Kobe Bryant. Manny Ramirez. David Beckham.

All three athletes have one similarity: Los Angeles.

Bryant plays for the Lakers. Ramirez competes for the Dodgers. Beckham participates for the Galaxy.

The city of Los Angeles has three superstars under its belt, but it has been rather difficult sporadically. These three individuals have exercised some type of negative force to the second most powerful city in the United States.

At one point in his career, Bryant demanded a trade from the Lakers. At one point in his career, he wanted the captaincy of the squad, but current coach Phil Jackson said no because he was too young. At one point in his career, he was involved in a soap opera with Superman (Shaquille O’Neal). And at one point of his career, he engaged himself into legal trouble.

However, Bryant is currently still the best basketball player in the National Basketball Association, and he plays for Los Angeles.

Manny-Being-Manny was traded to the Dodgers via Boston. Ramirez powered the team into the postseason and passed the first round.

But as soon as he became a free agent, he refused four contract proposals. He rejected the first offer of two years worth $45 million, then arbitration, then the one-year offer of $25 million and then came the offer of two years worth $45 million.

Nevertheless, Ramirez is still the best current hitter in Major League Baseball, and he plays for Los Angeles.

By far one of the biggest international soccer players to play in America, Beckham signed a five-year deal worth $27.5 million in 2007. Arriving from Real Madrid, Beckham arrived injured and could not do much his first season. During his second stint, the Galaxy did not produce quality results.

After, Beckham decided to join AC Milan via loan. He then wanted to stay there for good, citing that it was better soccer and he felt more comfortable. A contract among MLS, Galaxy, AC Milan and Beckham was agreed upon, allowing the English icon to stay in Milan through the end of the season and then rejoin the Galaxy until their campaign ended. He is scheduled to leave after 2009’s MLS calendar.

Nonetheless, Beckham is still the best current international soccer player in Major League Soccer, and he will play for Los Angeles.

The moral of this story … Hollywood continues to cultivate stars, not just in the movies but in sports, too.