From the Grammys red carpet to NBA All-Star Weekend, this chapter captures the rare, unforgettable moments that made LA an MBA experience like no other.

Disclaimer

• All characters and events in this chapter —even those based on real people—are entirely fictional.
• The following chapters contain coarse language and situations and due to its content it should not be read by anyone.

Chapter 27 “Once in a lifetime opportunities”

Living in Los Angeles had its perks, and few were as exciting as our proximity to the entertainment industry. As MBA students at Anderson, we were privy to experiences that most could only dream about.

One such opportunity came through a classmate who had worked for the Grammys. Thanks to his connections, a handful of us landed a gig as red carpet ushers for the stars. Our job was simple but surreal—escort celebrities to designated interview zones and give a heads-up to networks like E! Entertainment about approaching talent.

It was an unforgettable day. Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and countless A-listers passed by, their larger-than-life personas even more striking in person. But my personal highlight? Ushering Nikki Sixx, the legendary bassist of Mötley Crüe.

When I spotted him waiting in line, I couldn’t resist. A quick negotiation with the usher ahead of me secured my spot, and I stepped forward to escort one of rock’s biggest icons. It was brief, but for a few moments, I felt like I was standing shoulder-to-shoulder with rock royalty.

The following week, I found myself back in Downtown LA—not for music this time, but for another one of my lifelong loves: basketball.

NBA All-Star Weekend was approaching, and the buzz around Los Angeles was palpable. Billboards and posters popped up everywhere, each one a reminder of the star-studded event that was about to descend upon the city.

I knew I had to be there. The thought of missing out was unbearable. I scoured the Lakers and Clippers websites, frantically searching for tickets, but it was as if they had vanished into thin air. Every lead turned cold, and I started to resign myself to watching the event from a bar like every other mortal.

Then, a friend came through—a lifeline. He had tickets, though at a premium price. I didn’t hesitate. I was ready to hand over a small fortune for the chance to witness the greatest players in the world converge on one court.

Even though our seats were in the nosebleed section, I felt like I had front-row access to something extraordinary. The slam dunk contest was pure spectacle, an explosion of acrobatics that left the crowd roaring with every twist and turn. And the All-Star Game itself? It was less a game and more a ballet, a showcase of skill, rhythm, and flair that had me mesmerized from start to finish. I preferred to see Lebron play with his team but it was hard to see him play with all of his Olympic teammates on the court.

But the true highlight came between the games, where legends mingled freely with fans. As I wandered the venue, I crossed paths with Scottie Pippen—the Chicago Bulls icon. He strolled by casually, as if unaware of the aura he carried.

I was starstruck. There he was, one of the greatest to ever play the game, sharing the same space as me. Part of my childhood team, the 6 time World Champions Chicago Bulls and the Robin to Michael Jordan! I stood nonplussed for a moment, caught somewhere between admiration and disbelief plus he was taller than expected!

As the weekend wound down, I felt a tinge of sadness. NBA All-Star Weekend had been everything I hoped for and more, a celebration not just of basketball but of the culture surrounding it. Walking out of the arena, past scattered programs and discarded nacho trays, I felt overwhelmingly grateful.

It was one of those rare weekends where you’re acutely aware, even at the moment, that the memories will stick with you long after the cheers fade away.