PROFESSOR
Hey guys, I know tonight's the big game and you guys got the weight of the school on your shoulders, just know we're all proud of you guys and regardless of what happens tonight, you've already won over my respect. Just remember, you guys are a team, don't lose your bond, make sure it stays covalent, if it stays that way, nothing can break you guys.
Lamar nods.
INT. GYM -- NIGHT
"LATER THAT NIGHT"
Warmups. Layup lines.
Close on Lamar. He occasionally grabs his chest.
Jump ball.
The referee tosses it.
Lamar jumps --
-- and collapses instantly, clutching his chest.
Music shifts: "Good News" by Mac Miller.
Chaos. Teammates rush in. Medical staff arrives.
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM -- NIGHT
Lamar lies in bed. Teammates and his mother surround him, distraught.
A DOCTOR enters.
DOCTOR
Hey guys, I'd really prefer to just have some one on one time with Lamar.
They exit. His mother kisses his forehead, hand on his chest.
DOCTOR
Lamar, how you feeling?
LAMAR
(faintly)
I don't feel anything.
DOCTOR
Well you can thank all the medicine and IVs we've injected in you to get back pumping because not to scare you, if we didn't I'm not sure you'd still be with us.
LAMAR
How much did I score before I went out?
DOCTOR
To my knowledge you went out right at the opening tip and based off the heart readings we did, you suffered a minor heart attack. And after looking at your records, this seems to be your first one, but since it was so bad and so abrupt can you help walk me through what you think may have got us here.
LAMAR
I think my nerves got the best of me doc.
DOCTOR
Lamar, while I think that may have played a role. After the toxicology report we ran, we saw signs of opioid use and lots of alcohol use. I'm not here to judge how you live your life, but if you don't want to see me anymore and if you ever want to think about scoring another basket, you can't let this stuff be your outlet to fighting your nerves.
LAMAR
I'm not a fucking junkie doc.
DOCTOR
If you were you wouldn't have made it, but frankly the more of that crap you have in your system the more all I can say is you might not keep getting lucky.
Lamar stares. Rolls his eyes. Falls asleep.
CUT TO BLACK.
INT. CHEMISTRY LAB -- DAY
"THE NEXT WEEK"
Lamar sits beside Jenifer again.
She looks different. More put together.
JENIFER
I'm so glad you're back Lamar. And I'm even more glad you're ok.
LAMAR
I am too. So uh, what uh shit you been on while I was out.
JENIFER
Look at you actually caring, wow. But yeah no, I've been able to get a mixture that's hot and steamy but doesn't piss the fire department off.
Lamar smiles, grabs the test tubes.
LAMAR
Ima be real I don't know anything about anything but I think I'm ready to learn.
JENIFER
Woww from baller to scholar, you love to see it.
Lamar looks her up and down.
LAMAR
I'm not gonna lie, it ain't just me that's changed too. Did your heart almost explode too?
JENIFER
Kinda. For the entire semester I've just been off my rocker and in my feelings, my mom got deported and I haven't been able to really stay in touch with her for as long as she's been gone. But by some miracle, somehow someway her immigration lawyer was able to help her get enough restitution to where she got out of the detention center she was in and now she's back thriving better than ever. Without her in the mix I felt so... ionic.