Kobe to Italy? Not so fast.
Jerry Colangelo, the architect of the gold-meal winning Team USA, said NBA fans shouldn’t be worried that players will bolt enmasse for large salaries across the Pacific. The money just isn’t there.
Colangelo, speaking on 570/ESPN radio, that while basketball has mushroomed into a global sport, most of the European team owners do not have the same size wallets as NBA owners.
“I think one of the star players will be offered a big salary to play overseas, but I don’t think that many teams are willing to do it (pay big money),” Colangelo said. “But there could be one.”
Kobe Bryant, who grew up in Italy and can opt out after this season, toyed with the media during the Olympics by saying he might make that leap for $50 million. Did Colangelo think Bryant’s European roots would lure him away from the Lakers? He didn’t rule anyone out.
“I think we’re ready for one of the super, mega guys to make that jump,” Colangelo said.
