Italian basketball club, Virtus Bologna, claims it has found a sponsor who is capable of spending the money to sign Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant. Bologna President Claudio Sabatini did not reveal who the sponsor is, but he reassured people it has the funds to bring Bryant to Italy.
“We have a sponsor supporting us. It’s an Italian company that’s known all over the world. We will soon have a meeting but I can’t tell you any more.”
Bologna has reportedly offered the five-time champion a $6.7 million contract to join them, and the offer includes an opt-out clause when the NBA lockout ends. President Sabatini understands the risk he is taking, but he is willing to do whatever it takes to win games.
“It’s a huge gamble but I want to try right to the end. I’m an optimist even if there we’re aiming very high, Sabatini said.
Many NBA players have already decided to sign with teams overseas, for they do not want to miss out on paychecks. Nevertheless, Bryant will wait to see how the current lockout situation looks before he makes any team changes.