WT: If Kobe doesn't like the new CBA he's going Euro

[Darain]

Kobe Bryant may be willing to return to his Italian roots if he doesn't agree with the terms of a new collective bargaining agreement.

According to one of Bryant's teammates, the Lakers All-Star recently threatened, "I'll play in Europe" when they were discussing the potential of an NBA lockout this summer and the ramifications of a new CBA.

"Kobe understands what the players before him did and he feels a responsibility to do the same to the younger guys," said the Lakers player, who did not want to be identified.

Bryant, who makes his one and only visit to the Garden Friday night, remains one of the league's elite players and can seemingly play at a high level for several more years. He has won five championships and is in position to match his boyhood idol, Michael Jordan, with six.

The possibility of matching and eventually surpassing Jordan will likely keep Kobe in the NBA, but the idea of him finishing his career overseas has some players intrigued.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baske ... z1DgKBT4kK

[DirtyDez]

Never gonna happpen.

[ClarenceDerozan]

Guy has a 90 million/3 contract... I highly, highly doubt it.

[An Unbiased Fan]

Dude is on his way to 7+ rings, it's an empty threat.

[[SJJ]]

Shenanigans

[ShowtimeFan]

Nostadamas predicted that he would not...!

[DakkaFromNyc]

Bluff by Kobe, he likes the attention he gets here to muchh

[writerman]

Good! Then maybe we won't have all this crap about him by his adoring toady fans posted, and we can get on to some intelligent discussion for a change.

[DeHyde]

I don't see why it's impossible. People are talking about his contract, but part of the CBA could be reducing players salaries so they fit under the "new" salary cap. There are so many things involved that it could happen. Plus we know Kobe just loves to ball and he's originally from Italy. If the NBA goes through a lockout, Kobe would be an "old" 34 when play resumes. No salary cap in Europe either, so he could potentially make 50 million a year. He wants to get 7 rings no doubt, but I see this as a possibility.

Follow me on twitter @DHyde_3

[bruddahmanmatt]

Some people are simply too stupid to understand hyperbole.

[Ming Kong!]

Dude is on his way to 7+ rings, it's an empty threat.

Really? He has 5, there is nothing guaranteed beyond that.

[Framework]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9FamHwZfvg

Kobe invented "it's either me or him." He'll love the new CBA.

[J08]

bull

[dznutzz]

probably said it kuz he wasn't getting star calls. warning to stern...

[RookieStar]

inb4 someone posts those kobe pics and reference Euros

[darth_federer]

Some people are simply too stupid to understand hyperbole.

[BarneyGumble]

Kobe fleeing US Dollars to another currency? Just like the rest of the world will be doing in a few months? Naaaaaah...never gunna happen. Not in the USA. We're immune to the forces that bring down empires!

[BubbaTee]

I don't see what's so unbelievable about Kobe playing in Europe during a lockout.

And no one knows what the new CBA will look like. If the owners get everything they want, it could very well induce many NBAers - including Kobe - to go to Europe.

People are acting like the top leagues have never lost players before. Past athletes have chosen the ABA over the NBA, and the USFL over the NFL.

[GreenHat]

He's posturing/attentionwhoring

[HTown_TMac]

Does this mean lockout or if he just disagrees? Because if its the former it makes sense now. If its the latter it makes sense, AFTER his 90 mil extension is over.