"American soccer is still years away from being able to compete with soccer on the world stage. [David Beckham is] obviously a global player. He obviously wants to play against the best and compete at that level. It's a tough call, but him being a friend, I want him to do what's best for him."

-- Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant, a soccer fan from his childhood spent in Italy, backing Beckham and his desire to stay at AC Milan rather than return to MLS. (Los Angeles Times)