Slamma Jamma (2017)

[bunniefuu]

[CHEERING]

TV ANNOUNCER: He is
one of the greatest dunkers

of our generation, Bill.

Oh, my! The mustard
is off the hot dog!

What a play
from Michael Diggs.

That's 34 points
for the sophomore!

Bill, this young man
has an incredible future

here, at USC.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

TV ANNOUNCER:
And that's the game!
They win it at the buzzer!

[ALL CLAMORING]

Michael, you have
so many fans
here tonight!

My biggest fan
is my ma.

I love you, Ma!

Lisa, I love you too!

Craig! Where Craig at?
My best friend Craig!

All right! Watch out.
Gimme that.

Hey, shout out
to this dude right here.

I'm so proud of you, bro.
You did your thing.

Yeah!
Everybody...

Y'all thought we
couldn't do it, but we
did it, baby! Let's go!

It appears that Michael Diggs
has been charged
with armed robbery.

The basketball phenom
and USC champion

is now appearing in court.

The trial starts today
for Michael Diggs,

the once huge NBA prospect,
who is now charged
with armed robbery.

Michael Diggs
was convicted today

of the armed robbery charge
that happened last year.

His penalty phase,
it's coming up.

[GATE SQUEAKS]

There's no one here.

I didn't tell anybody.

[SIGHS]

Understood.

Can I give you a lift?

No. I'm okay.
I'll do it on my own.

Have you decided
what you're gonna do?

Haven't even thought
that far yet.

Well, I wish you
the best, Michael.

You too, Warden.

How much?
Three-fifty.

Oh...

It's gone up.
It has.

[COINS CLATTER]

Hey,

didn't you use
to play basketball?

Yeah. Long time ago.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

PLAYER: Let's go!

Where's your D at, bro?

Yeah! Yo!

Go, go, go!

[DISHES CLATTER]

[SIGHS SOFTLY]

Hi, Mama.

GEMMA: Michael.

Why didn't you tell me
you was out?

Why didn't you...
I didn't want
to bother you.

You just saw me
last week.
Oh, I could have met you.

Don't worry.
It's okay, Mama.

You should have told me.
I would've met you.

It's okay.

You're like
a changed man.

I am.

A changed man.

Praise God.

So where's Taye?
Taye? Well...

Your little brother,
he's not doing well.

What does that mean?

He's not doing well.

Where is he?

[SIGHS]

I don't know, he's out.

Let me look at you.

You look so healthy.
I prayed every day and night.

Come on, you gonna stay
in your old bedroom.

All right, Mom.
Look, just for a time, though.

Oh, don't be silly.
You gonna stay there
as long as you want.

GEMMA: Here, son.

Take it.
No, Ma.

Look, I still got some money
that the prison gave me.

It's okay.

I'll make us some dinner.

No, Ma. Ma.
I already ate.

Listen, I gotta go
do some things,
but I'll be back, all right?

Where you going?

I gotta get a job.

[SCOFFS] That can wait.
You just got out.

I'll be fine, Ma.

Don't bug me
with this nonsense.

I told you already.
How many times I got to...

Hey, man, have you
seen Taye around?

Michael!

I'll call you back.

When did you
get out of jail?
Today.

Welcome home.

Thank you, man.
Yeah, yeah.

No, I haven't seen him.

All right. No worries.
Take it easy.

[DOOR CLOSES]

Jerry, some kid slipped
and fell. Aisle 9.
The mom's pretty upset.

Seriously?
Did they get hurt?

Hey, listen,
I gotta go take care
of this thing.

I don't have time
to look at this.

Not much experience, huh?

Listen, I'd be
a great worker.

Okay. We'll give it a sh*t.

All right. Great.
When can I start?

You can start today.
Now?

Yeah. Now.
Okay.

Enjoy your day.
WOMAN: You too.

Taye, man!

What up?

Yo, what's up?
When did you get out?

Yesterday.

Oh, all right.

Man, I was wondering
if we could hang out
after work?

I just got this new job.

Yeah. If I'm free.

That's cool.

Yeah, it's good seeing you
after all this time.

Listen, uh,
I gotta go, all right?

All right, little bro.

See you soon.

I got the ball!

[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]

Hey, guard George!
Get George! Come on!

Come on, come on!
Watch it! Watch it!
Watch it!

Whoo!

On the ball!

Here it comes, here it comes.
Here it comes.

Whoo! That's game!
That's right. [CHUCKLES]

All right, who's next?

Hey, man. You play?

It's been a while.

That don't matter.

Come on.
All right.

Yo, you gonna
wear that, man?
What?

Your supermarket apron.

Oh!

[CHUCKLES]

Let's go.
Thanks.

You sure you can
play though, right?

Like I said,
it's been a while.

What do you mean
"been a while"?

I mean...
Nah, it's all right.
That's cool.

We just need another guy.
We're all right.
Ball up.

Here we go.

sh**t that! sh**t that!
Steal that! Steal that!

I was open!

I'm up!

Deep! Deep! Deep! Deep!

Deep! Deep! Deep!

Deep!

[GRUNTS]

[SCREAMING]

Come on, to the hoop!

Man! Hey,
come on, now.

You straight?
You straight?

I'm feeling good, man.
I'm good.

Let's go! Pass the ball!
Come on, man!

Pass the ball! Go!
He's open, he's open.

Damn.
Yo! Yo, he was wide open.
Come on, man!

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

♪ You might think
that you can hurl me down ♪

[CHEERING]

No way!
That's game.

Well, where did
that come from?
I don't know.

Yo, maybe he's
LeBron in disguise.

Dude, where did
that come from, bro?

I told you,
I ain't played in a while.

Yeah, right,
not played in a while.

[ALL SIGHING]

Yo, how come we haven't
ever seen you before?

You just move here?
Yeah.

You must have played
some kind of college ball.

You just didn't come
out of nowhere.
TERRELL: He did.

Brother played at USC, right?

First team All-American.
Averaged 27 points per,

and led USC to
an NCAA tournament,

then he got arrested.

Good to see
you too, Terrell.

Oh, you played for USC?

I think I remember you now!

You got arrested
for robbing someone, right?

Good to know
some things never die.

Yo, I'm sorry.
Who are you?

I'm an agent.

An agent?
Yes. An agent.

What are you doing here?

I'm looking for
the next big client.

If it's any
of your business.

I'm your next big client.

No, I don't think so.

[SCOFFS] Well, you obviously
never seen me
play then before, huh?

Am I right?
I've seen you play.

And?

You have about
as much chance to make the NBA

as that thing over there.

[SIGHS]

[DISTANT BARKING]

LISA: Well,
I didn't mean to.

Why are you gonna
stay at home?

LISA'S MOM: 'Cause I'm tired.

I just made that
whole meal and I'm tired.

CRAIG: Why are you
acting like that?

LISA'S MOM: Because I'm old.

LISA: Mom...
CRAIG: ...nothing to do.
Come on.

LISA'S MOM: You know what,
I'm tired.
I'm about to go to bed.

LISA: But no...

[CLAMORING]

Michael?
Hi.

When'd you get out?

A few days ago.

Lisa?
LISA: Yeah?

[CLEARS THROAT]
You got a visitor.
Who?

Hi.
CRAIG: Who is that?

It's Michael.

Michael?

Michael, you remember Craig,

right?

Man. When did you...
A few days ago.

[CRAIG SIGHING]

Look, man,
I know you feel
some type of way

because I ain't come see you
while you was in the pen.

But, as you heard,
I'm playing in the League now.

The schedule's kinda crazy.
You understand, right?

Yeah, I understand.

Hear you're doing good too.
Congratulations.

Appreciate it.

Anyways, we about to head
to the Clippers game,

meet up with the homies.

So we gonna roll.

Nah.
That's no worries, man.

I just come by to say hi.

For sure.
LISA: Michael...

You living with
your mom, now?

Yeah, for the time being.

That's great.

Welcome back, though, man.
For real. It's good to see you.

For real.

Nice car.

See you later.

Michael, Merry Christmas.

Lisa? Why is Michael
showing up over at
your momma house?

He was just saying hi.

I haven't seen him
in six years.

Well, why are you concerned
with seeing him?

Like, that's...
That's the part
that's trippin' me out.

Why do you care
to see him? I'm your dude!

He came to my house.

That fool's crazy, man.

[HORN HONKING]

Watch out, fool!

What are you doing?
What is wrong with you?

Hey, Mr. Porter,

Um, I was wondering,
when are our paychecks coming?

Every two weeks.

Okay. Thanks.
No problem.

Is that you, Michael?

Hi, Melinda.

When did you get out?

A few days ago.

I tried my best
to defend you, Michael.

Sometimes the justice
is dead on arrival.

I truly lost my soul
when they took you away.

Listen, you did the best
you could do.

So, that's all that matters.

I gotta get back
to work, so...

It's good seeing you.

See you.

Hey, man!
What?

You throwin' that out?

Yeah. It's 30 days old, man.

Can I take it?
Sure. Here.

