Kobe Bryant to Besiktas - Potential Benefits and Drawbacks: NBA Special Report
With the lockout in effect, speculation regarding NBA players moving to international waters continues. Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade have arguably been the headline stealers in this regard. Amongst the notable elite players, only Deron Williams has completed a move to Turkish side Besiktas, as of yet.
The lockout situation has only gotten worse over the past 6 weeks or so. Table meetings and attempted negotiations have all failed and it seems that the NBA season of 2012-2013 will be permanently lost in the ashes of time.
Kobe has been linked with Williams’ new club Besiktas for quite some time now. However, Bryant is yet to formally announce his stance on the issue. Though, it is reported that he is strongly considering the move.
The move could have potential benefits as well as drawbacks for the black mamba. Firstly, a move will help Bryant stay active and keep shape, something is which is all the more important at 34 years of age. Although, the lockout can be used as a period of rest, moving to Besiktas will be more valuable for Bryant as it will keep him competitive and in the groove.
Secondly, Kobe will get a chance to make a considerable amount of money, not that he needs any for the remainder of his life, but it is Kobe we are talking about here. If there is one thing that the whole NBA community agrees upon, it is the fact that money is to the black mamba what honey is to the bear. The recent Philippines event would bear ample testimony to that claim.
Thirdly, Bryant can gain great exposure by trying out in other leagues such as the French or Italian leagues. Both are filled with exceptional players and playing with them will certainly keep him in shape and help him attain mounds of international experience.
On the other hand, the only major drawback for Kobe would be injury. Given the fact that under the lockout, the Los Angeles Lakers will not be responsible for Kobe’s future if he gets injured, it is definitely a potential hazard.
Also, an injury might greatly infuriate the Lakers, who are not willing to let go of Bryant and want him to stay put during the lockout phase. It must also be noted that as much as Kobe loves money, he also loves to win titles. And he himself would not want an injury at such a late and important stage in his career.
Where staying fit is important at this stage, Bryant also needs to rest his knees and joints. He has had a long career and resting out one season could certainly help prolong it. If he can get an additional season or two, he will have the chance to get closer to Bill Russell’s 11 titles; something he would do anything for.
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