- Do you like it? - Yeah!

Oh, my God.

[giggles] No, baby. It's so sweet!

- You don't like it. It's all-- - No! No, I love it.

- I love it. I do. I love it. - Nah.

- I love it so much. - Tatiana!

- Come here. Come here. I love it. - Tatiana. Ta--

- Tatiana. - What?

I don't wanna crash your dad's car while we're dry-humping.

Babe, come look at this spot.

I think it'd be perfect for the salon. Look.

Yeah, baby, that's dope.

What are you drinking?

Oh, it's, uh...

- "Turmeric" or some shit I don't-- - Turmeric?

Yeah.

Anyways, look.

If we keep staying smart with our money, more clients coming in, and all goes well,

this is the spot. That shit fire.

It's dope. It's perfect.

No doubt. Yeah.

You cute. Where you going?

[sighs]

Playing in this two-on-two tournament with Jeremy.

Word?

[Kamal] It's like-- [chuckles]

It's a cash prize, and he asked me to play, so I said yeah.

Okay, I see you.

- Jeremy got you back outside. Aight. - [chuckles]

Look. I really don't want my pops to find out, all right?

I don't need him feeling bad for not being there.

Okay.

- I won't say a word... - Thank you.

- ...if I can come. - [stammers]

- Yeah. - [stammers] Look, it's--

It's gonna be all day, and I don't want Drew to be there.

Edith could watch Drew, and I could be ya little cheerleader,

like back in the days, like,

- "K-A-M-L". - Oh, okay. That's how you gonna get me?

- That's what you gonna do? - All right, I'm gonna get dressed.

["Santeria" playing]

What up with it, you boss players?

You ready to go out there and flambé these fuckboys?

- [Speedy] What's up, Lamont. - [exhales deeply]

I think we about to fuckin' lose everything.

Is that Kamal ugly ass? [chuckles]

- Well, damn. - [Lamont] Yeah, that's him.

He still ugly as fuck.

What's up, boy? [chuckles]

- [Kamal] What up, bro? - [Lamont] Ha ha!

- Hey, you lookin' real fit. - [Lamont] Hey!

You know I done bossed up, man.

Regional manager down there at Spectrum now, you know what I'm talking about?

I got a house down in San Pedro, right by the water.

Real player shit. I know Speedy told you.

It's like "Mangri-la" up in that motherfucker.

I got a stripper pole that's, like, 30 feet tall.

The big girls come down fast.

You should come hang out. Bring some bitches.

I'm just saying, man.

Your boy came a long way since I was serving fiends in the set.

Man, I mean, look at me.

Hold up, I thought you used to sell pit bulls?

Nah, nigga, them was Frenchies.

But that's neither here nor there. This is what it's about, dog.

Too bad we can't run together no more.

[groans]

- Next time. - [Lamont] Next time.

I'ma get up in here and, uh, you know what I'm saying?

Get my little... [grunting] ...ankle-breaker game together, nigga.

You better get right, boy, you know what I'm talkin' bout?

- Mamba mentality. [grunting] - [chuckles]

See you. [grunts]

[Lorenzo] Hey, yo, 'Mal.

We meet y'all in the finals, man?

Throw the game. I'll throw you a rack.

Just you, though. Not the white man.

[scoffs] All right, bro.

- Think about it. - All right, y'all.

You're--

Where Mildred at, though?

Oh, she had to go to the DMV.

Nigga, what? Animals can't drive.

Leave my girl alone.

Oh, I'ma leave her all the way alone.

["Billie Eilish" playing]

West Coast, it's DJ Hed.

Welcome to the Veniceball two-on-two tournament.

$25,000 is on the line.

Now look, you better bring your A game.

If you get dunked on, yo ass is going viral for sure.

Definitely wanna shout-out to Veniceball

for sponsoring today's event at the world-famous Venice Beach.

Uh, we got a few people out here.

Uh, shout-out to Home Grown Radio. They're in the building.

Uh, who else?

