Los Angeles Lakers All-Star Kobe Bryant to play a celebrity soccer game: NBA Update
Los Angeles Lakers ace shooting guard Kobe Bryant is still undecided on where to play during the NBA lockout. However, one thing is for sure that Kobe will play a soccer game on 31st July.
Nearly a week ago, Kobe participated in an exhibition basketball game in Manila, and now he is looking to enhance his footwork with soccer. Kobe’s name was listed among the participants of the Celebrity Soccer Challenge at Kastles
Stadium in the State capital Washington D.C.
Basketball is not the only that Bryant is familiar of. He had played soccer during his childhood in Italy. Kobe still follows soccer and is a huge admirer of La Liga's FC Barcelona and the Brazilian national side.
Kobe’s interest in soccer can be judged from the fact that in 2010, he was one of the prominent figures among the audience during a World Cup game held in South Africa. As far as the current celebrity event is concerned, it is
organized by Mia Hamm, who is a former U.S. women soccer player and her spouse Nomar Garciaparra, who used to be a Dodger previously.
Kobe is among the players, who are in talks with the international teams in order to play abroad if the lockout stretches further. The last few days of this month are being considered as vital for his future programs. Bryant’s
agent is due to meet with representative of the Turkish sports club Besiktas a day after the soccer game.
Besiktas have been very keen to rope in Kobe in their team. If the Kobe deal comes through, he will join forces with the New Jersey Nets Deron Williams, who was the first NBA superstar to ignite the player exodus.
Besiktas are not paying for Williams’ contract and have found a special sponsor that will pay for his 0.5 million dollar pact. Williams’ contract includes an out clause also, meaning he can return to the States whenever the lockout
in NBA is lifted.
Besiktas coach Ergin Ataman confirmed about a week ago that Kobe’s agents contacted the franchise, “It is a fact that Kobe Bryant’s managers have contacted us.” He said.
According to various reports, the main thorn in the inking of the agreement has been the financial aspect of it. Kobe has reportedly demanded $1 million salary per month whereas; the club offered him $450,000 per month.
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