Kobe Open to Playing Overseas?

Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant was recently asked if he’d consider playing overseas.  “Of course,” he replied in an interview after the Team USA’s exhibition defeat of Russia.  “By the way, are you the owner of a Russian team? It can be arranged for $40 million per year.”  This type of question is all the rage right now in the wake of Josh Childress’ decision to bolt for Greece when he received a substantial offer from Olympiacos.  Speculation has begun to brew that a major European team will make an astoundingly rich offer to an NBA superstar in the next few years in the attempt to lure a true marquee NBA player overseas.

Don’t expect this speculation to come to fruition, at least in terms of an actual deal being signed.  I do think the European option will become something that NBA guys will explore, but not opt for on a regular basis, especially American-born players.  I see the option to play overseas as more of a bargaining chip than a viable option for most NBAers.  Would a guy like Kobe Bryant or LeBron James accept an offer to play overseas if they received $40 million per year?  Kevin Garnett makes the most money in the NBA per year at approximately $25 million.  I wouldn’t rule it out completely that this kind of pay increase could tempt a superstar, but abandoning the prestige of playing in the NBA is something I can’t see many guys doing.

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