Kobe Bryant: “Italy Is My Home”

When we talk about the best European players in the NBA, one player we always forget to mention is Kobe Bryant. While many people don’t consider European, his basketball game is certainly European. He learned the game in Italy when his father played basketball overseas.

Kobe, who is in talks with the Italian team Virtus Bologna to play their during the NBA lockout, admitted his European roots when talking to an Italian newspaper.

“Italy is my home,” said Kobe. “It’s where my dream of playing in the NBA started. This is where I learned the fundamentals, learned to shoot, to pass.”

If Kobe signs with Virtus Bologna, it’s reported that he’ll receive $2.5 million to play in ten games. Not a bad gig if you can get it.

Get that money from Virtus Bologna, Kobe Bryant