Chapter 171: Jerry Buss and Donald Sterling

In the nightclub, Arthur and Monica Bellucci sat on the sofa drinking. "The film The Addams Family that's in theaters now is doing quite well. It's from your company, isn't it?"

Arthur nodded. "Yes, it's from Orion!"

The Addams Family had been in theaters for ten days, accumulating a box office total of $55 million. In comparison, the movie Arthur starred in, To Die For, has been out for almost two months and just barely surpassed $30 million. The Addams Family was doing much better;

Considering this trend, The Addams Family would definitely break $100 million in North America!

As he spoke, Arthur pulled Monica Bellucci in for a kiss. After the kiss, he licked his lips. "Hollywood is all about business; proving oneself with box office numbers is the greatest success."

Monica Bellucci nodded. There has been a lot of discussion about Galaxy Films lately because they released another blockbuster.

"Arthur, you're amazing," Monica Bellucci whispered admiringly into Arthur's ear, holding his hand.

Arthur smiled and caressed the woman's thigh before whispering into Monica's ear, "No, I have something even more amazing. Want to try?"

Monica Bellucci reached out and grabbed Arthur through his pants, pressing herself against him seductively. "How amazing?"

Especially with that pair of 36D, Arthur couldn't resist and reached up to touch them. "You really are a woman who makes men lose control."

"Alright, let's have a drink first. We're here to have fun," Arthur said as he poured a drink for the woman in his arms.

After a while, Arthur ran into Jerry Buss, the president of the Los Angeles Lakers, in the nightclub!

Nearly 60-year-old Jerry Buss had two young, beautiful women draped around him. He greeted Arthur, "Good evening, Arthur. You haven't been to the Great Western Forum to watch a game in a long time."

Arthur shook his hand. "I've been very busy lately. Unlike you. Is Johnson really retired?"

Jerry Buss sat down on the sofa, sighing helplessly. "It's true. This whole thing is hard for everyone to accept."

Of course, no one wanted "Magic" not to retire more than Jerry Buss. Two years ago, Kareem retired, last year coach Pat Riley resigned, and this year Johnson retired due to contracting HIV.

Now the Showtime era of the Lakers only had James Worthy left.

"However, Johnson will still participate in next year's Olympics and the All-Star Game in Orlando," Jerry Buss said with a shrug. There were still these two opportunities to see "Magic" on the court.

"Arthur, Galaxy just acquired 20% of ESPN's shares. You might have more opportunities to interact with the sports world in the future!"

Arthur smiled, about to speak when another person arrived. "Oh, Jerry, you're here too."

"Hi, Donald," Jerry Buss stood up and gave him a hug.

"This must be someone you know, the hottest guy in Hollywood right now, Arthur Smith!"

"Arthur, this is Donald Sterling, the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers!"

"Good evening, Arthur!"

"Good evening," Arthur shook hands with Donald Sterling. This was indeed the infamous tightwad owner of the Clippers, Donald Sterling. The Clippers hadn't made the playoffs for 15 consecutive seasons, even though Sterling bought the San Diego Clippers for $12.5 million in 1981 and moved them.

Arthur, holding Monica Bellucci, studied Donald Sterling. He was about the same age as Jerry Buss and also had young beauties around him. 

But Arthur was contemplating how sad it was that the Clippers were stuck with Sterling. Such a good market, yet it housed a bottom-feeder team?

"By the way, do you guys know if any NBA teams are up for sale? I've been thinking about buying a team," Arthur suddenly said.

Jerry Buss and Donald Sterling were both taken aback. Jerry Buss quickly spoke, "The Lakers are not for sale!"

Donald Sterling glanced at Arthur thoughtfully. Ever since Sterling moved the Clippers to Los Angeles without permission, he had been at odds with newly appointed NBA commissioner David Stern. The past few years, David Stern wanting to drive Donald Sterling out of the NBA has been no secret.

"Arthur, running a team is very complicated, different from running a film company," Donald Sterling said with a smile.

Arthur raised a glass. "Let's have a drink. I was just asking!"

Arthur knew too well that Donald Sterling was often seen as a pervert, cheapskate, scoundrel, and racist. But as a Jew, he also knew that the Clippers, based in Los Angeles, were a cash cow and wouldn't be sold easily.

As for Jerry Buss, his success with the Lakers was tied to Hollywood. Reserving courtside seats for Hollywood stars and giving away tickets was routine; Hollywood celebrities at courtside always drew the audience's attention. If Arthur Smith, a big Hollywood figure, had a team in Los Angeles, his Hollywood background would be a natural advantage that Jerry Buss couldn't match.

"Arthur, if you're interested, we could sell you some stake in the Lakers," Jerry Buss suddenly said.

"You could become a minority owner. I believe the Lakers' development will be better with you involved!"

Jerry Buss aimed to combine sports and entertainment. With Kareem and Johnson both retired, the Lakers were heading into a lull. Maybe Arthur Smith's help would bring some changes?

"Thanks, but I'm not really interested in being a minority owner," Arthur said, not wanting to be just a small shareholder.

"That's a pity..." Jerry Buss shrugged.

After chatting for a bit longer, Arthur led Monica Bellucci out of the nightclub and returned directly to the Beverly Hills villa.

In the bathroom, Arthur sat on the edge of the tub, while Monica Bellucci knelt inside.

"Ah," Arthur moved his hands from Monica's 36D and rested them on her long hair.

He was thinking about how to buy the Clippers from Donald Sterling. In the '80s, most NBA teams were worth between $10 million and $20 million; now, the NBA's value had risen, requiring several tens of millions of dollars.

With Michael Jordan rising, attracting lots of attention, should he wait until 1993, after Michael Jordan's first retirement, to buy a team when the NBA's impact would be significant?

Surely, someone would want to sell then!

"Mm," after a while, Arthur grunted, and Monica Bellucci looked up, breathless but smiling.

"Arthur, satisfied?"

*****

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