Kobe meets with Denver Nuggets


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Source: Bryant meets with Nuggets' GM

By JOHN MARSHALL
The Associated Press



DENVER (AP) -- Kobe Bryant has met with Denver general manager Kiki Vandeweghe, opening up the possibility that the Lakers free agent could be moving his basketball home to the state where he will stand trial for sexual assault next month.

A Nuggets source told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday that Bryant had a meeting with the Nuggets GM on Monday.

Denver, which was some $23 million under the salary cap before re-signing center Marcus Camby last week, is expected to target top free agents before next season.

New Jersey forward Kenyon Martin, Los Angeles Clippers guard Quentin Richardson, Portland forward Darius Miles and San Antonio sharpshooter Manu Ginobili have all been mentioned as possibilities.

Denver made the playoffs in a huge turnaround last season, with budding superstar Carmelo Anthony leading the way. But the possibility of landing All-Star Bryant is apparently too good to pass up ? despite his legal troubles.

Bryant has pleaded not guilty to felony sexual assault, saying he is guilty only of adultery for having sex with a 19-year-old resort worker last summer at a resort near Vail.

If convicted, he faces four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation, and a fine up to $750,000. The trial begins Aug. 27.

Bryant drew a mixed reaction from Denver fans during a Nuggets game earlier this year. Team officials have probably considered the possible repercussions with fans, sponsors and the public if they sign Bryant, said David Carter, head of The Sports Business Group marketing firm.

"It's easier to make that business decision when you've had a chance to watch this for a year and you have not seen Kobe meet with any extreme backlash in any markets," he said.

"To the extent the Denver Nuggets or any other team doesn't see that backlash, it gives them in their mind political cover to go forward."

Cynthia Stone, spokeswoman for the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, said signing Bryant would probably be unpopular in many circles but he is presumed innocent.

The Lakers still hope to bring Bryant back, general manager Mitch Kupchak said.

"I'm in constant contact with Kobe and his representatives," he said at a news conference in Los Angeles.
 

And don't forget the Clippers, of all teams, are basically willing to bet the farm and give him anything he want's from coaches to the makeup of the team. :bump:

He wouldn't even have to change driving directions to work. :xeye:
 
Well, atleast he knows that the Colorado Correction Facility will allow him out on "work detail" for practices and game times. He would just have to have an escort for the away games.
 
Knicks reportedly meet with Kobe

FOXSports.com

They don't have deep pockets like the Nuggets, Clippers, or the Spurs. But the New York Knicks think they have a shot at signing Kobe Bryant.

Team executives, including general manager Isiah Thomas, met with the superstar guard at his Newport Beach, Calif. home Wednesday night, according to the New York Daily News.

According to the newspaper, the Knicks' visit with Bryant came a day after Thomas said the team's chances of acquiring Bryant were "less than zero percent." But the Knicks apparently aren't willing to give up without at least talking in person with Bryant as Thomas and Madison Square Garden bosses James Dolan and Steve Mills reportedly flew across the country on a moment's notice.

Unlike the other teams, the cash-strapped Knicks are over the league's salary cap. They can't offer Bryant the maximum-level contract the Lakers can afford. And Lakers' GM Mitch Kupchak has all but ruled out a sign and trade deal.

The Knicks can only use their $5 million salary exception in an attempt to woo Bryant. However, as the News points out, the fact that Bryant's representatives contacted the Knicks about a meeting is an encouraging sign.

What's more, Byrant's endorsement deal with Nike could play a huge role in bringing Bryant to the Big Apple. In fact, it has been reported Nike might be willing to increase its deal if Bryant landed in the world's media capital.

But Knicks' fans don't appear to have high hopes. Why? The largest reported deal N.Y. could offer is six years for roughly $38 million. The Lakers, on the other hand, are dangling a seven-year pact worth $140 million.
 
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