[DJ Hed continues indistinctly]

[Imani] You got this, babe.

You've played on way bigger stages than this.

Mm-hmm.

[exhales deeply] Now you tell me,

what's better than the scent of salt water and cement on a Saturday?

Here you are, brother.

You know, the winner of this tournament

gets free entry into the Leimert three-on-three,

- where the cash prize is $500,000. - [gasps]

I'ma go change.

What's up with him?

He hasn't played anything other than pickup.

For years.

I mean, he hasn't played organized ball since the night he got arrested.

He's just nervous.

He's gonna be great. He is great.

He is.

I love your sandals, by the way.

[Jeremy] Oh, the Kyotos? Thanks.

It's, um, state-of-the-art double-strapped,

and they're meant to mold to your feet.

Ground materials made of cork.

It's like the perfect sandal.

It's extremely state of the art.

Okay.

[rhythmic clapping]

[chanting] Overrated!

[heckler] Do something!

Fuck are you doing here?

It's good to see you too, Jimmy.

It's Jeremy.

Yeah, sorry, bro. I meet a lot of people.

Oh. Is that Kamal Allen?

Don't be a groupie, bro. Get off his dick.

Wanna take a pic with him?

- [whistle blows] - [DJ Hed] I'm your man, mouthpiece,

voice of Venice Beach.

All right now, people. You know what you came here to see.

It's that time. Let's get it crackin'!

[crowd shouting]

[DJ Hed] Look at the new fella stealing the ball from Phil.

[crowd cheering]

[DJ Hed] Oh! Skywalka with a cold block!

That's embarrassing, bro!

Had the angle.

Pass the rock, bro.

[fans chanting] Defense! Defense!

[opposing fan] Can't play without your daddy?

[spectator] Take the shot!

[crowd groans]

Let's go, babe! Let's go!

Come on. Stay in the game, Kamal.

- Worry about your fuckin' self, man! - Right here.

[Duke] Yeah, baby. Yep. Let's go.

[audience] Overrated!

Fuck!

[DJ Hed] This dude over here waving off picks.

Man, I thought they was homeys.

Another easy layup for Phil. His squad is one away from victory.

[fans chanting] Defense! Defense! Defense!

[Jeremy] Wake up, 'Mal! Let's go!

[DJ Hed] Duke and Phil, one basket away from victory.

Ooh! That's game!

Duke Skywalka and Phil Williamson wins and moves onto the next round.

[opposing fan] Hey, Kamal, where's your dad?

What was that? You were on another planet out there.

Fuck you talkin' about, man?

You in a pissing contest with that dude

'cause you care what people think about you.

We just got shit on because you think you're too good to be here,

and I care too much about what other people think?

You know you're the reason we lost, right?

When are you gonna be a grown fucking man and get outta your own way?

[Kamal] Grown man?

Yo, you 27 years old with two bum knees, still trying to make it to the league.

- You're a disappointment. - The fuck you say to me?

Kamal!

Say that shit again! You say that shit again!

Fucking say it! Say it again, motherfucker!

Get this fucker off of me! Say that shit again!

- Get your fucking head checked! - Fuck you, bitch!

Go back to VTX.

Fuck you, and fuck VTX, bitch!

[Lamont] You niggas are sabotaging the gentrification of this fine community.

If I wanted gangster shit, I would've stayed in the set!

[Lamont] ...and let's go get lattes, nigga.

He just choked the shit out that white boy.

That shit crazy.

I bet it goes viral for sure.

- Wow. - [Kamal] Bob, come on.

This doesn't even have anything to do with work.

Hmm.

- [Jeremy] Go back to VTX. - [Kamal] Fuck you, and fuck VTX, bitch!

Mmm.

Okay, clearly they took that outta context.

Sorry, bud. I'm gonna have to let you go.

What?

This went all the way up to corporate, man.

I don't like talking to them.

They wanted me to fire you over the phone, and I said,

"No. We're buds. We've shared something.

I've offered him edibles."

Oh.

Oh, they're gonna fire me too. Shit.

