Lakers: Kobe Turned Down FC Barcelona’s Offer to Play Overseas Last Summer

Some people just can’t bear the thought that this is finally the end for Kobe Bryant and his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers

Earlier this year, Lakers’ 20 year veteran, Kobe Bryant, received an offer from Viola Reggio Calabria, his father’s old Italian league team, to play overseas.

The club sent the Black Mamba a personalized letter with a simple message, “Come play with us.”

Translated from Italian to English, part of the letter read,

"We want you to come home, to wear our colours, to represent our city, just as your father did before you. There is a black and orange family waiting for you, with the same name on the back: “Bryant”A warm hug, dear Kobe, our great basketball legend.From the Viola Reggio Calabria"

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However, it was recently revealed that last summer another European club attempted to woo KB24 away from the NBA.

FC Barcelona, a club which Kobe Bryant holds near and dear to his heart, at least when it comes to soccer, offered him yet another chance to continue his playing career, an offer he “politely” declined.

According to ESPN,

"Senior officials at the Catalan club ramped up their overtures toward Bryant after hearing him talk about ending his basketball career with Spanish big man Pau Gasol at the club that doubles as his favorite soccer team, according to the report.In July, club officials said Kobe told them he “would love to finish my career playing for Barca with Pau Gasol,” the former Lakers teammate with whom Bryant won NBA titles in 2009 and 2010."

Reading the comments, it seems that Kobe was merely trying to be polite, but you’ve got to give it to Barça for making the effort.

Next: Is D'Angelo Russell's Youth a Valid Excuse for His Behavior?

With less than ten games left in his career, the light at the end of the tunnel is finally coming for Kobe and the Lakers, but considering the recent scandal surrounding the team, it couldn’t come any sooner.