Wayne Gretzky, the subject of recent trade rumors due to a
combination of his high salary and the Kings' financial
difficulties, said Friday he plans to finish his career in Los
Angeles after meeting with prospective owners. After meeting
Edward Roski and a representative for CO businessman Phillip
Anschutz, Gretzky said he feels they are "very committed" to
keeping him and the Kings in L.A. Gretzky "said he was led to
believe that Anschutz and Roski may be able to complete
negotiations with former majority owner Bruce McNall's bankruptcy
trustee within two weeks," and that the new owners say a new
arena could also be completed by '98. However, Gretzky noted
that deal is not done and if another group buys the team and
wants to deal him away "he would not stand in the way." Gretzky:
"I don't want to go to another team, but I'd like to win one more
championship" (Rick Sadowski, L.A. DAILY NEWS, 7/29). A source
told the L.A. TIMES that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman "wants a
final decision on the ownership question by next month." A group
that includes Lakers Owner Jerry Buss and Hollywood Park Owners
R.D. Hubbard and Harry Ornest are also interested (Steve
Springer, L.A. TIMES, 7/29).
