Kobe Bryant Ready to Kick It

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Kobe Bryant has done some crazy stuff in his day, but did you ever predict the day you would see this MVP player kicking a soccer ball? Yes, that’s the big rumor going around, that Bryant is ready to head overseas and play with his new friends (his favorite team in fact) in Barcelona. He also played in a celebrity soccer match, even in 100 degree temperatures. Many of the reporters and fans stated that he showed a surprising level of grace on the soccer field.

Here’s the bottom line: does this NBA champion really fit in with European soccer? Absolutely! In fact, Bryant loves the culture there and actually grew up in Italy. He is already a Turkish Airlines global ambassador and has also talked with the basketball team Besiktas. He also speaks Italian and some Spanish! Bryant is always outspoken, so it should surprise no one to hear him say “I’d play anywhere. I grew up overseas, so I’m very comfortable playing overseas.”

This is a very convenient news item, just as the NBA starts serious bargaining talks this week with the team players, both sides hoping to end the predicted lockdown. However, many NBA players are actually enjoying the scenario of playing in an exotic location and by fans, coaches and team players that adore their presence. The same respect isn’t coming from the NBA owners, who reportedly want more money and want stricter caps placed on player salaries.

True, Bryant had a tough season in 2011, first with the Bennie Adams controversy, then running out of steam in the final part of the season (he averaged less than 20 shots per game) and then getting trumped by the Dallas Mavericks. Still, we’re talking about an Olympic Games-caliber player here, one that sports teams cannot easily discount–and one that any league or team in the world should be honored to have.

Will the NBA owners show their gratitude for players like Kobe Bryant or will he find sunnier pastures in European soccer? If the unthinkable happens and he does go overseas, will you actually start watching international soccer? Or would watching Kobe Bryant on the soccer field look like a flopping fish?

Let’s hear your thoughts.

BTW: Check out this video: Kobe Bryant Shows Off Soccer Skills at Manchester United v FC Barcelona Halftime

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