Bologna still working on deal for Kobe Bryant

BOLOGNA, Italy (AP) ? The Italian club Virtus Bologna says "unexpected engagements" have made it impossible to sign Kobe Bryant this month, but both sides will keep working toward a deal in November.

Bologna President Claudio Sabatini told The Associated Press this month he had reached a tentative deal with Bryant's agent or a 10-game contract worth more than $3 million.

Any deal with Bryant would allow the Los Angeles Lakers star to return to the NBA once the lockout ends.

A statement on Bologna's website says "the sides will continue to work toward arranging Kobe Bryant's arrival in Italy for mid-November."

Bryant spent part of his childhood in Italy and has said it would be a "dream" to play in the country.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2011-10-18-BKO-Bryant-Bologna/id-3fa5586d93614d629f3170efac07e9ff

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