Chapter 300

On October 6, 1993, when Michael Jordan publicly announced his retirement, the Dow Jones Industrial Average in the United States plummeted by 125 points within 24 hours. Additionally, the stock price of Nike Inc., which had a deep partnership with Michael Jordan, dropped by 4%.

Michael Jordan's retirement stunned countless basketball fans and heavily impacted the entire NBA, especially the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago basketball market.

After Arthur Smith acquired the Los Angeles Clippers, news immediately spread that he planned to build a new multifunctional sports arena in Los Angeles.

For the other NBA team in Los Angeles, the Lakers, this was definitely not good news. Lakers Club owner Jerry Buss, during an interview, expressed a welcoming stance but also indicated that they would prepare for future competition.

In Anaheim, Arthur also accepted a special interview with ESPN. "Michael Jordan's retirement is a significant loss for the entire NBA and the entire American sports world."

Reporter: "Yesterday, former Clippers owner Donald Sterling said after Jordan's retirement that selling the Clippers was the right decision. What do you think?"

Arthur: "I sit and watch. Just kidding. I absolutely believe that Michael's retirement is only temporary. He's only 30, which is a prime age for an athlete, and he led the Bulls to win three consecutive championships, a remarkable achievement. But the NBA has even greater honors for him to pursue.

This year he encountered some unfortunate events and chose to retire. I believe he went to the MLB just to take a break. He'll definitely return to the NBA soon!"

Reporter: "So, is it true that the Clippers will build a new sports arena in downtown Los Angeles?"

Arthur: "Yes, I've already discussed it with the Mayor of Los Angeles and the city council. We plan to build a luxurious multifunctional sports arena in downtown Los Angeles.

It's not just for the Clippers but for the entire Los Angeles. New York has its own basketball Mecca - Madison Square Garden. Los Angeles should have its own basketball sanctuary as well!"

Reporter: "So, will the competition between the Clippers and the Lakers become more intense in the future?"

Arthur: "Inevitably. The Lakers have a long history and an impressive track record. The Clippers fall short in comparison. However, I believe that in the future, the Clippers will become a symbol of Los Angeles, just like the Lakers in the '80s..."

In Los Angeles, Inglewood, in the office of the Lakers' home court, The Forum, Lakers owner Jerry Buss and General Manager Jerry West were sitting on the couch watching Arthur's interview on television.

"Arthur sure is confident. Sterling selling the Clippers to him ahead of time, was that a right or wrong decision?"

Jerry West shook his head, aware that the Lakers would face a challenge from the Clippers in the future, but confident they could continue to suppress them.

Jerry Buss, on the other hand, seemed somewhat helpless, "Sigh, Arthur Smith isn't comparable to Donald Sterling. He has money and Hollywood resources and now plans to build his own arena. By then, the Clippers will have Hollywood stars sitting courtside, which influence no one can match."

Jerry West consoled, "Ultimately, the team's performance speaks volumes. The Clippers are just at a playoff-level now."

Jerry Buss didn't want to dwell on this and asked about another matter, "What do you think about Johnson's contract?"

Talking about this issue made Jerry West frown. When Magic Johnson entered the league in his third year, the Lakers had locked down this extraordinarily talented rising star with an unprecedented 25-year, $25 million contract in 1984, the highest salary at the time.

However, Johnson retired after fulfilling less than half of the contract due to contracting HIV last year. The Lakers still had to pay his contract till 2009, and his salary occupied critical cap space, which couldn't be wasted under a $15 million salary cap.

"Talk to Johnson and buy out the remaining contract," Jerry West suggested reluctantly. Originally, they thought they could tie Johnson with this contract, but who knew he'd end up with HIV?

"We have no other choice. Let's see what kind of compensation he would need," Jerry Buss agreed. Magic Johnson's illustrious performance for the Lakers couldn't be ignored.

Now, he was still one of the Lakers' icons, and a significant compensation would be necessary to buy out his contract.

...

Orange County, Laguna Niguel.

After a break in Vancouver, Vivian Chow came over here.

"What have been busy with lately?" Arthur asked.

"I'm preparing a new album," Vivian lay weakly in Arthur's arms. "I stayed in Vancouver for so long; did you really think I was just resting?"

"So you were?" Arthur caressed the person lying on him.

"Shooting lots of MVs in Canada. Besides preparing a new album, there's also a compilation album to release," Vivian explained.

Arthur widened his eyes, "Are you releasing five albums in one year? You already had three albums in the first half!"

"Is that a lot? That's how we do it over there!"

Arthur was taken aback, realizing the Hong Kong music scene in the '90s was like this.

Should he start squeezing some of the signed hip-hop artists at his Galaxy Records as well?

"Well, really," Arthur could only smile, "Tell your agent to tone it down a bit; you need some rest time."

"It's much better this year; I declined many movie scripts," Vivian didn't mind. She just participated in Jackie Chan's Rumble in the Bronx, and that was enough.

"After this album is released, I'll quickly prepare the compilation."

"You're too busy," Arthur thought for a moment, then reminded, "When you return to Hong Kong, see if there are any labels worth acquiring. Galaxy Records should directly enter the Asian market, especially Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taipei regions."

"Galaxy Records? You're entering the music market too," Vivian smiled, "Alright, I'll have someone gather detailed information for you when I get back."

"Perfect," Arthur pondered. The record market had to focus on Japan, undoubtedly the world's second-largest market, and potentially global leader in the future internet age.

*****

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