You feeding the birds?

[CHUCKLES]
Uh, yeah,
and the goldfish too.

Well. Good luck, man.

Thanks.
You're welcome.

TV ANNOUNCER: Next up is
Michael Diggs from USC.

He just needs one complete dunk
and he wins the competition!

But he missed it!

And the winner
goes to Craig Jackson.

Michael Diggs is runner up!

Bro, what is you trippin' about?
So what was you tryin' to do?

Like I said,
I about to do this dunk
you ain't never seen before.

That's your problem.

You always tryin' to do stuff
you know you can't do.

Yeah, no use of playing that
over and over again
in your mind, Michael.

You just lucky
I ain't make that dunk.

Right. So what was you
tryin' to do again?

Like I said, it's something
you ain't never seen before.

Whatever. Look,
you're good, bro.

You'll go number one
in the draft. You straight.

You got your girl.
I won the dunk contest.

So, what?
Let's keep it pushin'.

Michael?
Is everything all right?

Yeah, Ma.

Just reminiscing.
That's all.

See, if you don't show up,
I gotta give him the work.

And do you want the work?

Run that. I need that.
He's hungry.

You acting like
you ain't hungry right now.

No, I swear,
I'm on it, bro.

MICHAEL: Yo, what up, Taye?

Michael Diggs.

When they let you out?

Couple days ago.

Yo, that's one of the best
basketball players I ever seen.

Twenty eight points
per game, right?

No, not anymore.
Come on, man.

Hey, Mike,
if you need that work,
you know who to come see.

No, I'm good. I got a job.

Just letting you know.
We don't do dr*gs anymore.

We're pushing g*ns now.

g*ns is the latest
and greatest,
you know what I'm saying?

I know you know
what I'm sayin', but...

Listen, we're not interested.

All right.
Come on, man.

Yo, Taye, just be
on time, a'ight?

A'ight?
Right.

Yo, man. What are
you doing, man?

Yo, he giving me work.

Yo, he's a g*ng member!

Mama needs the money, fool!

What?
Yeah.

She's desperate.
She needs the money.

We don't need to make
money like this, man.

I just spent six years
in prison because of this.

Don't that mean
anything to you?

You gonna do what
with your little
grocery job, huh?

Hmm?

I'm proud
of my job, man.
I'm sure.

Listen, we don't got to make
money like this, man.

Don't go down
this road, bro.

Look, don't talk to me
like you ain't served
six years, huh!

If I get hooked up,
I won't get caught like you.

MICHAEL: Mom!

Man alive.

Why didn't you tell me?

A $2,300 hospital bill?

I didn't want
to give you grief, son.

You just got out of prison.

[MICHAEL SIGHS]

Look, Mom...

I'll work two jobs.

You know, don't worry.

We'll do this.

God will be with us, son.

[MICHAEL SIGHING]

Mom?

Are you all right?

I'm fine.

Just working late
at the nursing home.

I'll be fine.

Look, Mom,

don't worry about
anything, all right?

You was always
there for me.

I'm gonna take care
of you now, okay?

Excuse me, sir?
Yeah?

You guys have
any open shifts?
Sorry, man, no.

All right. Thank you.
No worries.
Okay.

GEMMA: God
will be with us, son.

PLAYER 1: Pick it up.
PLAYER 2: Hey,
take it from him.

Take it from him.

[CHEERS]

MAN: You go!

Ain't that Michael Diggs?

Yeah, it is.

I haven't seen him
in years.

[GROANS]

MAN: Hey, Mike,
join the game, man!

Whoa!

Help me out!
Oh, no! No!

Ahhh!

♪ The sound, what's up,
you can't take him

♪ And the road less traveled
makes for a humble occasion

♪ He said the bro can't resist

♪ And many broken bridges

[WHOOPING]

♪ The feet didn't tread over me

♪ Know this, focus on the roses

♪ And you get these
cockroaches and vultures

[WHOOPING]

That's crazy!
He still got the hops!

Where's he been?
In jail.

Were you livin'
in a cave?
Jail? I didn't know.

♪ Words from my mind to yours

♪ Free your pen and pencil
when you reach the middle

♪ The sidewalk chalk,
squat, shut your mouth...

Two scores, Michael! Go!

♪ ...from L.A. to Newport

♪ Walkin' home from school
and walk in the ball court ♪

That's game!

[LAUGHS] That's my boy!

Michael Diggs,
that's my boy!

That's my boy!
Yeah!

Yeah.
That's right.

All right.
All right,
who's next?

I got next.

[LAUGHING]

Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry.

You must have
the wrong court.
The YWCA is over there.

[CONTINUES LAUGHING]

Hey, man.
Let her play.
Give me the ball.

Give me the ball!
Her ball.

♪ Easing your mama's pain

♪ 'Cause the mama's
scatterbrained with us

♪ Time is what
you can't afford

♪ The medicine could change

♪ Magic Johnson does
for these entrepreneurs

[CROWD CHEERING]

[WHOOPING]

♪ Man, the change is coming

♪ Get's the goal I gave myself

♪ When I hit
this ground running

Ooh!

Yeah! Let's go!

♪ Amaze the fans
from L.A. to Newport

♪ Walkin' home from school
and walk in the ball court

♪ To hear him recount tales,
talk about all sorts

You go, Michael!

♪ To hear him recount tales,
talk about all sorts ♪

PLAYERS: Ooh!

Oh! What's that?
What's that?

Whoo!
That's game, baby.

That's right.

Ooh!

You wanna
go out sometime?
No.

Yo, what's up?
She said no.

Bro, ask her again.

Chicks dig it when you
ask her a second time,
seriously.

Go. Go. You got this.
Yeah, that's right. Uh-huh.

[CLEARS THROAT]

Hey, you want to go out
sometime on a date?

Did you not hear me?
I said, "No".

She said, "No".

You discouraged?
Come on, bro. Come on.

I saw her lookin'
at you earlier.

No, no, no.

Go. You got this.

[CLEARS THROAT]

Excuse me, do you
want to go out sometime?

Are you mentally ill?

[ALL CACKLING]

I said, "No".

Let's go.

Gimme the ball.
Come on, man.

Give... Come on now.

Who has next?
DOUGGY: Who got next?

Hold up, hold up, hold up!

I don't want anybody talking
trash to this little guy!

Anyone who makes one little
tiny joke will answer to me!

You wanna be
on my team, little fella?

Come on, man!

Ooh!

[CROWD CHEERS]

[APPLAUDING]

Oh!

[CROWD EXCLAIMING]

Yeah! Yeah.

[WHOOPING]

Watch him!

[WHOOPING]

CROWD: Ooh!

Game!

Oh...

Come on, man! Dang!

Take that, little fella.

Ohhoho!

Little fella.

[LAUGHS]

Oh...

Michael Diggs.

How have you been?

Been a long time
since I've seen you.

The last time I saw you,
you were in high school,
Michael.

Good to see you,
Pastor Soul.

[INHALES AND EXHALES]
Sorry, it's been so long.

Been out of church
for quite some time now.

That is true.

But the doors of this church
are always open
for you, Michael.

But if you are looking
for redemption,

you're not gonna
find it here.

You know? We could
use your help.

We need role models
like you, Michael.

Role model?

Me, a role model?

I'm a guy who spent
six years behind bars.

Look, I wanna help
any way I can, but...

I'm not ready for that yet.

You are Michael Diggs.
Or was I mistaken?

I was.
Was?

In another life.

No.

You are still Michael Diggs.

I know you have been
put through hell.

But you came back.

And you still have
that God-given talent
and ability

you always have had.

Listen.

You are not the only one
who has screwed up
in this life.

A lot of people have
screwed up worse than that,

and they came back,
stronger and better
than ever before.

Now, let's...
Let's fix this church up.

Let's resurrect it.

Do we have a deal?

Let's make it
happen, preacher.
Let's do it.

[EXHALES SHARPLY]

Oh...

Man, this place is nasty.

It's gonna be
beautiful, man.

I sure hope so.

It's perfect.
We don't need
to clean up no more.

Come on, man.

Man, they can sit
on the ground, right?

[GROANS]

[EXHALES SHARPLY]

Hey, yo, Michael.

You don't have to tell us
if you don't want, you know.

I'm cool, but...

What happened, man?

You mean how I
got sent to prison?

Yeah, yeah. I mean, you know,
we all know the headline, but,

I wanna hear it from you.

I was hanging
with the wrong crowd
one night.

Yo. Michael, Mike.
Hey, man, what's up?

What's up, man?
You still ballin'?

Yeah.
Taking it
to the hoop?

Yeah. Somethin' like that.

Hey, man, you wanna
make a quick G?

Doing what?
Hey, nothing.

I just want to introduce you
to somebody who's
a big fan of yours.

Why the money, though?
Oh, come on, man.

Look, it's good
for business.

You bein'
a celebrity and all.

What up, Mr. Johnson?

Hey, Red.

Do you
recognize this guy?
I sure do.

Michael Diggs! Wow!

