Kobe Bryant’s agent Rob Pelinka
trying to set up China tour – NBA Update
The agent of super star Kobe Bryant, Rob Pelinka, is reportedly working the phones and trying to set up a tour of China for NBA players to play exhibition games during the official lockout. The move would be considered a serious
affront to NBA as the players would tour in their individual capacities and not as representatives of the teams or the league.
The idea was first floated by the agency that handles league MVP Derrick Rose, among other stars. Now it seems that Kobe Bryant is also on board. So far these have come out as individual efforts but there is every chance the two
agent driven tours could combine into a mega event featuring many of the big NBA stars showcasing their talents in the Far East.
Derrick Williams, the player who was drafted as the 2nd overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves just a few weeks ago, confirmed these plans when speaking to a news agency. Derrick Williams is believed to be an up
and coming player and a future star. He famously labelled himself as the most “NBA Ready” player in this year’s NBA Draft. However with the NBA in lockout mode and predictions that games could indeed be lost, Williams seems to be headed to China to gain some
exposure.
Williams is also represented by Rob Pelinka and the young star said that he would love for the tour to go ahead,
"Hopefully I would be able to do that because I've never been out of the country and I think that would be the best thing for me," said Williams
The news that Kobe Bryant is interested in the tour might just be the kick start it needs. Kobe is huge in China, the most popular among all NBA stars. Bryant already has several sponsorship deals signed to endorse brands such
as Mercedes-Benz in China and the tour could add to his iconic status in the country as well as benefit the other players who make the trip.
Bryant is held in higher regard in China than even LeBron James and Bryant has consistently sold more merchandise there. The Chinese view success as very important and Kobe Bryant is a five time NBA World Champion. In comparison
LeBron James doesn’t have an NBA ring and he could explode in the Chinese market if he ever gets one.
If the NBA lockout drags on to the point where league games, or even the pre season training camps, are lost, then the tour has a genuine chance of happening. The agents and players involved seem serious about the idea and they
are certainly capable enough to provide an entertaining spectacle in China.
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