Could Kobe Bryant Play In Turkey Next Year?

First it was Deron Williams.  Could Kobe Bryant join the Nets guard in Turkey next season?

The Turkish club Besiktas is in talks with Kobe Bryant's people about the possibility of the Los Angeles Lakers star playing in Turkey during the NBA lockout.

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

The Lakers all-star reportedly wants $1 million per month from the Turkish club while Besiktas was prepared to offer Bryant $500,000.  The club said it would need a sponsor to be able to pay for Bryant's contract.

Bryant is currently on a tour of China.  He has said he would consider playing overseas during the NBA lockout and said that China and Turkey are possibilities.  Bryant would be the highest profile NBA player to bolt the states for overseas.  He's won five NBA titles with the Lakers and is a 13-time NBA All-Star.

The NBA is in the middle of its first lockout since 1998-99 season. Talks between the NBA and the players' union broke off on June 30th. The sides are far apart from reaching an agreement  and there is a great possibility that all or part of next season could be canceled.