How are you, sir?
I'm good.

Big fan of yours.
Thank you.

What are you
doing here?

Twenty eight points
a game, right?

More like 27.

What's it matter?

You're one of the best
in the nation, kid.

Say, how come the coach
didn't let you sh**t

that 3-pointer
in the tournament, huh?

I mean, that was
stupid, right?

Yeah, I don't know.
That's coach.

[OBJECTS CLATTERING]

What? Did you hear that?

Hear what?

I thought I heard something.

No, you ain't
hear nothin'.

What are you doing, Red?

Hey, Joe!
Get out of here!

Red?

Don't do that, man.

Why did you
sh**t him, man?
Shut up!

Get out of here!
Go home.
Why did you sh**t him?

Man, dead men
can't talk, Michael.

Now go home, and you ain't
hear nothin', right?

Nothin'! Nothin'!
Now get outta here!

It doesn't look good.

They have you
as an accessory to m*rder.

What does that mean?

Possible life sentence.

I believe you, Michael.

And I will do everything I can
to work out a deal
with the prosecutor.

I don't want a deal.

I did nothing wrong.

Michael, you were there.
The k*ller paid you.

And those are the facts
they are going
to present to the jury.

I don't care!

Michael, I know
you're innocent.

They used me.

I was a fool.
And,

he was identified
through a key witness.

When he was later picked up,

he had $1,000 cash on him.

One thousand dollars.

Now, Michael Diggs

will have you believe
he was just ignorant.

That he was just...
Just playing the game, huh?

But evidence shows
he knew exactly
what he was doing.

Who gives someone $1,000

for just introducing them?

He knew exactly what
the other three defendants,

all g*ng members,
were up to.

And it's for that
reason alone...

You must find him guilty.

Talk to me.

[VOICE BREAKING]
My life is over.
No, it's not.

You don't understand.
We can
get through this.

I can't catch
no break in court.

Where's your faith?
What faith?

There is no God.

God wouldn't
do this to me!

It's over.
Don't say that.

Go find somebody else!

[SOBS]

MELINDA: Your Honor,

my client is innocent.

He has done nothing wrong.

He himself is a victim
of this incredible scam.

They used his name...
I don't care.

He should have shown
better common sense.

I sentence Mr. Diggs
to 10 years in State Penn.

Please escort the defendant
out of my courtroom.

[GAVEL BANGS]
Next case!

I had no idea, man.

And that's not what
I heard in the news.

Man, that's not right.
That's not right.

I'd be the most bitter man
on the face of the planet

if that happened to me!

But he's not.

That is the whole point.

[SIGHS]

How did you keep
your sanity, man?
Faith.

Couldn't you have
protested more?

I mean...
No.

But you, you would have been
drafted number one!

I mean, in the NBA, bro!

Why you gotta
make him feel worse?

It's all right. It's not
like there was a guarantee.

that it would have
happened anyway.

I mean, the Good Book says,
"Tomorrow is guarantee
to no man.

"And what good
does it profit a man

"to gain the world
but lose his soul?"

But God has a plan.

[FAINT MUSIC PLAYING]

Hi.
Hi.

How are you?

Why?

You never wrote me.

You never
let me visit you.

Why?

Lisa, I didn't
want to hurt you.

So you just
cut me off?

Did you not think
about how I would feel?

Look, I had to do it,
all right?
[SCOFFING]

It was something
I had to do for myself.

Uh...

I know.

You had to.

The great Michael Diggs.

Always making
your own decisions,

regardless how
anybody else feels.

I'm a changed man now.

Yeah? How?

I found God.

God?

Well, everybody
finds God in prison.

[LISA EXHALES SHARPLY]

So you're
seeing Craig now?
Yeah.

We're dating.

He wants to get married.

I'm sure he does.

Listen.
I gotta get going.

I'm glad you have
a new life now.

Lisa.

Thank you for coming.

I really appreciate it.

Mmm-hmm. Take care.

Michael, come over here.

Yeah, boss?

[SIGHS] We're gonna
have to let you go.

I'm very sorry, Michael.

Why? I don't understand.

It's the company policy
not to hire convicts.

I didn't know. I didn't read
your application thoroughly.

I was so busy.

Sorry.

It's okay.

You still have a paycheck
coming next week.

You can stop by
and pick it up.

Yeah.

[MICHAEL SIGHS]

Thanks.

Take care.

[SIGHS]

TERRELL: Now you know
I've been out there

doin' my thing,
shaking the game.

like you need me to, baby,
like you need me to.

And I've spoken to three
lottery teams already,

and they believe
if you declare
yourself eligible,

you'll be the number one player
drafted in the draft.

And they're putting
their money
where their mouth is.

They're talkin'
about 65 milli millies.

We're talkin'
about $65 million.

All of your
problems go away.

All your worries
will leave you this day.

And your beautiful fiancee,

you can give her the life
she deserves, Michael.

MALE REPORTER: Michael,
after this season, many think

you will declare yourself
eligible for the draft.

Any thoughts?

Yeah, I've decided
I'm gonna stay put right here

with my coach and fiancee.
I'm not going anywhere.

FEMALE REPORTER: Some say
you could be
number one in the draft.

Are you sure?
What did he say?

He's gonna stay
loyal to our school.

You guys,
you're unbelievable.

Lisa? Any comments?

Whatever Michael wants
that's best for him,
I support.

Michael, can you
address the rumor

that Craig Jackson
is not that happy
to see you come back

'cause he might have been
the primary scorer this season?

All right, that's all.
Folks, thank you.

Thank you very much.

Excuse me.
Aren't you his agent?

What?
Someone said
you're his agent.

Who? I'll sue them.

It's illegal to recruit
underclassmen.

I'm a man of integrity.

I represent people
like Troy Aikman

and Emmitt Smith
and Marshawn Lynch!

Why do I need
to do something illegal?

What's your name anyway?

You're goin' around
repeating this, I'll sue you.

I'll sue you till you pay me
with the seams in your jeans.

The only reporting
you'll be doing
is from an unemployment line.

Cheap reporters.

MICHAEL: Hi, sir.
MAN: Hi.

Um, I was wondering if you
had any job openings?

I'm sorry, we don't. Uh...

The other shop in the back
may have some openings
if you like to try it.

Okay. Thank you.
You're welcome.

How you doing?
Hey. How you doing?

What can I do for you?

Um, I was wondering
if you guys
had any job openings.

Uh, what kind
of experience do you have?

Uh, do you know anything
about carburetors
or engine diagnosis?

Um... No, not that.

Can you mount
and balance tires?

No, I can't
do that, either.

How about oil changes?

No.

Well, unfortunately,

I'm not looking for anybody
right this second,

but I can give you
an application.

Um... Once you
get some experience,

you can come back
and talk to me.

Maybe we can
do something for you.

All right. Thank you.
I appreciate it, sir.

Sorry about that.

Hey, yo, Mike, what's...

Mike.

Why you lookin'
so downcast, man?

Life ain't that bad.
What do you want?

Now, is that any way
to talk to your benefactor?

A welcome home gift.

What is it?
It's cash.

Cold cash. $2,500.
What for?

'Cause I'm givin' it to you,
that's what's for.

No strings attached.
Just consider it
a gift to your church.

How you know
about my church?
I know all things, Mike.

No, thank you.

[SCOFFS] You know,
you really need to learn
how to accept a gift.

No. There's always
strings attached.

What's that term?
"Beware of Greeks
bearing gifts"?

Nah, I never heard that.

I learned it
reading in prison.

You should do the same.

Don't you walk away from me.

So, you think you're
better than me, but you're
nothin' but a washed-up

ex-ball player
with no future.

[SCOFFS]

See him gettin'
all puffed up?

Do somethin' Mike. Do it.

Come on, gimme your
best sh*t, man of God.

See I can see
all that anger
inside of you.

But God can't help you,
can He?

No. God can't save you
'cause He doesn't exist.

But I do.

So don't you forget that.

Just chill out.

[SIGHS]

Arthur, that last order
is for table 5.

Michael Diggs.

Long time no see.

Hi, Mr. Peters.
When did you...

Last week.

So glad you're back.
[SIGHS]

I know a lot of people have
been hating on you, Michael,

but I believed in you.

Thank you.

Now. What can I
do for you?

I was wondering if you
had any job openings.

I'm sorry, Michael.
I just filled an opening.

Mr. Peters,
I really need this job.

I'll do anythin' for work.

Have you tried
next door?
Yes.

Well, would you be
willing to bus tables
and wash dishes?

Yes. I'd do anything.

Hey. Be sure to get
all the grease out, okay?

Them fried chicken
has a lot of oil in it.

Yes, sir.

Hungry, man!
Hey, me, too.

And everything's
on me today, baby.

It better be.
You makin' 2.5 mill
a year off me.

That's a fact, CJ,

but the truth is,

I get so much
'cause I make you
so much more, baby.

I get you the best deals.

[PLATE SHATTERS]

What was that?

It's okay, folks.
Just some broken plates.