So, that's it? I'm really done?

[Bobby] You? Definitely. Yes. Uh, s-sorry, buddy. You are done.

I guess I was being a little tougher than normal on Jacoby or whatever,

but dude totally lost his shit and went full Latrell Sprewell on me,

which is crazy 'cause he's too young to even get that reference.

Latrell Sprewell choked P.J. Carlesimo at practice.

P.J. Carlesimo was his coach on the Warrior--

- Booked all day with clients, huh? - [clamoring on phone]

[Kamal] Say it again!

[Jeremy] Yo, go get your fucking head checked!

Go back to VTX.

- What, do you have a Google Alert on me? - [Kamal] Fuck you, and fuck VTX!

Fuck you.

Look, I know you hate it,

but my body feels great right now, and my game's evolving.

There's plenty of ways to play ball these days.

You don't have to go to the NBA to make a living.

I am working overtime,

killing myself to support us

while you are gambling and lying to my face about it.

What are you doing?

I got the offer to go on tour.

I leave Saturday.

For how long?

That's your response?

I mean, it's just incredibly unlike you to jump into something so quickly.

You cannot even get past your inflated fucking ego to be excited for me.

That's really all I wanted.

[scoffs]

Yeah. Right.

You're going to walk out like you always do

because you can't handle the truth.

We're living in your parents' old apartment

while you're lying to me to chase a dead dream,

and I put my life on hold because I'm afraid of leaving you behind.

You are tragic, Jeremy.

Yeah, go! Get the fuck out of here.

You know what, take these. You're gonna fucking need them! [shrieks]

[Jeremy grunts]

["Kage Story" playing]

[sighs]

[Benji] Body's not tired, your mind is weak!

You got haters in your head trying to stop you from being great.

Get 'em out your head! [grunts, winces]

Pop.

I'm good, I'm good.

Don't you worry about me. Shoot it! Shoot it!

[music continues]

[Benji] Don't you worry about your mother. I'll always be there for you, son.

[crowd cheers]

[fans chanting] Overrated! Overrated!

[opposing fan] Kamal, where's your dad?

He run out on you too?

[sports commenter] Can't believe this. This is crazy.

He's going into the stands. I've never seen...

[music continues]

[people clamoring, screaming]

[music fades]

[sniffles]

[sports commenter] Another field goal for Gonzaga by Jeremy Crandall.

The way he's been playing this season,

it's really just a question of when he wants to register for the draft--

[sniffs]

[sighs]

["Doin' Time" playing]

Check up.

[Andy] Ball, ball, ball.

Ball! Give me the ball, man.

Goddamn it, Andy! Wake the fuck up! This means cut!

Ball, ball! Ball! Ball!

Throw the ball, you fucking normie.

- Okay. - [Jeremy] Ball, ball! Ball!

There's a million people who wanna play this game for a living just like you.

Wake the fuck up! Check ball. Check ball!

Hey, yo, look at my fucking calves poppin' in these plyometrics.

Look at 'em.

I'll get you a pair. It's $200.

Everything okay, Jeremy?

Fucking love you, Susie.

Yo, who got next?

That's your stance?

You're gonna try and guard me all bent over like you're playing through sciatica?

Man, shut the fuck up, you old-ass loser.

[Jeremy scoffs]

You think you're tough, huh? You lil bitch.

[music fades]

[Kamal] Whoa, whoa, whoa!

Hey, back the fuck up! Back the fuck up! The fuck did I say?

[player] Man, fuck this.

Yeah.

Fuck is wrong with you, bro?

Gonna fuck around and get your ass whooped by a couple TikTokers?

What are you doing here?

Look, man. I came to apologize, all right?

[groans]

What the fuck, man, you drunk?

My girl found out I lied to her because you made me a fucking meme!

So you lie to your girl, and it's my fucking fault?

Try me.

Try me!

[Mooch] Yo, Jeremy.

You are done, bro.

You're like-- You're done, done.

