Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has scored 27,868 points in his National Basketball Association career.
But the Pennsylvania native, who has already won five championships, might not have a League to play in if the NBA’s collective bargaining dispute isn’t resolved.
That is where the option of him sailing on a slow, lucrative, boat to China comes into play. Despite what might be said publicly about Chinese teams not offering contracts to players with opt-out options, money talks to both sides.
Jetting over
We all know that if Bryant does agree to play in China, that he would be flying there by plane and not sailing by boat.
The point isn’t his method of transportation, but how surreal it would be to see him actually playing basketball in the Orient during what would normally be the NBAs regular season.
He is hardly the only high-profile player considering the move. No matter what point someone may be at in their professional sports career, the opportunity to make a strong amount of money in a unique atmosphere must certainly be compelling.
Money matters
Bryant has apparently been considering offers of no less than $1.5 million a month, with the stipulation that he would be able to return to the NBA if labor issues were resolved.
If professional basketball is not played in North America this season, games would be televised from wherever the stars would be based.
Unlike the Harlem Globetrotters, any type of traveling league wouldn’t be accepted indefinitely. The fleeting novelty, combined with fans inability to see games in-person, would eventually force a return to normalcy.
This sticky situation will be resolved at some point. Until then, it might soon be time to check the docks for departures.
My friends and remember the great Sixers teams of the late 1970s and that incredible 1982-1983 championship team. Read my Sports Blog: Insight and follow me on Twitter @ SeanyOB
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