Besiktas says it is in talks with Kobe Bryant

[July 21, 2011]  ANKARA, Turkey (AP) -- Turkish club Besiktas says it is in talks with Kobe Bryant's representatives about the possibility of the Los Angeles Lakers' star playing in Turkey during the NBA lockout.

Besiktas coach Ergin Ataman says "It is a fact that Kobe Bryant's managers have contacted us" after the club signed New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams last week.

Ataman says on the club's website Thursday that Bryant is waiting for an offer from Besiktas. He says the club would need a sponsor to be able to pay for Bryant's contract.

He says "our board will evaluate that."

Bryant has won five NBA titles with the Lakers and is a 13-time NBA All Star. He has a career scoring average of 25.3 points.

[Associated Press]

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