Like I'm taking a picture of you,

and I'm puttin' it behind the front desk

with all the other weirdo motherfuckers

that can't come in here to charge their phone or wash their feet.

Come on, go!

The fuck is you wearing?

See, that's why y'all don't do that shit, y'all.

[Imani speaking indistinctly]

- Be chill, I'm holding ya head still. - [Edith] Girl, check me out.

Keep your head still. Do not do anything.

It needs to go. I thought you was keepin' it still.

Hi.

Well, hello to you too.

Hey.

- Okay. - Did you apologize to Jeremy?

Babe, um...

Bobby let me go.

Oh. He ain't having his money on the 1st.

I'm gonna step outside and let this color settle.

[sighs]

All right, look. Before you say anything, everything's gonna be okay, all right?

Okay. What's the plan?

I don't know yet. I just need a couple days to figure it out.

Okay. All right.

We'll just-- We'll just find you a new job.

What?

- I'll ask Edith if Nordstroms is hiring. - The job-- Edith, what--

- We can take it from there. - It's bad enough I'm working at VTX.

Yo, people asking me every day if I'm who I used to be?

I don't wanna work at no damn Nordstroms!

Whoa. Your tone.

You think I wanna sit here and glue wigs in this living room?

No, I don't, but guess what?

It's not about what I want, Kamal.

What do you wanna do? Hmm?

'Cause everything about you screams what you don't wanna do.

I actually don't know what the fuck you wanna do.

[cell phone ringing]

[sighing]

- [scoffs] Fucking joke. - [phone stops ringing]

Hello?

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

I'm here to see Benji Allen. I'm his son.

[nurse] Yeah. Just one visitor at a time.

- Sit. - Go.

All right.

- [whispering] Come here, baby. - Go with Mommy, buddy, okay?

All right.

[machine beeping]

[door closes]

Hey, Pop.

Hey.

So, what they sayin'?

You know I know more about my health than they ever do.

[chuckles]

Gonzaga must've missed a lot of open shots to get you that upset.

- [Benji groans] - I'm sorry, Pop.

I'm sorry I keep making the same stupid fucking mistakes.

And you're not supposed to be living like this, I'll--

I'm sorry for letting you down.

[Benji] Is that what you think?

You let me down?

[sighs] I hid my illness thinking I was protecting you.

I was scared, and so I made you scared too.

I'm the one who let you down, son.

[Benji stammers, sighs]

I don't give a damn about the NBA.

My biggest regret is not giving you the tools to work through your problems.

It's time to stop punishing yourself just 'cause...

[sighs] ...things didn't work out how we hoped.

Your family deserves to know the joyful you,

not the guy with a chip on his shoulder.

And I was so happy to see you playing ball again.

'Cause I still remember how much you used to love it.

That's right, that's right.

Come on. Keep going.

How much it got you through.

Oh, yes! Yeah! Did you see that?

I'm sorry I took away that joy.

But you didn't, though, Pop.

I still love the game.

And you gave it to me.

It was our game.

[sniffles]

It'll always be our game.

[chuckles]

[sniffles, kisses]

[crying]

[sighs]

[cries]

- What's up, bro? - What's happening?

What's up, y'all?

Is he cool?

I don't know.

They're monitoring him, and they'll call if his vitals drop.

[sniffles, exhales deeply]

Hey, y'all still trying to play in

that basketball tournament in Leimert?

Look, I'm not even gonna hold you, bro, that's...

That's a big-ass event, bro, with a whole bunch of pressure, man.

- I don't wanna fuck yo shit up. - Oh, come on. Fuck the pressure, man.

Look, I don't want Drew growing up thinking that his father was a quitter.

Look, man. Even if we wanted to,

tell me how are we supposed to find $7,500 for the entry fee by this weekend?

True.

There's gotta be a way.

I do got a boy.

He's good at taking pictures.

He could probably set up a OnlyFans if you put on little-ass VTX shorts,

he could photoshop your bulge a little bit bigger.

You actin' as a postman. We know what you deliver.

