Greek team Olympiakos, fresh off its’ acquisation of Hawks guard Josh Childress, is set to raise the bar in European basketball.  Olympiakos is set to offer Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant a three year deal worth $83 million in tax free money.  In addition to this contract, Bryant will be hooked up with a villa on the Mediterranean, his own boat, and a full service staff available around the clock.  For reference, Kobe a player option after this year that can allow him to opt out of his contract.

To an extent, having players leave the NBA to play globally is good for the NBA brand.  Guys like Josh Childress and Nenad Kristic will assuredly spread the excitement of basketball to reaches of the world that weren’t previously attained.  However, having a guy like Kobe or LeBron depart for Europe would be incredibly damaging to the NBA.  Can you imagine the Cleveland franchise if LeBron took off for Italy or Russia to play?  How the hell would the Cavaliers justify charging upwards of $100 for tickets to see a bunch of guys who, in all likelihood, wouldn’t win 20 games during the season.  Would the Lakers draw the star power and attention that they do now without Kobe Bryant running the floor for them nightly?  Doubtful.

I’m not sure how the NBA would remedy this nor am I going to spend hours of time to figure out a way to save the NBA from the world.  However, the NBA should change their public response to their players going overseas.  Stop being so ecstatic about it and start bunkering down and keeping the factions that make your league great.