Hey, Michael,
go get a broom.

Yes, sir.

TERRELL: What
have you decided on?

Michael Diggs!

Come here!

Look at this fool.

What's up, guys?

You a cook now?

I didn't know
you could cook.

No.

So what are you doing
in the kitchen?

I was washing the dishes.

Washing the dishes?

When you're busing those suds,
make sure you clean
the dishes, baby.

I hate a dirty, greasy dish,
you know what I'm sayin'?

Go hard on him.
That's crazy.

Michael,

my mom's having
a birthday party on Saturday.

Would you like to come?
No, I'm sorry. I can't.

I gotta work.

Okay.

Are you okay?

Do you need any
help from us?

Check it out.

I'ma keep it real
with you.

If you need it...

I definitely got it.

We go back.
Just holla at me.

No, I'm good.

If anything, you could
just give it to my church.

Your church?
What do I look like?

Yo, what church is this?
The one on 112th Street.

That building's been
closed forever, baby.

Yeah. We reopened it.

You guys should
drop by sometime.

We'll see.

Listen, I gotta
get back to work, though.

It was good seeing
you all. Take care.

Good seeing you too.
Bye, Michael.

That's quite a fall.

What a waste.

God!

Everybody finds
God in prison.

Yeah. I said that, too.

Do you believe in God?

Who? Me?
Yeah. [SIGHING]

That's my God right there.
And I praise him every day.

[CRAIG CHUCKLING]

MICHAEL: Look,
I know a lot of y'all
had it rough.

But you gotta
keep your faith.

It's been really
tough for me too,

but I truly believe,
like the Good Book says,

all things work
together for the good.

Yeah, sometimes it
doesn't seem like things work
together for the good.

At all.

Sometimes it may seem
like there's no way out,

like you've hit rock bottom.

I bet Joseph felt that way
when he was
in that prison in Egypt

for a crime
he didn't even commit.

And after many years,
God got him outta there,

and look how
that worked out.

Thank you, Michael,
for sharing that.

We all appreciate
your transparency in sharing
all your trials with us.

Let's stand up
and pray now.

Hi.

Hi.

So glad you made it.

[EXHALES SHARPLY]

Well...

I wanted
to show my support.

Wow!

This is a lot.
That's okay.

So do you want
to get lunch or something?

Uh... No. I'm sorry.

Craig is coming
to pick me up.

We're going to a celebrity
basketball game.

Okay.

No worries.

Take care of yourself.

Will do.

Hey, Lisa.

Thanks again for coming.

Really appreciate it.

[EXHALES]

WARDEN: I'm sorry.
He's not seeing anyone.

I know. But I'm his fiancee.

Yes, but, um,
he's not seeing anyone.

Why? How is
this possible?

What...
It's his choice.

Well, can you
tell him I'm here?

I did.

And he doesn't
want to see you.

[GATE SQUEAKS]

I'm sorry.

She's gone.

You can complete
your journey alone now.

Hmm.

Split. Split. Split. I got it.
I got the ball.

♪ I wake up today

♪ It's a beautiful day

[WHOOPING]

He's back, baby!

♪ ...to the music I play

♪ Reinvigorating...

♪ It's a beautiful
world outside ♪

Game, baby!
That's right.
Ooh!

Come on now. Let's go.

Where'd you learn
to dunk like that?

I don't know.

You got some serious hops
for your age, bro.

Thanks, man.

PLAYER: Man, those
six years behind bars
did nothing to change that.

There's a dunk competition,
Michael.You should join.

They allow convicts,
I think.

Man, you got
some serious game.

Thanks, bro. Thanks, man.

And you can fly, too.
Mmm-hmm.

I want you to enter
my dunk contest this weekend.

Yeah, right.
It's the Kenny Dobbs
dunk competition.

Hey. What is this
tiny guy doing?

What you think, man?

I think when his mom
met his dad and they
made him 4 feet nothin',

it's okay for him to stop
foolin' himself about dunkin'.

Hey. I'll dunk it one day.

Yeah, I'm sure you will.

When a snowball
freezes in hell.

You're too short to dunk.

Man, what are you
talking about?

Snowballs don't
freeze in hell.

All I'm sayin', man,
is there are some things
that are impossible.

Man, I would love
to encourage you.

There's just not enough of you
to encourage.

You're too short to dunk.

I will, man.

Man, why don't you leave
the brother alone
and get a life?

I have a life.
What about you?

I have a life.

Oh, really?
Where do you work?

Me? Taco Hut.
Mmm-hmm.

Taco Hut?

Never heard of it.

What is that, like the poor,
poor cousin to Taco Bell?

Yeah. So what?

But it shows.
No direction, no focus.

That right there?
That should cover
your expenses.

TERRELL: Tsk!

Man, what's his problem?
Hey!

DOUGGY: Hey!
You think it's impossible?

You got you something.
All right.

Let's go!
[CHEERING]

Hey!

Let's go, Douggy!

Let's go! Go get it.

Get it. Go get it.
There you go.

Go get it!

[LOUD CHEERING]

Yeah! Yeah!

Hey! And I'm 5'5.

PLAYER 1: That was crazy.
PLAYER 2: There you go.

Yeah!
There you go.

Hey!

[COUGHING]

Hey, Ma.

How are you?

Mom, you all right?
I'm fine.

Mom, you sure I can't get you
something from the drugstore?

No, I'm fine,
I'm fine. I'm fine.

I'm gonna join that dunk
competition on Saturday.

[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]

What you think?

I think you'll win it
if you want to, Michael.
That's for sure.

Mom, Mom, look, Mom,
you sure I can't
get you something?

The nearest drugstore
is seven miles away.

I mean, I can go on a bus.

You know that.

I'm fine. I'm fine.

[CONTINUES COUGHING]

How's your new job?
Oh, it's great.

I'm learning how
to be the world's
fastest dishwasher.

Have you seen Taye?

[SIGHS] No, I haven't.

I was looking for him too.

Michael,

if anything should
happen to me,

and it shouldn't,

but, if anything
should happen to me,

please take care
of your brother.

Mom,

listen.

Always gonna
take care of Taye.

But don't worry.

I mean, nothing's
gonna happen to you.

[CHUCKLES] I know, dear.

I just want
to be reassured.

[MICHAEL SIGHS]

[COUGHS]

Mom, don't worry
at all, okay?

MC: Welcome to our


Kenny Dobbs
Dunk Competition
and first up.

And here he is himself,

dunker extraordinaire,

My man Kenny Dobbs,
a.k.a. Million Dollar Hair!

[CROWD CHEERING]

What's up everybody?
It is about to go down!

Hey, man, what's up?

How's it going?
What's goin' on?

You guys seen
Taye around?
Taye? No. No.

KENNY: Slam Dunk Champion...
I thought he'd be here.

...Young Sam!

Yeah. Hey, your mom's here.

That's all that
matters, right?
Yeah.

That's right.
How you doin'?
You feel fresh?

Yeah, I'm good.
All right.

Michael Diggs.
What's up?

Whatcha you
doing here, boy?

I signed up.
Really?

Trying to get
some of that past glory?

Things have changed
since you've been out.

Yo, listen, Jimmer.
I'm Jammer.

Anyways,
here's the deal, man.

Michael's gonna
whip your...
It's all right.

Let's just have
a good contest.

A good contest?
This is my contest.

I ain't tryin' to give no type
of hope to any ex-convict.

Hey! That's my friend.
Don't be callin' him
no ex-convict, a'right?

Yeah, man.
All right.

So what should
I call him, then?

Ex-prisoner.

This is being broadcasted
live in L.A.
from all three stations.

I'm Belinda Mason.
I'm Bill Smith.

And this is Jerry Johnson
with Channel 19.

The first dunker
of the night,

we got my boy Steve Trace
from Los Angeles.

Clap your hands. Let's go.
Clap! Clap! Clap!

Clap! Clap! Clap!

Off the glass! Tomahawk dunk!

Whoa! Beautiful! Beautiful!

KENNY: Off the glass
with a Tomahawk slam.

Boo!
That was
a horrible dunk.

He didn't even
get off the ground!

KENNY: Here we go,
first round.

It's the Great White Hype.

Let's go!

He takes off, one...

[WHOOPING]

BELINDA: A 35
from the judges.

Not too shabby.
BILL: Well deserved.

KENNY: We got
the Big Fella.

Seven and some change.
Rock the cradle.

Rock the cradle!
Put the baby to sleep!

Put the baby to sleep!
[WHOOPS]



Man, that's the worst
dunk I've ever seen!

KENNY: Whoa!
With a Tomahawk slam!

BILL: Ooh, tomahawk, dog.

In the vein of Vince Carter.
[LAUGHS] I love it.

KENNY: Here he goes. Windmill!

Oh, yes.

MALE ANNOUNCER:
Very, very finesse
touch on that one.

KENNY: We got the shortest man
in our competition. He's 5'9.

Now show him
some love. Let's go!

Windmill dunk reverse!

