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Kobe Bryant Closer to Inking a Deal With Italy

Published Oct 3, 2011 12:00 AM

Kobe Bryant splitting through Andrew Bogut and Brandon Jennings. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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After it briefly looked like Kobe Bryant was going to be too expensive for Italy's Vitrus Bologna team to afford, the Lakers superstar may be getting close to inking a deal during the NBA lockout, reports CBS News.

Virtus Bologna owner Claudio Sabatini originally offered Bryant $6.7 million for the season. Bryant came back asking for $15 million, to which Sabatini reportedly found "shocking."

Both sides are now considering a deal for ten games and $3 million, however it would require that other teams change their schedules so that big-money Bryant could play at least five home games.

If the deal is to come to fruition, it needs to be signed by the end of this week.

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Kobe Bryant Closer to Inking a Deal With Italy