Chapter 343: Los Angeles Galaxy

In an office in the Convention Center building in downtown Los Angeles, Arthur listened as Clippers President Frank Grey gave an update on the new sports arena project.

The new arena was located right across from the Los Angeles Convention Center, near the 110 freeway, with a total area of about 100,000 square feet.

"Philip Anschutz of AEG is interested in investing in this new stadium, and AEG has some experience in operating venues," Frank Grey noted at the end.

Arthur moved to the window, watching the demolition work across the street. "Tell him the Clippers can build this arena on their own. There is no need to collaborate with him."

Arthur had spent considerable effort on this new arena, and there was no way he would let an outsider come in and share the glory.

Frank Grey gave it some thought before reminding him, "AEG mentioned they could find a company to sponsor the naming rights for the arena."

"Sponsorship? A couple of million dollars a year in naming fees doesn't mean much. This arena will be called the Galaxy Center, and the Los Angeles Clippers will be renamed as the Los Angeles Galaxy starting next season!"

Arthur remembered, upon hearing Philip Anschutz's name, that in the future, this guy would form the MLS team called the Los Angeles Galaxy, bringing in David Beckham later on.

Arthur thought it was perfect to rename the Los Angeles Clippers to the Los Angeles Galaxy, with their home court as the Galaxy Center in Los Angeles.

"Los Angeles Galaxy?" Frank Grey immediately understood what was going on and thought it wasn't a bad idea.

"I will handle it," he said. With the Lakers in their slump, it was the perfect time for the Los Angeles Galaxy to rise.

Arthur nodded. "Start construction of the Galaxy Center as soon as possible. Don't worry about funding!"

The total budget for the Galaxy Center was in the hundreds of millions of dollars, built to the standards of a modern professional basketball arena. When completed, it would be the most luxurious sports center in the country.

Arthur's entertainment empire was named Galaxy, and the Los Angeles Galaxy and Galaxy Center would help promote Galaxy Group!

"By the way, head coach Larry Brown seems to have some conflict with Danny Manning and plans to leave for the Indiana Pacers." Danny Manning was the star of the Clippers and had a rift with head coach Larry Brown.

Arthur closed his eyes. "Wasn't Larry Brown's assistant coach at the Spurs named Gregg Popovich?"

Frank Grey nodded. "Larry Brown hired Gregg Popovich as his assistant when he was coaching at Kansas University. And when Larry Brown joined the Spurs as head coach, he brought Popovich along as his assistant coach. When Larry Brown left the Spurs for the Clippers two years ago, Popovich also left the Spurs to work under head coach Don Nelson at the Golden State Warriors."

"So Popovich is still an assistant coach with the Warriors, right?" Arthur's eyes lit up.

"Yes, Larry Brown actually recommended Popovich to us," Frank Grey didn't hold back any information.

"Once Larry Brown leaves, invite Popovich to Los Angeles," Arthur said, knowing that Gregg Popovich would achieve great success with the Spurs in the future.

"I have actually already evaluated Gregg Popovich. He's quite suitable for us," Frank Grey smiled.

That night, at a West Hollywood club, Arthur enjoyed the nightlife with Monica Bellucci, who had come from Europe.

An African-American rapper on stage was performing passionately, with men and women dancing like mad in the pit below.

"Now, let's welcome our hero, Rodney King," suddenly, the rapper pulled a muscular African-American onto the stage.

Rodney King, whose beating by police two years ago had sparked the Los Angeles riots, had sued the LAPD and won a civil settlement from the California state court, receiving $3.8 million in damages.

"Wow," Arthur had almost forgotten about him and was surprised that in just two years, this guy had received such a large settlement.

"Arthur, what's up? Do you know him?" Monica Bellucci looked puzzled.

"That guy's the spark that ignited the LA riots two years ago. Compton gang members looted and vandalized South Central LA and Koreatown," Arthur said, looking at Rodney King, who was now very different - sporting a big gold chain, shiny diamond earrings, and rings on every finger.

"Interesting. Galaxy Records has a rap label, Death Row Records, which is now the leader of gangsta rap on the West Coast," Arthur said while touching Monica Bellucci's 36D bosom, noting that Death Row was doing well under Dr. Dre's management.

Last year, Snoop Dogg's debut album Doggystyle topped the Billboard album charts.

But these guys were indeed unruly. When the album was released last year, Snoop Dogg was mired in controversy, accused of murder.

And matters like weed addiction, beating fans, and illegal gun possession were minor issues, which even seemed to boost album sales.

Monica Bellucci certainly knew about the LA riots of '92. Hearing Arthur say that the man on stage was the catalyst and had received $3.8 million in compensation was astonishing.

"America is truly something!" Monica Bellucci laughed as she wrapped her arms around Arthur's neck. "My part in Interview with the Vampire is over. But the others will probably finish filming next month."

Arthur nodded and kissed Monica Bellucci. "There is an action comedy called Bad Boys in the works, starring two African-Americans. We need a sexy lady for it. You should take the role. It's a commercial film, and I see good prospects at the box office. It will be your first lead role in a Hollywood film!"

Whether in Bram Stoker's Dracula or Interview with the Vampire, Monica Bellucci only had cameo roles.

Bad Boys was different, with much meatier parts.

"I'll definitely prepare well," Monica Bellucci said, emotionally kissing Arthur.

After the kiss, Monica Bellucci continued, "When I returned to Italy, I found there weren't many opportunities. I was thinking of going to France to look for opportunities."

France is the center of European art films, with more job opportunities than Italy.

"Stay in Hollywood for now," Arthur advised, patting her. "Let's head back."

*****

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