A reverse dunk,
ladies and gentlemen.

Make some noise!

All right, here we go.
Round one.

He's setting up his dunk.
What is he gonna do?

Looks like he's
bringing in some help.

He's gonna go off
for the bounce.

Let's go, crowd,
make some noise!

[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]

KENNY: Off the bounce.
Windmill dunk!

Off the bounce
with the first round,
we got Michael Diggs.

Make some noise!

But Michael Diggs has been
out of it for so long,

but I don't think
that matters.

I agree, but we're gonna
have to wait and see
how this all plays out.

KENNY: He just got
outta prison after six years.

Now make some noise!

Mike, come on!
Mike, come on!

[CHANTING] Mike! Mike! Mike!

KENNY: Just the local magic
of Michael Diggs!

Oh!

Ooh!

[WHOOPS]

KENNY: That was crazy
right there.

JEROME: That was
the sickest dunk
I've ever seen.

What, are you superhuman
or something? Hoo-hoo!

Ten! Ten! Ten!

And another ten!
All across the board!

BILL: Incredible.
The judges gave him a 40.

KENNY: We got The Jammer.
Let's go. Make some noise!

Off the lob

with the reverse slam!

[KENNY WHOOPS]

JERRY: I think Jammer
has the ultimate tools

to make it to
the championship round.

KENNY: In the first round
he went off the glass

with the Tomahawk.
Let's see what he's got.

Let's go, crowd,
make some noise!

Let's go crowd,
clap it up. Clap it up.


with the 360 dunk!

Whoa!

Beautiful! Beautiful!

KENNY: Round two,
it's the Great White Hype.

What's he gonna do?

[CROWD CHEERS]

KENNY: The Great White Hype
from the baseline.
Reverse two hands!

[WHOOPING]

Five, six, seven, seven.

We got the Big Fella. 360!


Oh, please,
that's nothin'.

With a pop reverse.

BELINDA: Oh...

My goodness!

A three, a one, a two,

and another one. No love.

In the first round,
he slapped the glass
in windmill,

now with a reverse
off one foot!

[WHOOPING]

Whoo!

This competition
is heating up!

Nine, nine, ten, ten.
There we go, much respect.

Let's go! Let's go!
KENNY: Make some noise!

Out of the hand.
Windmill dunk!

[KENNY WHOOPING]

All right, here we go!

Make some noise
for Michael Diggs!

Let's go, kids!
Make some noise!
Make some noise!

[CHANTING] Michael!
Michael! Michael!

Michael! Michael! Michael!

Michael! Michael! Michael!
There we go.

CROWD: Oh!

KENNY: Tens across the board!


Michael!
KENNY: Oh, yeah!

Oh, yeah!

Last round,
he had the 360 dunk.

What is he gonna do?
Off the wall!

CROWD: Aw!

KENNY: Here we go.
Seven foot tall
and some change.

Make some noise!

Let's go!
KENNY: Out of the hand!

All right. That's it.
That's it.

He's out, man. So close.

This is it.
The third and final round.

Michael Diggs!

Oh!

With the Tomahawk Sling sh*t!

Now that is gonna be hard
for The Jammer to b*at.

JERRY: I don't know.
We'll have to wait and see.

Michael!

All right, this is it,
our last dunk.

He needs a perfect
score to win.

Make some noise
for your champ The Jammer!

BELINDA: The moment
of his career
is happening now.

KENNY: Wiping
off his shoes,
he's ready to go.

Let's go, crowd,
make some noise!

Jammer! Jammer! Jammer!

He's up in the air! Oh!

Oh, my goodness!

Oh!

Ten, ten, ten!

And a perfect score.
He wins the competition!

No way. A 40!
All tens!

A perfect 40!
Wow!

That's what
I'm talkin' about
winning it all.

Better go back
to school, Michael.

Or better yet, jail.

Oh, yo, that's
not right, man.

So what're you
gonna do about it?

That's what I thought, punk.
CROWD: Jammer!
Jammer! Jammer!

Hey.

And your winner

of the Kenny Dobbs
Dunk Competition is

The Jammer!

[CHANTING CONTINUES]
Jammer! Jammer!

BELINDA: Great effort,
Michael.

Are you going
to the national championship
next month in Venice Beach?

Uh, no. I don't think so.
But you
automatically qualify.

Oh, you goin'. You goin'.
He's goin'. How you doin'?

Jerome Matthews,
I'm his agent.
Nice to meet you.

Michael.
Pleasure to meet you.

LISA: Michael,
it's your mom.
What?

She collapsed.
I called 911.
What happened?

I don't know!

Mom! Mom, you okay? Mom!

Call help! Call help!

Mom! Mom! Mom.

[SOBS] Mom.

Is she gonna be okay?
She had a stroke.

I'm so sorry.

She was so happy today.

Seeing me play,
it was like old times.

[SIGHS]

And then...
I know.

Michael, but she was happy.

Listen, you better go.

It's late.

Michael, I...
I understand.

I appreciate you coming.

[LISA SIGHS]

NURSE: Dr. Bruce,
telephone, please.
Dr. Bruce, telephone, please.

Yo. Where you been?
How is she?

She had a stroke!

Is she gonna be okay?

Where have you been?
Around.

Around? That doesn't
cut anymore, little bro!

Look, you ain't my daddy.
No, I ain't your daddy.

But I'm your big brother.

I'm not lettin' you
fall like I did.

Look, what do you
want from me, huh?

I want you to get
your life together!

If not for yourself,
then do it for Mom!
That's what.

Go to hell.
Hell?

I've been there.

Try six years
in prison, Taye.

You done? Hmm?

She loves you, man.

She told me
to take care of you
if anything happens to her.

Doc, I don't want her moved.

Michael, her insurance
doesn't cover private rooms.

I'm so sorry.

How much does it cost?

Approximately
$26,000 a month.

Oh, this is our
V.P., Kent Ashworth.

Michael, I'm sorry.

Your insurance just doesn't
cover a private room.

[NURSE SPEAKING
INDISTINCTLY OVER PA]

I'll give you
the other thousand later.

What is this?

I won it yesterday.

[SOBS] God...

I just want my mother
to have another chance.

I let her down
so many times.

[SOBBING]

She don't deserve me.

She don't deserve me.

I just want my mother back,
God, please! Please, God.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

What's up with you, boss?

Man. Good to see you.
Always a pleasure.

For sure.
For sure.

What's wrong with you?
It's Michael's mom.

She suffered
from a stroke.

For real?

Damn.

That's crazy.

What up, boy?

I'm gonna see you inside.

Come on, baby.

There he is.
There's my man.

How you doin'?
I'm good.
Good to see you.

Come on,
I'll get you guys in.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

All right, Craig Jackson
is in the house!

You dig it? Yeah!

What up?
What's up? What up?

What up, what up,
what up, what up?

What's up, boy?
Hello, boy.

How you been, man?
Good, son.

How y'all doin'?
Check it out, man.
Shout out to everybody in here.

Shout out to my boys
Tray, Money,
and Harlem over there.

Garyonie and Wheezie.
I see y'all.

Good to see you, bro.
How you doing?

I'm good. Anything
you need. Anything.

I appreciate it, man.
It's good to be here, man.

I like what you've
done with the place.

Hey, hey, hey, hey.
You lit it up
tonight, man.

I appreciate you, fam.
Thank you, man.

Forty five points.
Don't forget
about the 12 assists.

You know how that go.
Already. Yeah.

Let me get
another 40, homie.

I need one.
Right now.

I think you've had enough.

Girl, what's
wrong with you?

Don't be snatchin' nothin'
away from me in this club.

Better watch yourself.

Out here acting crazy.

What's wrong with you?
Look at me.
Don't touch me like that.

Don't you hear me
talkin' to you? Look at me
when I'm talkin' to you.

What's wrong with you?

I just had a bad day!

Bad day?

[SCOFFS]

You seem to be havin'
a lot more bad days

now that Michael
and his mom is around.

Why do you care about him
and his mom so much?

It's irritating me!
Because she's
a good woman.

A good woman?
How is she a good woman?

What does she do for you, me,
or anybody else?

Look at me when
I'm talkin' to you.

I just went to support
him as a friend.

He won the slam dunk
competition, by the way.

A friend? Are you talkin' to me
about a slam dunk competition?

See, that's what trip me out
about these girls nowadays.

$25,000 got you
hot and bothered,
ready to throw it around.

There's 25 mill
over here, baby.
Don't play yourself.

I got to go.
Where are you going?

Out of here.

Bitch, I...

Lisa! Lisa! Lisa!

Girl, I know you
hear me talkin' to you?
What?

Come here!

Man, are you trippin'
over this fool
making 7.50?

No.
Seven-fifty.

That's what you want?

He makes 10!

Oh, well, don't break
the bank, homie.

But he has
a million dollar heart.

You're right.
He'll never be you.

Yeah, I'm glad
you know that.

There's only one
Craig Jackson out here.
And that's me. The big homie.

The best thing that
ever happened to you!
And you know it.

