With the inevitable NBA lockout, and NBA players traveling overseas to play in foreign countries, Kobe Bryant was offered a contract to play on the Italian team Virtus Bologna

His home town.

His father's home town.

6.7 Million for one year, that's more than Delonte West will make over at the Home Depot.

Not only that, the offers are flexible, and are pretax. Meaning Kobe will return to the Lakers once the lockout ends.

There are options for one month, two months, and one year deals. Each game Kobe Bryant will earn $739,640 dollars.

Kobe grew up in Italy, eating spaghetti, pasta, and his idols are Mario and Luigi. So the chances of him going to Italy are pretty good, considering the country already appeals to his fantastic childhood memories.

Bryant's father, Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, played in Italy with Rieti, Reggio Calabria, Pistoia and Reggiana from 1984 to 1991. The elder Bryant now coaches the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA.

The Turkish club Besiktas -- which signed Deron Williams, and had Allen Iverson play for them in the past -- has expressed intent of giving Kobe an offer.

At least one Chinese team has interest in Kobe.

Bologna failed to qualify for this season's Euroleague, but the team has big ambitions to become a competitor.

Virtus Bologna general manager Massimo Faraoni says that he has been on conference calls with Kobe's agent.

"I think we already have a competitive squad for Serie A, but Kobe is obviously a great champion and he would make a great addition to the team," Faraoni said. "I would put us just behind Milano and Siena."

Italy is most likely going to have one of the best basketball players in their country.

Russell Crowe has some serious competition. Can Maximus Decimus Meridius even compete with the Mamba?

You might as well just call Kobe the Emperor of Rome.