What if I put five grand on it?

From my salon money.

Babe. I'm not gambling your salon money on a basketball game.

You're not. I'm gambling on my husband.

- [Kamal] What if we lose? - Not worried about you losing.

I'm worried about you missing out on a opportunity

to show the world that you that nigga.

So with that being said,

I need you to go out there and win that money.

- Love you. - Love you.

This is why Black love is so pivotal.

'Cause five minutes ago,

Speedy was thinking that you was gonna put on that black ski mask and get active.

Man--

- [Speedy] I didn't mean like that, I was... - [Lorenzo] No, he did.

Y'all figure out that other 2,500.

How we supposed to do that?

You could ask Mildred.

I can't. We on a break right now.

Oh. That's good, nigga.

She didn't really understand my love language.

Mmm.

She thought it was gift giving, but I'm more about physical touch.

Well, the greatest gift she could give you is not touching you.

You know what? I got you.

Nurse! My man needs some help.

He has an affinity for fat-ass white women.

["What U See Is What U Get" playing]

What's up, all my beautiful people?

We live from the historic Leimert Park Village

for the three-on-three Village Classic.

Oh, and it's going down, where the top players in the city get to square off

for a grand prize of $500,000.

Ooh-wee, that's a lot of money on the table today, baby.

We got the legendary DJ Battlecat in the house tonight.

I go by the name of QwessCoast.

I gotta give a special shout-out to all the sponsors in the house.

[grunts] You're a big boy now.

- What you doing back there? All right? - Yeah.

- What's going on? - [Lorenzo] Yeah, yeah.

[Lorenzo] Got the kid. Ooh!

Whoop-de-whoo, whoop-de-whoo. [scatting]

- [Lorenzo mutters] - You okay?

Nah, I'm good.

Baby, relax.

You're gonna do amazing.

Thanks, bub.

[car speakers: "Shape Of You" playing]

Who invited him?

Just talk to him.

For me?

- Please? - [Lorenzo] Talk to him for what?

Nigga, ain't he the opps?

It's cool.

Go with Mom, okay?

I'll be back.

- Don't let him rub nothin' on you. - Don't drink one of them juices.

Yeah, bro. Can't have yo booty leaking on the court.

- [Speedy] Mm-mmm. - [Imani] Don't do that.

[song blaring on car speakers]

Yo.

'Sup?

I came here to move past the bullshit

and see if I can help you guys win this thing.

- Can you turn that shit down? - Yeah, my bad.

[music stops]

You were right, man.

I was selfish.

I've never been able to make a living off hoop.

My body's gone to shit.

Who knows if I was even good enough before I got hurt,

but I have to grow up or I'm gonna lose Tati for good.

She's the only thing in my life that actually matters.

I've been chasing basketball instead of doing right by her.

Bro, what are you doing here at a basketball tournament?

I-- I came here to help you redeem yourself.

[chuckles] Get the fuck outta here.

- You need money. That's it. - Oh, no doubt.

If I'm in the same spot I was in

when she gets back from tour with those big shots,

I'm finished.

But I wanna let you know this is my last dance.

I'm playing to win. That's all.

Who you playing with?

Imani said you guys might need an extra body.

Each team gets an alternate or something.

Right.

But your ass is coming off the bench.

Who we playing with? Bron and AD?

Okay. It's your squad.

I'm just here to help.

We cool?

Fuck yes.

["Come Down" playing]

All right, Speedy, I need you locked in on defense, all right?

Hitting open shots. Don't force shit.

You really gonna chastise me in front of the white man?

In this Black community?

Speaking of.

This area's kind of a untapped gem, huh?

Me and my buddies were thinking we might find a couple spots over here.

Stop-- Why is this pilgrim here?

He's an alternate, but I can send his ass home.

Please.

[Kamal] He's just here in case somebody gets hurt.

[Lorenzo] We don't need that. I ain't never been hurt. Ever.

Well, good, bruh,

'cause I need your ass to be down there in the paint,

boxing motherfuckers out.