Twenty-five mil.

You just walked away from it.

I'm available
if you're looking.

Hoochie, get out of my face.

I don't have time
to be playin' with y'all.

Hoochie? You best not come here
and say that to my face again!

Yeah, you.
Oh, yeah?
What if I do?

You a hoochie
and nothin' else!

Uh!
VERONICA: Uh, what?

She hit me.
Yeah, I hit you.

No, no.
VERONICA:
I didn't think so.

Get off me, man!

Don't touch me!

Nobody touch me! Nobody!

[BREATHING HEAVILY]

Mama?

I love you, Michael dear.

Mama, please,
please don't. Please don't.

The way you came back
made me so happy.

Made my entire life worth it.

Please don't.

Please don't.

GEMMA: You'll be fine.

Please don't...
You'll be fine.

No, Ma,
please don't. Please.

Watch over Taye for me.

He needs you.

I promise I will.
I promise I will.

I'm going home.

No, Mama.
No, Mama. Please.

I'll see you again.
No.

No, please.

No. No! Please.

Please, Mama!

[CRYING]

PASTOR SOUL:
"The Lord is my shepherd.

"I lack nothing. He makes me
lie down in green pastures.

"He leads me
beside quiet waters.

"He refreshes my soul.

"Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,

"I will fear no evil,
for You are with me.

"Your rod and your staff,
they comfort me."

Amen.

Now Michael'd
like to say something.

My mom

was a saint,
as you all know.

She taught me
the meaning of life,

not by her words,

but by the way she lived.

She had a very hard life

and never once complained.

She took the forces of evil
that the world threw at her

and stood strong.

I love you, Mom.

I'll see you again.

I'll see you again.

PASTOR SOUL:
Thank you for coming.
God bless you.

Thank you.

Michael,

I'm so sorry for your loss.

If there's anything
that you need,
I'm here for you.

God bless you.

All right, Michael?
Yeah.

She raised
a great man.
Yeah.

Anything you need,
we got you, all right?

I know. You guys
being here is enough.

We got you.
Thanks, bro.

Be strong.

[EXHALES]

PASTOR SOUL:
Glad you could make it.

Thank you
very much for coming.

I'm so sorry, Michael.

[SNIFFLES]

Don't let your mother's death
to be in vain.

She truly believed in you,

believed that you were...

That you are
a very good person.

And I also believe it too.

So sorry.

Thank you.

It's okay.

PASTOR SOUL: Thank you
for coming. Thank you
very much for coming.

Michael. She was
a good woman.

She was.

What's up, man?
What's up?

Hey, listen. I'm joining
a dunk competition on Saturday.

Would love
for you to be there.

I don't think so.

I just need
a little bit of time.
I understand.

Maybe we can
just hang out...

Nah.
...and do something.

I've got some things
I gotta do.

Look, I'll catch you
later, all right?

He'll be okay,
all right?

I sure hope so, man.

Yeah. He just
needs some time.

Nine.
Higher.

Ten. Dunk it,
dunk it.
Higher.

There we go.
All right, take a rest.

Yo, Mike,

if you want to b*at The Jammer
and that German dude,

you've got to come up
with a special dunk, man.

You got to.

You sure you're up
for this, Michael?

I'm doing it for my mom.

She wanted me to have
another chance at something.

I'm just not sure
what that is yet.

Winning this
dunk tournament's
going to be a start.

That's right.
Yeah.

No.

It's something
more than that.

Let's keep goin'.
Let's go.

Come on,
let's go bass fast.

There we go.
JEROME: That's right.
Finish strong.

Here we go.
BRANDON: Got it, right?

JEROME: Let's go. Two more.
Two more. Come on.

BRANDON: Ready? You dunk, baby.
JEROME: Finish strong.
Finish strong. Ah!

Who are you, homie?

I'm Michael.

What do you want?

I want to see Taye.
What?

Why you think you can just
roll up in here like that?

Man, I ain't
afraid to die.
What?

LIZARE: Let him go!

Michael, Michael.

I hope for your sake that you
came with a change of heart.

So? You gonna cop
one of these .44s or what?

It's the only thing that's
gonna protect you out here.

You know that, right?

No, I don't need
a g*n to protect me.

Oh.

What, you Superman now?

Catching flying b*ll*ts
with your teeth?

Show me.

I said show me,
Superman.

Who's gonna
save you now, Mike?

God gonna protect me.

[LAUGHING]
Shut up!

God, huh?

Take a look
around you, Mike.

God doesn't
live here anymore.

He checked out
a long time ago.

Where is he?

He's out back.

I want to see him.

Go get him.

[SIGHS]

You must really hate
guys like us, huh?

Doin' time for their con.

No, I don't hate you.

No?

Red caused you
six years behind bars.

He took everything
away from you, right?

I'm sure you hate him
a little bit.

Took his girl.

Took your family.

Your dreams
and aspirations
of the future.

You could've been
playing in the NBA making
millions of dollars, but...

But instead you're
here with us.

How's that make
you feel, Mike?

Either way, I guess Red got
what he deserved, right?

Three months
into his sentence...

[IMITATES g*n sh*t]

He gets k*lled
by a g*ng member.

Red was sloppy. I'm not.

Make it quick, Taye.

Taye...

Don't make the same
mistake I made.

I was a fool.

I know you don't respect me.
You got every right not to.

Respect God.

Respect your mother.

Respect your family, man.

Yo, I lost it all
six years ago.

I was young and dumb.

But I get it now.

You see this white
piece of paper?

Man, that's you.

You're clean.

Not a mark on you.

Man, don't ruin your life.

God loves you.

He loves you.

Man, I don't care
if they k*ll me.

But you?

You got your whole
life ahead of you.

My life means nothing
if you go down the same path.

Lisa's gone.

Mama's gone.

You're the only family
I have today.

You're the only family I got.

Mom made me promise
to protect you,

take care of you.

That's what I'm here
to do, man.

I love you, man.

Taye.

Go with your brother, man.

Thank you.
Hey.

You still ain't
better than us.

I'm not.

That's why I'm here.

Come on, man.

LISA: Hey.

Hi.

What are you doing?

Practicing for
the slam dunk competition.

Oh, right. The national
championship, huh?

Yeah.

Wow! Can I help?

I mean, if you want.

Okay.

I left Craig.

But I thought
you guys were like...

Uh-uh. Let's just
turn back the time
six years ago, okay?

Well, if it's
six years ago...

Mmm-hmm.

That means
we're still serious.

Mmm-hmm. Just like before.

So kiss me.

No.

Not with all that
sweat on your face. Ew.

Come on.

We have a lot
of practicing to do.

Hey, man,
your mom would want you
to win it, all right?

There's not enough
time, man.

The dunk contest's
in two weeks.

There's enough time,
Michael.

JEROME: You got this, kid.
Oh, God.

Keep it goin'.
You can do it.

Yeah.
Let's go, let's go.

Pick up those knees.
Let's go.

Yeah. Let's go. Higher.

Higher!

Here we go. Higher!
Let's go, Diggs!

Yeah.
JEROME: Come on, man.

Seriously,
that's not gonna b*at
The Jammer. Let's go!

Gotta work!
Quicker, baby.

Come on, Michael.
You're not gonna b*at him

if you're not working.
Let's go!
BRANDON: Quicker, baby. Quicker!

Hold it out. Hold it out.

That's good. Come on, man.
Too simple.

Okay.

Let's go.

expl*sive. expl*sive.
There you go.

BRANDON: Try to get lower.
JEROME: Let's go.

[EXCLAIMING]

Lower, lower.
Keep going.

Feel it.

Move it, baby.
Nice work.

Come on, let's go.

[CHEERING]

JEROME: There we go.
Come on.

Let's get in there.
Let's get in there.

Let's hear it for him.
Let's hear it for him.

Come on. Come on.
Clap. Clap.

[CHEERING]

Whew!
[ALL PANTING]

Come on, man,
you're too slow.

You're slower
than my grandpa.

Whatever.

Your grandpa's, like,
I don't see the comparison.

Bro. It's a metaphor.
Okay, well...

What's that?

He's not, like, literally...

Never mind.

Well, they're gonna
have the best dunkers
in the world there, Michael.

Yeah, I know.
Yeah.

They got that one,
that German dude.

Frankie Fudengurstgleen...

Frigginsurspleek...

Frick... Frick...
Hey, just... Just stop.

[LAUGHING]
How you feeling, man?
You good?

I'm good.
You still got
the hops, man.

You know you got to come
with that one k*ller dunk

to take it all,
you know that, right?

Yeah, I know.
I've been thinkin'
about something.

I just haven't
attempted it yet.

Why not?

Well, it's
impossible to do.

BRANDON: Impossible?

Yeah.

[SIGHS]

[SIGHS] Impossible.

Impossible?
Which one is that?

It's a 540 dunk.
No one's been able to do it.

TAMMY: A 540?
What's that?

It's a 360
with an extra loop.

It's impossible.
TAMMY: No way.

