Virtus Bologna Making Last-Ditch Offer to Kobe

Italian basketball club Virtus Bologna has made an offer to Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant to come join its team in Italy. Due to television and scheduling problems, owner of Virtus Bologna Claudio Sabatini, has offered Bryant between $1 and $2 million to play in one exhibition game. The “Tribute to Kobe” will take place in October, according to media reports in Italy.

Both parties are expected to be in communication on Thursday said a team spokesman. “”Negotiations with Mr. Kobe Bryant have been very difficult,” said Vicenzo Di Schiavia, the team’s communications manager. “We will not make any comment for now.”

At first Virtus Bologna tried to sign Bryant for ten games, but problems rose and they could not bring the five-time NBA champion to Italy for their desired time. Sabatini has already arranged sponsorship and plans to make revenue off of giving TV rights to American stations.

“I had to make this decision because it was the only way to be able to show ‘The Tribute to Kobe’ to the whole world,” Sabatini said according to il Resto del Carlino. “If we had done a league game, we would have had problems trying to show it also in Italy.”

Two exhibition game dates have been rumored for either Oct. 19 or Oct. 26, but an opponent has not been announced yet.

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Marc Gasol Believes Playing Clippers Is Good Challenge For Playoffs

Without LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the lineup, the Los Angeles Lakers have predictably struggled against playoff-caliber…

Rob Pelinka: Lakers Will Support & Communicate With LeBron James Regarding Possible Retirement

Moments after the Los Angeles Lakers season-ending loss against the Denver Nuggets Monday night, LeBron James hinted at…

Lonzo Ball Unmoved By LaVar Ball’s Demands That Lakers Must Sign LiAngelo And LaMelo

When the Los Angeles Lakers selected Lonzo Ball with the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, they did so…

Luke Walton Felt Lakers Defense Was ‘Soft’ At Times Vs. Suns; Evaluaets Lineup Change Betwen Josh Hart, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

The Los Angeles Lakers were able to pick up their first win of the season, defeating the Phoenix Suns 131-113, but there was plenty to talk about before…