We win or lose by you gettin' big today.

- I'm in there. It's nothing to me. - And I'm here whenever you guys need me.

For what, a mantra, a deep tissue massage, the fuck?

Look, fuck all that. We lose, we go home.

We win, we make more money today than we've all ever seen in our lives.

Let's do it.

Coz motivated today, I see.

[Kamal] That's what we doing now?

Yeah, that's how we gonna play. [grunts]

And this bro done stole on me and ran like a little bitch.

Cuh was on ESPN in high school.

Oh, shit.

That's right.

Daddy's boy.

I wish we could see y'all on the court.

I'll probably see you in the parking lot.

You thought I forgot?

Pull up on your little tournament.

Space Jam ... [laughs] featuring Justin Bieber. [laughs]

Wait, you guys are all cousins?

See?

["Down Bad" playing]

[QwessCoast] Local high school legend, Kamal Allen,

leading the blue team.

[QwessCoast] And it's good! Hello!

He still got it, ladies and gentlemen.

Hands up! Hands up!

- [Lorenzo] Come on! - Let's go!

- Where's the foul? - He ripped you!

That's not on me. That's you.

Ball! I got him, I got him!

- [crowd cheers] - [QwessCoast] Ooh!

I'm gettin' flashbacks, baby.

Kamal Allen's bounce is still here!

- [spectator] Oh, my God! Take him home! - Let's fucking go!

- [spectator] Take him home! - Check up! Come on!

[QwessCoast] Kamal Allen with the rock.

Oh, he got him on lock.

Danny Brown got the best defense in town!

Switch, switch. Switch!

[Lorenzo grunts]

[QwessCoast] Oh, my God!

I know this nigga Haitian. His ancestors made me trip.

Man-- Man, check that shit up.

Swing it!

[QwessCoast] Kamal Allen's been on lock, man.

It's like he on work release. He can't never get out.

Throw that shit, I got it!

- Come on, man! - That's what you came to do?

Time-out, man! Time-out!

- [QwessCoast] Time-out, blue squad! - Man, watch out.

Hey, man, what you doing throwing up that bullshit?

You can't be out here playing so fucking soft.

- Soft? Man, you saw me slippin'. - [Speedy] Shut up.

The sun got in my eyes, and all kinds of shit--

[Jeremy] No! No. The spacing is trash.

Everyone's watching each other play iso ball.

Have you ever heard of team basketball?

[no audible dialogue]

'Mal. What's happening? Talk to me.

- Are you good? - Yeah. I'm good.

- Are you sure? - Yes, bro. I'm good, I'm sure.

You're in.

For who?

Renzo.

[stammers] What the fuck?

What-- [stammering] Wait, wait, wait.

Wait, wait, wait. Wait, what do you mean, bruh?

It's for the best.

It's for the best?

That's how they got us on the boat.

Hey. Look, your man's overplaying you every time.

Just cut backdoor, I'll find you.

Bet.

You sure you're good?

Yeah. I'm good.

All right.

[breathing deeply]

And breathe out, 'Mal. Just breathe.

[both breathing deeply]

Yo. What the fuck are y'all doing?

[whistle blows]

[QwessCoast] All right, it looks like

Kamal Allen has subbed in one of his partners for...

a white boy?

[QwessCoast] Pass inside to Allen with the spin!

Let's go!

[QwessCoast] Looks like the white boy's working out!

[QwessCoast] Off the step back!

- He drains the three! - Stay focused.

[sound muffles]

- [sound returns] - [cheering]

[QwessCoast] What have I just witnessed, people?

The blue team is headed to the chip!

Y'all act like white men can't dunk.

[QwessCoast] All right, now.

This is it, people. A half a million dollars on the line.

The competition is fierce!

[crowd clamors]

[QwessCoast] But Sweeney and the red team are answering every point

with their own.

This that tit for tat, dog-eat-dog streetball.

We're at game point, people.

The next team to sink a basket

wins the tournament and $500,000.

