Kobe never did sign that contract with Virtus Bologna, but he is currently touring the world with his Barnstorming team.
I wanted to mention this and never really had the chance to until now.
A shorten season would actually benefit Kobe more than any player in the league. Lot of miles on those knees and when you play an 82 game season that is a grind for any player.
You slice 30 or so games from the season, you still won’t see a Prime Kobe, but you also won’t see a beat up Kobe. Just something to think about Lakers fan.