Remember during the summer when Josh Childress signed with Greek squad Olympiakos for a boatload of money? And then there were all these rumors about guys going to play in Europe that turned out to be untrue so we all just said, eh whatever, Childress is just a one-time case, they'll never get big time stars over there.Well, looks like we could be wrong.
It's being reported that Olympiakos is preparing to offer Kobe an absurd $83 million contract - untaxed - next summer that will include these nice extra throw-ins:
In that contract there will be an incredible list of benefits, a villa in the Mediterranean Sea, pay all the taxes at the expense of the club, to pay the bills for the staff and for a private boat for Kobe Bryant. The article also says that they are planning to form Olympiakos into an NBA style club with a court that fits 15-20 thousand seats and a private jet for the team.
That's ridiculous.
Now, you may recall that during the Olympics, Kobe was asked if he'd ever be open to going to Europe for $50 million a year. His response was that he'd be crazy not to think long and hard about it. Although this contract isn't for $50 million a year, the fact that he wouldn't be taxed, plus all those amenities, makes this deal better than a straight $50 million a year.
This could indeed be the NBA's ultimate test case, because let's think about this rationally. With Andrew Bynum back this season, LA will be the favorite to win it all. Should the Lakers do that, Kobe gets his fourth ring and sticks it to Shaq by finally winning one without the Man of Steel. Plus, Kobe already has that MVP under his belt. Honestly, what more would he have to prove in the NBA? Sure, he could attempt to go for 6 titles like Jordan, or he could live like a king in one the most beautiful countries in the world and really be set for life.
This also isn't a ridiculous notion of Kobe going to Europe, as he is a bit of special case. He grew up in Italy and is fluent in Italian. He's lived in Europe and isn't as adverse to idea of moving there it seems as other NBA players.
This also isn't unprecedented. David Beckham came to LA. Pele came to New York in the 1970s, along with a throng of other European stars.
Anyway, we'll see what happens, but I hope the offer gets put out there for Kobe. It could indeed mark the true beginning of the globalization of basketball, and send David Stern home crying.
Olympiakos preparing offer for Kobe? [The Hoop] via [SPORTSbyBROOKS]
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