- [grunts] - [knees crunch]

- [crowd] Oh! - [grunts]

[whistle blows]

- [winces, groans] - [QwessCoast] Aw, damn. That shit hurts.

[Kamal] You okay?

Talk to me.

Come on, man. Come on. I got you. Come on.

[QwessCoast] Come on, y'all. Clap it up! Clap it up!

[scoffs] Oh, look, they wanna clap and shit.

Can't go out like this again, 'Mal. Not again. I can't.

You're not going out like this, all right? You got us here.

We're gonna take it home for you. I got you.

Take your weak ass home, white boy.

Shut the fuck up.

The fuck you say to me?

I already owe your homeboy a ass whooping, what's up?

- What'd you say? - It's fine. Fuck this guy.

Yeah, big time. Where yo daddy at? I might fuck coz up too.

- Fuck did you say to me? - Yeah, yeah.

Say that shit again, bitch. Say it again.

[opposing fan] Get off me, bro!

[people clamoring, screaming]

[shouting indistinctly]

[Jeremy] Hey. Hey.

Hey!

Breathe. I got this.

- [breathes deeply] - I got this.

Look, coz...

- Man, don't hobble your ass over here. - No, we don't want any issues, okay?

All we want is peace. I'm sure we can solve this.

Man, what?

You know, me and the guys were just--

[crowd clamors]

Hey, he a nigga now, huh?

Hey, get him, man!

- [people clamoring and shouting] - [whistle blowing]

[whistle blows]

Fuck is wrong with you, man?

What happened to all that "peace and positivity" shit?

- I don't know. - [QwessCoast] Chill out, man.

Hey, y'all know we just fucked up the bag, right?

All right, all right!

The white boy's got to go!

Who?

And the fan he assaulted!

But they stay, right?

We gonna finish the game without 'em.

Let's keep the peace, people!

'Mal, you got this.

I'll be here in spirit!

And so will your pops!

You don't need therapy! Basketball is your therapy!

That was beautiful. They gonna kill him in the parking lot.

I ain't ever been to a white man's funeral.

- [Speedy] I was just gettin' to know him. - [Lorenzo] Yeah. Good dude.

[whistle blows]

- [QwessCoast] All right. We back, y'all. - D up!

[QwessCoast] Ain't nobody gonna stop this. Let's get to the bag!

Sweeney's red team has possession.

Hey, hey, watch him!

[QwessCoast] All they gotta do is make this next bucket.

Red team pushes the D. And Allen is back in the ball game.

[basketball echoes]

[Benji] Remember, your body's not tired, it's your mind that's weak.

You got haters in your head trying to stop you from being great.

You gotta keep 'em out your head.

- [opposing fan] Kamal, where's your dad? - [Benji] Just know I'll always be here.

[Benji] Sixty-four. Last one.

- [younger Kamal panting] - [Benji] All right, all right.

[breathes deeply]

Body's not tired, son.

Your mind is weak.

Get ya mind right.

[crowd cheering]

[QwessCoast] Oh, my God! Oh, my God!

It's over, people! It's over!

Kamal Allen has led his blue team to victory.

They're $500,000 richer! I can't believe it!

I see you, Allen! This is crazy!

Hey. Hey.

[grunts] Here we go.

Babe. He's gone, isn't he?

[Imani] Yes.

[cries]

[Drew] Congratulations, Daddy!

- [Kamal] Thanks, buddy. - Look at that. Hey, I'ma take that.

- Let me get a look. I'ma hold it. - Hey, calm down.

Tsk.

[people speaking indistinctly]

- Can I touch it? Just like-- - Not like that.

Yo. Congrats, guys.

- [chuckles] - Ooh.

That was, uh, riveting.

- Congratulations again. - Hey, yo.

Mmm. [sniffs]

Thank you, man. Thank you so much.

Yeah. No, this also counts as community service, so let's get this pic.

[Jeremy] Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait!

- [Jeremy] Hey. - Hey. [chuckles]

- Thank you. - Yeah.

