Right now Kobe is more than just "big" in Japan. From being made in China to showing his heart in Seoul, this summer's tour of Asia not only took him to another continent, but also took his status and stock out this world. Now in November, Kobe could follow his dreams and the footsteps of his father Joe "Jellybean" Bryant and play in Italy.
Now, what could this mean? Sure, European side Virtus Bologna has not signed Kobe this month, but that doesn't mean it won't, just like the fact that the NBA owners and players may meet again this week but that doesn't mean the lockout will be resolved...does it? This Christmas it's very likely there won't be any NBA TV under our tree, and that makes it even more likely that Kobe will be saying "ciao" to California for the holidays.
Kobe could make Virtus Bologna virtually the biggest team in the world if he suits up for it, but the shirts and ties of the NBA will still make money off this. The more international exposure the biggest basketball league in the world gets, the more fans from around the globe they'll draw in. Still, what Kobe does for ball in Italy could be the biggest thing anyone's done for that country since the top sportsmen that are more accustomed to kicking the ball have.
Kobe could Bend It Like Beckham and change the game like his fellow L.A. friend did, but in the opposite direction. Making basketball more popular in the soccer-dominated Europe like David Beckham made soccer more popular in a basketball-first America. Kobe already made more Asian basketball fans like his name was Yao Ming, and now the rest of the world is his for the taking. This could b...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
