Kobe Bryant has been linked to Europe many times. The longtime Los Angeles Laker grew up in Italy and as such, many believed that there was a real possibility he could finish his career in Europe. That is no longer an option, with Bryant having announced that he will be retiring from basketball at the end of this season.
However, that does not mean it was never a possibility. According to MundoDeportivo.com, Bryant received an offer from Spanish giant Barcelona to play in Europe. Kobe rejected the offer citing not being physically fit for it.
The idea that Kobe would go play in Europe as a final farewell is a nice one. It would give many fans who are unable to watch him the opportunity to do just that. However, Kobe was always going to finish out this season in the NBA, with his contract simply being too large of an incentive.
Additionally, Kobe’s poor play and struggles with injuries and soreness throughout this season mean he would never consider coming back for another year in the NBA or elsewhere. Furthermore, the decision to reject Barcelona’s offer means that Kobe can finish his career with the Lakers, having only donned their jersey in his twenty years of professional basketball.
