Spurs guard Manu Ginobili has been weighing an offer from his old Italian team Virtus Bologna .
But the team could provide a sweetener to seal the deal — the chance for Ginobili to play with Kobe Bryant.
Sportando.net reports that Bologna team president Claudio Sabatini said his team has been to join the team.
Bolognabasket.it reports that Bryant has been offered to join the team during the lockout.
The offer would start on Nov. 13, when the Italian team starts its season. Bryant should have an idea about the lockout at that time. His deal would provide him with an NBA-opt out for when the lockout ends if he joins them.
“Since week one, week we are working to bring to Bologna the best player in the world, at least for one month,” Sabatini said. “In the meantime, we are still in talks with Manu Ginobili to bring him back to Bologna during the NBA lockout.
“Who is the best player in the world? You know who he is and I don’t have to tell you the name. During the last years, a lot of people said that Bologna is not ‘Basket City’ anymore. If the best player of the world will arrive for the month of October and then will arrive Ginobili for two more months, everyone has to admit that Bologna is Basket City.”
Bryant turned 33 last month. And Ginobili is 34. Both have been dogged by nagging injuries in recent seasons. But there’s big money for both to make if they look overseas during the lockout.
The respect level between the two players always has been huge. And if they played together in Italy, there would probably be some interest across the United States from fans missing NBA action during the lockout.
I wonder if there could be some Virtus Bologna watch parties at Fatso’s or Schooners if Bryant and Ginobili join forces in what would be an extremely entertaining team to watch?