Kobe Bryant made his first appearance Tuesday at the bargaining session as players and owners frantically attempt to end the NBA’s lockout.
Bryant was joined by Boston forward Kevin Garnett among the first-timers, according to a . Others players who were attending outside of the NBPA’s bargaining committe included Paul Pierce, Ben Gordon and Amar’e Stoudemire.
The apperance of Bryant, arguably the league’s most marketable star player, underscores the seriousness of the talks. About 10 NBA owners also attended Tuesday’s bargaining session in New York City.
The wider negotiating sessions have not been as effective for either side as the meetings involving smaller groups.
Both Bryant and Garnett have the reputation of being among the fiercest on-the-court competitors in the league.
But something tells me that their celebrated determination that makes opposing players wilt in pressure situations probably won’t faze David Stern or Adam Silver when they are on the other side of the negotiating table.