The president of Virtus Bologna is optimistic Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant will sign with the Italian club during the NBA lockout despite scheduling problems posed by other teams.

Claudio Sabatini spoke to The Associated Press Friday saying that Bryant’s agent Rob Pelinka agreed to an arrangement to join to club for 25 to 40 days, worth more than $3 million – for about 10 games of work.

“We’re very confident the deap can be completed,” Sabatini said. “We’re prepared to make a big investment.”

Bologna has requested to play five of its opening 10 games at home, but a few other teams don’t want to change their schedules to accommodate the Lakers’ star.

The deal would allow Bryant to return to the Lakers immediately if the lockout ends. The 33-year-old Bryant has three years and $83.5 million left on his contract with the Lakers, who could void the deal if Bryant is injured playing abroad.

Bologna would need to have the deal signed by the end of next week to register Bryant with the Italian league before the season starts.

 

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