Kobe Bryant delivers a “I may go abroad” warning – NBA Update
Ever since the NBA lockout began, or even before that, players have been saying they can always go and play abroad. Many, including super star Deron Williams of the New Jersey Nets, have already signed contracts. The biggest name
rumoured to be considering a move overseas however is Kobe Bryant, and in a recent interview he confirmed that he was open to the move.
If Kobe Bryant does indeed agree to play with a team somewhere in Europe, he is rumoured to have been close to a deal with Turkish club Besiktas, it will come as a major blow to the owners and David Stern. The more players, especially
the bigger ones, find work in countries beside U.S.A, the stronger the players union gets in the labour dispute.
And they don’t come bigger than Kobe Bryant.
“The one thing about basketball is it’s a global sport now, so you can play anywhere you want to.” Kobe said, referring to the mass appeal that the game has around the world these days.
The Los Angeles Lakers super star is getting a little old and could do with a bit more rest too, but he believes that if the opportunity arises he would definitely give it a go,
“As far as myself, I just train. I just train and be prepared for anybody that calls, whether the NBA starts again or a team in Europe or a team here in China decides to call, then I’ll be ready….”
Kobe could certainly do with a move to China. He is the biggest brand name in the country and sells the most merchandise of any NBA player over there. If he decides to make a move to the Far East, sponsorship money alone could
make it worthwhile.
Kevin Durant and Dwight Howard are other big names who have said they would consider a move abroad, so has the NBA Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki. The National Basketball Players Union executive director Billy Hunter openly encouraged
NBA players to seek opportunities elsewhere in a recent letter sent to 450 players and with such big names now considering the possibility, it certainly would put the NBA and David Stern in a difficult position.
This could mean that the NBA lockout is going to be a long one, as neither side has shown flexibility in their respective stances so far. Still the NBA fans would be hoping that the two sides can resolve their differences and NBA
games, or the next season, would not be lost as a result.
Bryant also wanted the NBA lockout to end and he made clear of his objectives when play does resume,
“I always like being the hunter, I’m going after something. It doesn’t matter that I have one now, that means nothing to me. I have five (NBA titles), next year I’m playing like I don’t have five, you know what I mean?”
Tags: