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Is Kobe Bryant Going To Play In Turkey This Year?

It is exciting to think about Kobe Bryant playing with Deron Williams. But sadly, I'm not talking about the Lakers solving their point guard problem, but rather Bryant finding a way to bide his time should the NBA lockout continue for an extended period of time. Bryant is in "serious talks" with Turkish team Besiktas, per Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Times:

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Coach Ergin Ataman told reporters in Turkey that "it is a fact that Kobe Bryant's managers have contacted us" and that he was waiting for an offer from the team. Before they would sign Bryant, however, Ataman said the team would need to secure a sponsor.

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Now, as Medina notes, it's hard to say if this means anything now. But there is some smoke to this fire, and if Besiktas, who signed Deron Williams earlier this month, can find a way to cough up $1 million per month for Bryant, we just might have a story on our hands here.

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For more information on Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Silver Screen and Roll.