Sports

Kobe Bryant reportedly in talks with Turkish club Besiktas

ANKARA, Turkey — The coach of Turkish basketball club Besiktas said Thursday the side is in negotiations with NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, according to the Los Angeles Times.

With the NBA lockout in its fourth week, Besiktas coach Ergin Ataman reportedly said, “it is a fact that Kobe Bryant’s managers have contacted us” and that he was waiting for his side to make an offer, once the team has secured a sponsor.

Bryant, who has won five NBA titles with the LA Lakers, has previously said he would consider playing overseas and the unlikely switch could yet become a reality in the light of former New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams’ recently announced one-year contract with Besiktas.

Byrant currently has a $83.5 million contract with the Lakers that takes him through the 2013-14 season — but after recent treatment to repair his injured right knee, the 13-time NBA All Star is said to be looking for new ways to strengthen his leg and get back to full fitness.

Money will yet be a decisive factor — Besiktas will struggle to match Bryant’s reported $1 million a month salary demands, especially when the club’s soccer team has recently been caught up in a match-fixing scandal, which affects the basketball team’s finances.

Byrant, who is currently on a tour of China, has yet to comment on the reports.