Thank you for coming.

It's nice to see you.

Uh, I just wanna say, you know...

That you're sorry?

I know. You told me.

All I wanted was for you to support me.

- I know. I-- - It really fucked me up

when you couldn't even be happy for me for getting an opportunity.

And I'll never forgive myself for that.

I was all about me, and I lied to you.

I was afraid that your dreams would take you away from me,

and I'm just [scoffs] some dumb loser.

You're not a dumb loser.

But that's what I became when you left.

- [groans, winces] - Jeremy.

Oh, my knee. [winces]

Are you okay?

Are--

I can train players wherever your career takes us.

I just wanna be with you, Tati.

Will you marry me?

Under the condition that I promise

to never lie to you, neglect you,

or be that asshole who didn't appreciate you ever again.

If you can get up without help, I'll sleep on it.

- I need your help. - Do you really need help?

- Pick me up, woman. - [laughs]

- [patron 1] Hey! - [patron 2] Congratulations.

[cheering]

Hey, little boy. Slow down, and say "excuse me."

I'll check on you in a few.

- What's happening, girl? - Help me figure this out.

Yeah. Please sit down.

All right.

All right, y'all, it's on. Here it is.

[Taylor Rooks on TV] There's nothing America loves more than a comeback story.

Meet Kamal Allen.

A former high school sensation with a bit of a shaky past,

but after absolutely dominating in a local LA basketball tournament,

he actually found himself with a minimum contract overseas.

- [people chanting] MVP! MVP! - Let's go!

Oh, my God.

Finally doing somethin' right.

I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding.

You're playing really well in China,

then you get a call from the South Bay Lakers,

the Lakers' G League affiliate,

and then what happens next?

Um. Yeah, no, so I, uh--

I come back home to play for South Bay.

Um, play in a couple games in the G League,

and then, you know, all of a sudden

I get the call to come up and play with the big dogs.

- On a 10-day contract? - Mm-hmm.

- In your hometown. [chuckles] - [chuckles] That's crazy, right?

I mean, a big moment like this, you can't do it alone.

- Right. - What has helped you along the way?

[Kamal] Family.

Shout-out to my wife, uh,

you know, my son, and my pops.

- Mm-hmm. - [Kamal] And, uh--

You know, a little while back, I met this guy

who introduced me to, you know, ginger shots and turmeric and, uh, meditation.

And, uh, you know, that meditation really helped.

Crazy dude, though.

[Taylor, Kamal laughing]

Could've at least said my name.

It's bad enough that they cut me out of the segment.

[chuckles]

I spent two days playing pickleball with that weirdo producer.

He called me the "Red Flag Player Whisperer."

[Lorenzo] Yo, Kamal!

We did it, baby!

Hey, we made it, man! Sizzler on me, man.

What in the Dr. Miami? Oh. Mildred?

Is that M--

Keep that same energy, bro. Excuse me.

Can I have one? No.

No, we don't play in snow.

Yeah, but for real, though.

I appreciate you, man.

You know I wouldn't be here without you.

You earned all of this.

Hey, I'm legitimately happy for you.

I'm happy for you.

[trainee] Bro, get the fuck outta my face.

I told you I'm not stretching shit! Go.

Man, you need to go talk to your client?

It's pregame. He's good.

[Kamal] Damn, I never met Tyler Herro.

Fuck!

Isn't he supposed to be, like, a real chill dude?

No, they're trying to protect his image.

He's got anger issues, for real.

Fuck that shit, man.

- [spectators yelling] - [ball bangs]

I should tap in, man. I'ma head out.

[Jeremy] Hey.

What do you want? What could you possibly want?

Relax, brother. Remember, you hired me. I'm on your side.

I get that, bro...

Bro, look where you're at.

Look who you are.

Now let's do our exercises. You know what we do.

Hands here. Put 'em here.

- Inhale. - [breathes deeply]

[Jeremy] Fill this balloon up for me.

And release. Release for me.

["What's Poppin'" playing]