ANNOUNCER: Everybody,
what time is it?

Here we go!

[CHEERING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]

Make some noise, y'all!
Coming up next.

Make some noise!

Welcome to the International
Slam Dunk Competition,
Slamma Jamma,

where we have
a one million dollar first place
prize for the winner.

The world's best
dunkers are here, Bob.

LINDA: We have
a newcomer, Michael Diggs,

who many remember
served six years in jail.

Is there room for redemption?
That's another story.

[CROWD CHEERING]

Let's go. Round one.
The Jammer, Round one.

The Jammer from Canada,
people. Let's go.

Clap. Clap. Clap. Cartwheel.

You way too special
for this competition, boy.

This is nationals.

I'll be surprised
if you even come in 10th place.

BRANDON: Hey!

Chill, man.
The Jammer.

Think you're all cool
making millions,
being a world-class dunker,

havin' all the girls
chasing you?

Well, you still be
just a high school dropout.

High school dropout?

I got my Masters in education.
What are you talking about?

Oh, yeah?

Well, can you make five tacos
blindfolded in one minute?

Yeah. I bet
you can't do that.

[LAUGHING]

Got him.

Round one! The Jammer...

TV ANNOUNCER: Okay.

The Jammer has never lost
a dunk competition
in three years, guys.

ANNOUNCER: Clap.
Clap. Clap. Cartwheel!
Wow.

Out of the seat!
Out of the seat!
TV ANNOUNCER: Unbelievable!

What a dunk! Oh, man.

All tens. Jammer
is now in first place.

Wow, incredible dunk.

José Marks from Argentina.
Everybody, let's go,
make some noise.

TV ANNOUNCER: Up next
is José Marks,

winner of the Argentina
dunk competition.

Great dunk!
KENNY: Hey!

Let's go, fans.
Clap, clap, clap, clap.

Up... Between the legs dunk!

Whoo!

Man, that was nasty!

Okay, ladies and gentlemen...

TV ANNOUNCER: Next up
is Michael Diggs,

the former college champion
who spent six years in prison.

A real tragedy.

And Michael, of course,
placed second
in the local dunk competition.

But these are the world's
greatest dunkers vying
for that million-dollar prize.

And I think Michael Diggs
should count himself
lucky to be here.

KENNY: Give it up. Give it up.
Michael Diggs.

Michael. Michael.
Michael! Michael!

Michael! Michael!
Michael! Michael!

[CROWD CHEERING]

Ah! 360!
TV ANNOUNCER:
Incredible dunk!

LINDA: Oh, my... Wow!
TV ANNOUNCER:
Spectacular dunk!

Oh, that will ensure
he gets to the next round.

Next up. Frank Frondheim
from Germany!

BILL: Frank Frondheim has
a 48 vertical leap. He's
the best dunker in Germany.

KENNY: Coming up...

TV ANNOUNCER:
What is he doing?

KENNY: He don't like it.
He don't like it.

This guy's too short.
He wants to add
a chair in there.

What is he gonna do?

MAN: Go higher!

KENNY: He wants to go higher.
TV ANNOUNCER: This is crazy.

He's gonna jump
over that guy?

[EXCLAIMING AND CHEERING]

Amazing. The German is now
in first place over Jammer.

KENNY: Goodness!
Clap it up. Clap it up.
Clap it up!

How about a round
of applause, please?

Wow!

TV ANNOUNCER: Wow,
that was fantastic.

KENNY: Whoo! Perfect tens!

And now...

TV ANNOUNCER: Whoa.
What's Craig Jackson doing?
The NBA star?

Get off the roll, punk!

Look, I'm tired of all y'all
people out here cheering
for these whack dunkers

like they're really
doin' somethin'.

You all know what's up.
Yeah, you heard me.

It's about time
Craig Jackson came out here.

I'm in the dunk contest,
homie.

Sir, no, no.
The rules clearly state

an NBA player cannot be
part of the competition.

Look, man...
Bro, give me the rules.
Bro, give me the rules.

I don't care about your rules.
I'm in the dunk contest.

Your rules, I break 'em.
That's what it is, homie.

Okay.
I'm making the rules.

We need to check
with the judges.

Yeah, go check
with your little judges, homie.

Dang. Is y'all ready or what?
Let me hear it.
Make some noise.

I see you. Hey,
you got that jersey on?

It looks...
Hey!

What are you doing?

Lisa, get out
of my face, man!

What you always
coming up on me for?
It's not right!

You trippin' 'cause you think
your little boyfriend

gonna lose,
that a real one here?

Please, don't do this.

You got one choice.
Listen to me.

You got one choice.

You drop that fool Michael

and come back with me,
and we good.

I'm out of the contest.

Otherwise,
suffer the consequences
with him.

He needs the money!

I don't care nothin'
about that.

TV ANNOUNCER: Now,
as you know, Craig Jackson

is the three-time
NBA slam dunk champion.

KENNY: Let's go.
Let's get it. Ready?
Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap!

TV ANNOUNCER: Unbelievable!

They're letting Craig Jackson
in the competition.

KENNY: Craig Jackson,
everybody. Get up!

[KENNY CHEERING]

Yay! Between the legs,

over the dude
with the nasty dunk.

Craig Jackson,
ladies and gentlemen.

TV ANNOUNCER:
And the judges
give Craig all nines.

A 27 for Mr. Jackson.

What you gonna do?
What you gonna do? Huh?

KENNY: And the competition
is heating up.

CRAIG: Gonna stand there
like a punk?
KENNY: Craig Jackson,

Michael Diggs.

Crowd, make some noise.

TV ANNOUNCER: Wow.
It looks like Craig
has a beef with Michael Diggs.

Yeah, your homies
heard me, too.

TV ANNOUNCER: Bootie Josie
from Kenya now up.

KENNY: All the way from Kenya!

Between the legs
over three people!

Whoo!

TV ANNOUNCER:
And the judges give him a 29.

KENNY: Off the lob.



TV ANNOUNCER:
And the Argentinean hits it,
but is it enough?

No! The judges
rule him out.

KENNY: In the first round
he went between the legs, 360.

What's he gonna do?

Over and...

Ah!

Whoo! Over the guy,
reverse dunk!
Here we go!

TV ANNOUNCER: Oh!
And Frank Frondheim
is getting all 10s!

He's in the finals!

That was nasty.
Das ist gut!

So, uh, what
are you gonna do?

[EXHALES SHARPLY]

I don't know.

Yo, I got an idea.
Follow me. Follow me.

Where did he
get that shirt?
I bought it for him.

Can you get me one?

It looks like Michael Diggs
is going to jump
over a motorcycle.

KENNY: This is a level 20.

Is that possible?
Oh, my gosh!

KENNY: Over the person,

over the motorcycle! Oh!

Michael did it!
Oh, my God!

TV ANNOUNCER: And Michael Diggs
advances to the final round.

KENNY: Michael Diggs.
Give it up for him!

Round number two.
Craig Jackson. Let's go!

TV ANNOUNCER: And this dunk
could advance Craig Jackson
to the final round.

Incredible dunk!
Oh, my! What a dunk!

KENNY: 360 windmill!
What a dunk, baby!

Baby! A winner's dunk!
I love it!

Gonna win this thing.
I love it! All 10s, baby.
Can't see me?

Now let's see
what the judges
give Craig.

TV ANNOUNCER: Oh, my!
José gives Craig an 8!

Eight? Are you kidding me?

Terrell! Do something!
I got you. Hey.

Keep your head
in the game, baby.
All right. All right. Okay.

I got you, baby.
Stop talkin' to me.

Talk to 'em.
I got you. I got you.

Hey, José.
Come on, baby.

We go way back.
We've always been good.

I'm gonna need you to hook
a brother up on this

and get that score
up for me.

Man, that was a boring dunk.
He gets an 8.

Hey, listen, I'm not
askin' for something

and not be willing
to give something.

Two tickets, floor seats,
Clipper game.
And it's yours.

Man, who do you think
you're talking to?

I'm José Canseco.
MVP. 4-time All-Star.

First player to hit
for four different ball clubs.

Beloved by millions of fans.

You actually think
I would stoop so low

for two Clipper tickets?

You're right.
Make it four.

You got a deal.

My man.

Bam!
CRAIG: That's what
I'm talkin' about.

Right back where
we need to be!

I knew you got it, baby.
I got you, baby.

That's what's up, baby.
That's what's up.

Oh, no! José just changed
his score from an 8 to a 10
for Craig Jackson!

What?

What is going on?

I changed my mind, okay?

Well, that's wrong!

I mean...
BOY: Mr. Canseco.
Mr. Canseco.

Why'd you change your score?
I looked up to you.

Welcome to
the real world, kid.

Bill, who do you
think will win?

Well, my favorite of course,
is still, the Jammer.

I mean, even over
the German.

I mean, he's already
won the contest
three years in a row,

and he just keeps getting
better and better.

BOB: And what about the crowd
favorite Michael Diggs?

BILL: Unfortunately, no.

