Kobe says something that scares me

[Dexmor]

He would strongly consider Italy for 40 million per? He says he would beat somebody up that would turn down. I hope this is all for leverage because if Kobe leaves I don't know how I would feel about the nba players.

[AceFresh]

If you actually saw when he said it
it was in a sarcastic like tone

[hermes]

do you believe there is a European team that could afford 40 million a year to one player?

[WCDYNASTY]

Kobe: I could play in Italy
Posted: Friday August 08, 2008 06:54AM ET

If Italy comes knocking with big money next summer, the NBA could lose its biggest star in Kobe Bryant. In lieu of a report that Cleveland star LeBron James would strongly consider playing in Europe for $50 million for one season when he becomes a free agent in two years, when asked by The Boston Globe about the report Bryant said he would take a similar deal by a pro team in Italy if offered when he becomes a free agent next summer. The Associated Press originally reported that Bryant could have interest in playing professionally in Europe. "I'd go. I'd probably go," said Bryant, during a USA Basketball press conference on Friday morning. "Like Milan or something like that, where I grew up or something like that? Peace out." Bryant continued: "Do you know any reasonable person that would turn down 50 (million dollars)?"


Boston Globe

[WCDYNASTY]

Sh*t, this doesn't sound good. I personally think the NBA itself would do whatever it could to keep players such as Kobe and LeBron from bolting the NBA for Europe. The NBA would lose a lot of money if players such as them left the NBA.

[tracey_nice]

Did you believe the Galaxy could offer 50 million a year to one player?

And, we have 2 threads on this.

[hermes]

Dexmor voiced his concern about this very article in another thread, you actually posted the article though, so nice work on that

but as someone else said in the other thread he was being sarcastic

[WCDYNASTY]

Dexmor voiced his concern about this very article in another thread, you actually posted the article though, so nice work on that

but as someone else said in the other thread he was being sarcastic

I sure hope he was!




GO USA!!!

[G35]

No way. No how. Kobe is trying to repair his legacy now. He is just getting to where he wants to be. Right now he could win 2 championships with this group; a real possibility. Going to Italy may fatten his pockets but he will be like Dr J and be looked at on a lower scale for playing in a different league. I can't see it.......

[Lakers_1990]

If the NBA starts losing "key" guys to Europe, then in the next CBA meetings...the salary cap is going downnnnnnnnn. (meaning gone, not lowered)

[semi-sentient]

If the NBA starts losing "key" guys to Europe, then in the next CBA meetings...the salary cap is going downnnnnnnnn. (meaning gone, not lowered)

Yep.

Also, I think Kobe would be completely stupid not to take $40 million from a European team. What people here have to understand is that if Kobe is offered $40 million, then he will pocket $40 million. European teams typically negotiate what the player will take home. They will pay considerably more than $40 million because the government still wants their share, but Kobe will get his $40 million.

That says nothing of the other perks that come with playing for a Euro team.

I'd have to seriously question Kobe if he DIDN'T take that kind of offer. Hell, even if he were offered $30 million I'd be shocked if he turned it down. Currently, after taxes, he probably makes in the area of $10-12 million on his salary, so that's one hell of a pay raise.

[TommyTheCat]

hey kobe.........the jerk store called

[Dexmor]

Doesn't Alex Rodriguiez make like 60 million a year?

[laduane1]

Kobe is at the end of a contract that paid him 120-130 million. So take home is 60-70 million. How much does a player need. Plus whatever he makes on shoes, shirts, ect. So he has 100 million in the bank or more. Investments and others stuff will push that up also. Kobes great grand kids will be living off his money.

[laduane1]

I would not mind to see Shaq overseas.

[hermes]

Doesn't Alex Rodriguiez make like 60 million a year?

no he makes like 25-27 million a year

[semi-sentient]

Kobe is at the end of a contract that paid him 120-130 million. So take home is 60-70 million. How much does a player need. Plus whatever he makes on shoes, shirts, ect. So he has 100 million in the bank or more. Investments and others stuff will push that up also. Kobes great grand kids will be living off his money.

If you're proud to be an American then you should understand why he would/should do it. We're raised to chase financial success and have a me-first mentality. That's just the way it is. If he were to do it, it would be disappointing as hell from a Lakers fan standpoint, but it's certainly understandable.

If you were offered a higher paying job doing something you love, would you not take it?

Also, I can assure you that Kobe does not have that type of money in his bank account. The more you make, the more you spend. I'd be shocked if he had even $20 million in the bank. What he's worth is another story altogether (assets, etc.).

In the world we live in, self-interest governs all.

[10scott10]

I remember in an interview a long time ago, kobe said he wanted to finish his career in italy.

he grew up there, and watched his dad play there.

I have always expected him to do this at some point in the future.

[DubaLakers]

I think these Olympians see the Worldwide Love and the fat check and they say DAMN we are rich, but these checks would make us wealthy. I also think it could have something to do with the NBA opening up their pocketbooks a bit more as well. They wouldn't match these incredible salaries, but you'd think they'd come closer on uber stars like KB24, LBJ and Earl Boykins.

[10scott10]

he has always stated he wanted to finish his career in italy.

he grew up there and lived in italy for nearly 10 years.