Report: Kobe Bryant linked to potential sale of Italian soccer team

Kobe Bryant has been linked to a group attempting to buy Italian soccer team Bologna FC 1909.

Kobe Bryant has been linked to a group attempting to buy Italian soccer team Bologna FC 1909, Eric Pincus of The Los Angeles Times reported on Saturday, citing a report from the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta.

Attorney Joe Tacopina, who also represented Alex Rodriguez during his suspension hearings, is trying to put together an ownership group that includes the Lakers guard and Montreal Impact owner Joey Saputo, Pincus reports.

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Bryant lived in Italy for a time growing up because his father Joe "Jellybean" Bryant played basketball overseas. Bryant, who is fluent in Italian, is an avid soccer fan.

He even considered a $3 million offer to play for 40 days for Virtus Bologna of the Italian League during the 2011 NBA lockout.

The 36-year-old, who is a 16-time All-Star and five-time NBA champion, signed a two-year, $48.5 million extension with the Lakers in Nov. 2013.

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