He's too old,

and you saw he barely made it
to the second round.

I'm sorry,
but his days are over.

Well, we will see.

We'll be right back
after this commercial break.

[CLEARS THROAT]

JEROME: Excuse me, sir.
Yeah, what can I
do for you?

I was wondering.

Have you ever
played basketball before?

Uh, me? No.
Okay.

Then why do you
criticize those that do?

I'm just wondering.

I'm sorry, who are you?

I'm a friend
of Michael Diggs.

I just don't
really appreciate

how you disrespected
him like that
on national television.

I'm a sports critic.
That's what we do.

Oh, a sports critic. Okay.

You seem like a guy
who's never been picked

to play basketball.
Am I right?

Excuse me?

I already told you
that I didn't play basketball.

Therefore,
you couldn't pick me.

I wouldn't give you
the chance to reject me.
You understand?

You can't reject me.
How dare you criticize me?

Bill?
Bill, we're on.

You come over here
and tell me that
I can't criticize people?

See, I am a professional
sports critic.

That's what I do.
See, you don't understand

because you've never
criticized anybody

on a professional
level like me.
Bill... We're on...

Who do you think you are,
you little hoopster hood rat,

coming over here
and messing with me?

Give me a break.
Get outta here.

Bill!
What?

We're on national TV.

I... [CLEARS THROAT]
was just talking
to my buddy over here.

We're good friends
from way back.

I've never
seen you before,

so obviously
you're a liar

and a very awful critic,
so good luck, pal.

LINDA: Oh! [LAUGHS]

And now, here we are
at the final round.

I wish you the best, man.

Man, why'd you do it?

When I was a kid,
I used to look up
to you, man.

I used to watch you
all the time.

We all make mistakes.

I ain't even tryin'
to hear that, man.

I ain't trying to hear that.

KENNY: All right.
Here we go. This is it.

Round number three.
This is the grand finale.

If he hits this dunk,
he may be crowned
our champion.

Let's go. Make some noise!

TV ANNOUNCER: Each contestant
gets one dunk
in the final round.

Up now is Jammer.

KENNY: Can he do it?
TV ANNOUNCER:
What dunk will he do?

Over the guy...

Oh! And he's out.
Oh, my gosh.

Jammer is out
of the tournament!

Bill, what do you
think of that?

Unbelievable.
He was my favorite.

KENNY: And that's it.
The Jammer's eliminated.

Make some noise
for The Jammer!

TV ANNOUNCER:
All right. Incredible.

Three-time champion
is out of the competition!

All right. This is it.
Round number three.

This is the grand finale,
right here.

We got our man, the German.
Make some noise!

All right. This is it.

Frank Frondheim
from Germany, let's go!

[CROWD CHEERING]

KENNY: Yeah!
TV ANNOUNCER:
And that might do it.

He may be our champion!

The guy from Germany.
KENNY: 360 through
the legs! Whoo!

That was a nasty dunk.

Give it up
for Frank Frondheim!

[CHEERING]

Wow! And the judges
give him all 10s...

Except for one 9.

TV ANNOUNCER: And now
Craig Jackson's up.
KENNY: Give it up, give it up.

TV ANNOUNCER: He has
one dunk to win it.

KENNY: Oh!
TV ANNOUNCER: And he's out!

Craig Jackson is out.

KENNY: He tried.

Sorry, Craig.
That's a technical foul.

[INAUDIBLE]

All right,
what are you gonna do?

Hey, you don't have to
do anything spectacular.

You just gotta dunk
and you win.

BRANDON: What you
gonna do, man?

The impossible.

That's crazy.
That's crazy.

BOB: He is in a virtual
tie right now
with Frank Frondheim,

unless he misses
his final dunk.

KENNY: All right, this is it!
Our grand finale!

Round number 3.
Michael Diggs.

If he makes this dunk,

he is our million-dollar
champion!

PASTOR SOUL:
You are Michael Diggs.

Or was I mistaken?

MICHAEL: In another life.

PASTOR SOUL: No.
You are still Michael Diggs.

GEMMA: God will
be with us, son.

KENNY: This is it!
Make some noise! Let's go!

[CROWD CHEERING]

The international slam dunk
championship, Michael Diggs!

Say it with me!

Michael! Michael!
Michael! Michael!

[CROWD CHANTING]
Michael! Michael!

Michael! Michael! Michael!

KENNY: Michael Diggs!

[CROWD CHANTING]
Michael! Michael! Michael!

Michael! Michael! Michael!

Michael! Michael!

[CHEERING]

Michael Diggs!

TV ANNOUNCER: He just
did the impossible!
A 540 dunk!

No one has been
able to do it!
Not even MJ!

Amazing! He's our champion!

KENNY: Michael Diggs!

Michael Diggs,
the champion now!

[APPLAUSE AND CHEERING]

Michael...

Oh, wow!
He just did the impossible.

A 540!
Good work!

KENNY: Michael Diggs!

Michael Diggs
the champion now!

Champ!

Yeah!

Yeah!

We did it, man. We did it!
We did it!

Ha-ha. We did it.

Congratulations, man.

That's the best dunk
I've ever seen.

You earned it.
Thanks, Jose.
Appreciate it.

Congratulations,
Michael.
Thank you.

Now, I haven't
forgiven myself.

Don't worry about it.
I forgive you.

Thank you.
Thank you, Michael.

You are a good dunker.

Talented man.

God bless you.
Thanks, man.

God bless you.
Thank you.

Man, you did
your thing, man.
Thanks, man.

Every man can redeem himself
from time to time.

Man, this is for everybody.

I feel you, man.

Have a good one.
Respect.

[LAUGHING]

KENNY: Folks, we have
MVP Hall of Famer,
Jose Canseco,

presenting
the million-dollar check
to billionaire entrepreneur,

Appi Reddy
from Hyderabad Talkies!

[APPLAUDING]

From all of us,
congratulations to Michael.

You did it!

On behalf
of Flyless Airlines,

we also want to sign Michael
to a five-year contract!

[CHEERING]

Michael!
Mike!

First off,
I want to thank God.

Without Him,
none of this is possible.

I wanna thank my fiancee, Lisa,
who I once lost.

My mom who isn't here.
My brother Taye.

My friends, Brandon and Jerome.
We did it, guys.

[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]

People, hold on.
There's more here.

Michael!

Michael. Steve Mandell.

I'm gonna make you
millions of dollars, okay?

Mark Cuban called me.
He wants you in the NBA.

Thank you, sir.
Give me a call.

We're gonna get together.

I'm gonna make you a career
like you've never seen.

Hey, man,
listen, listen, listen.

All you sharks are
in the water out here.

Man, listen, baby.

I've always
believed in you.

I knew you could do this.

And I'm telling you,
this story of redemption,

I can take you
to new heights, man.

New heights, Mike.
It's our time now.

Excuse me. Excuse me.
It's our time, Mike.

Why are you
talking to him?

Mike, you have my number.

You have my number, Mike.

Call me.
JEROME: Bye-bye.

How are you not
dizzy from that dunk?
[LAUGHING]

Where did you come up
with that, bro?
I know.

I don't know.
I know.

I just made it up.
JEROME: Just made it...
[LAUGHS]

Oh, man.
No, wait.

And he's gonna get a chance
to go back into the NBA.

[LAUGHING]

The NBA!

Mark Cuban called.

Mark Cuban!
Oh, my God!
Yeah.

What?
I know, I know.

Bro.
Oh, this is crazy.

And we're getting married.

Oh! You're gettin' married!

They're getting married.

You guys wanna come?
Oh, yeah, let's go.

All right.
Get in the truck.
Okay, come on.

No. He's just
being facetious, bro.

Oh!

Wait. What does that mean?

[MUSIC PLAYING]

♪ I wake up today
It's a beautiful day

♪ Like the sunshine somehow
removing the pain

♪ I'm vibing away
To the music I play

♪ Reinvigorating jump
I'm feeling so great

♪ It's a beautiful world
outside my window

♪ I'm in touch with my senses
Feeling the wind blow

♪ He's back, lean back
Whenever you feel low

♪ Just remember
that the world's
your oyster, you know

♪ Now's the time
Now's your turn

♪ There's a fire inside
You're feeling that burn

♪ Whatever you want
You can achieve

♪ Trust yourself
to realize your dreams

♪ Come what may
Life goes on

♪ Gotta stay strong
And you won't go wrong

♪ So what're you waiting for
'Cause the time's right now

♪ I said,
what're you waitin' for
Gonna ride right now

♪ Oh, yeah

♪ I wake up today
It's a beautiful day

♪ Like the sunshine somehow
Removing the pain

♪ I'm vibing away
To the music I play

♪ Reinvigorating, yeah
I'm feeling so great

♪ Yeah, I wake up today
It's a beautiful day

♪ Like the sunshine somehow
Removing the pain

♪ I'm vibing away
To the music I play

♪ reinvigorating, yeah
I'm feeling so great

♪ Yeah

♪ Yeah ♪