Kobe Bryant reportedly not interested in playing overseas after NBA career
NBA fans should pay close attention to Kobe Bryant this season, as it truly could be his last, both here in the states or overseas. The legendary Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard is clearly entering into the twilight of his career as the decades of physical abuse have finally caught up with him.
Many have wondered, given his childhood growing up in Italy, if Bryant would return to Europe and play for a season or more once his NBA career ends. Not only would it allow him to continue playing competitively, but it could also serve as a vehicle for helping grow his brand with Nike.
However, at this point, it’s hard to imagine Bryant doesn’t already have plenty of international appeal. Regardless, it doesn’t appear any of this matters to him at this tme, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein.
“What does seem clear, though, is that the oft-floated idea of Kobe playing in, say, Italy for a season after leaving the NBA is not in his thinking at the moment,” Stein wrote. In a brief chat after his recent Dallas visit, Bryant told me that, at this point, he doesn’t have plans to play abroad when he finally sheds the purple and gold, be it after this season or beyond.”
Stein also wrote that Bryant has made it clear he is still not certain about this being his final year.
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