Kobe Bryant was nearly a teammate of Deron Williams next season. Not on USA Basketball at the 2012 London Olympics or even the New Jersey Nets, though -- Bryant was nearing a deal to sign with Williams' team in Turkey.
Kobe Bryant Was Close To Signing With Besitkas During NBA Lockout, According To Report
The Los Angeles Lakers star was nearing a deal with Besiktas for $450,000 per month, according to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express, but recent issues with the club's soccer team has put all signings on hold for the time being.
Bryant is probably better off not heading overseas considering his knee injury issues, but the fact that two NBA All-Stars could have been teaming up for a team in Turkey next season rather than the NBA has to make the owners wonder if the NBA lockout is truly worth what they’re trying to accomplish.
If the best NBA players are still able to make enough money to comfortably live -- and I would venture to say $450,000 per month isn’t terrible -- who is really going to be hurt by the lockout aside from the fans? It seems the top players are finding ample opportunities to take their talents across the ocean.
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