by Iceman_44 on Sun Aug 10, 2008 4:30 pm
I think its a bit too early for most NBA superstars to seriously consider it, but it might be a real possibility in 5-7 years. For now, Kobe and the Free Agent class will simply use it as leverage when negotiating with their respective teams. Kobe might be shooting for that $25M/year contract extension, the last one in his prime. If European teams threw $30m/$40m or $50m, some might go for it (I'm thinking guys like Joe Johnson), but not Kobe or Lebron, they grew up watching the NBA finals and hoping to establish their dynasty here.
Besides, What other city in the world (besides LA) would be capable of tolerating Kobe's Antics, he forced a trade to Hollywood when he got drafted, chased Shaq out of Town, and has connections to management, I doubt he would ever leave. Lebron doesn't want to be playing against international scrubs, sooner or later he would get tired of easily dominating subpar talent.