Report: Kobe Bryant turned down offer to play in Spain

Kobe Bryant was offered the opportunity to continue his basketball career overseas in Spain.

It is hard to imagine Kobe Bryant playing for any other team than the Los Angeles Lakers. This thought usually pertains to him playing for other NBA teams, but Bryant reportedly had the chance to play somewhere well outside the boundaries of the NBA.

The Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo had the original report, and other domestic outlets have explained the details, as the original report is in Spanish.

The report explains how FC Barcelona offered Bryant a contract, where he would only play in Euroleague games.

This idea is a fun one, but one that would not be possible given Bryant’s continually deteriorating health. There is still some of the old Kobe that makes its way onto the court in short spurts once every few games, but the Mamba is no longer.

Bryant did live in Italy as a child and is notably a fan of European soccer. Alas, his health and age are the two main factors preventing a move to a team where he would be treated like royalty.

Finishing his career overseas would add another chapter to the Kobe Bryant saga, but finishing it with the Lakers will be a fitting end to a historic — and loyal — basketball career.

For more NBA coverage, be sure to visit our hub page.