The NBA lockout will force plenty of players overseas if it lasts into the regular season, leaving some looking to find a way to keep receiving paychecks by playing in Europe this fall. Even Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant is considering taking his talents to Turkey, though the 32-year-old wants quite a bit of money to do so.
Bryant asked for $1 million -- per month -- to play for Turkish team Besiktas this season, the same team that fellow NBA All-Star Deron Williams has already signed a contract with, after the club initially offered him $500,000 according to NTV Spor.
The report didn't mention if Bryant then did a Dr. Evil laugh, or that part was lost in translation, but it seems that the request wasn't all that ridiculous because the team is currently looking for a sponsor to fill the remainder of the contract. And, considering Bryant is scheduled to make over $25 million in L.A. next season, the request isn't really as exorbitant as it seems at first glance.
It probably won't help Bryant's knees any if he plays in a more physical league, but hopefully the lockout is ended before the fans have to find out.