Lakers G Kobe Bryant formally announced his reported
$1M investment for a 50% stake in Italian basketball team
Olimpia Milano (see THE DAILY, 12/14), and BLOOMBERG's
Michael Buteau reports that as part of the deal, Bryant's
corporate partners, including adidas-Solomon AG, will be
able to "use his relationship with the team to help expand
their businesses" (BLOOMBERG, 12/14). Bryant is believed to
be the first pro player "to buy a substantial interest in
another pro team." Pasquale Caputo "retains" the other 50%
stake in the team (USA TODAY, 12/15). In Chicago, Greg
Burns writes that Bryant "plans to spend several weeks every
off-season" in Milan and will make personal appearances and
"attend to the team's corporate partners." Caputo, on
Bryant: "He knows basketball and I know business. It's a
good match" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 12/15). ESPN's Bob Ley:
"[Bryant] may be the fresh prince of L.A. but he's also a
big cheese now in his old hometown, Milan" (ESPN, 12/14).
FLYING HIGH IN TORONTO? ESPN Magazine named Raptors G
Vince Carter its "NEXT 2000 Athlete" in its year-end issue.
ESPN Magazine Editor-in-Chief John Papanek: "As the most
compelling NBA star currently emerging, Vince represents
everything our next franchise is about" (Mult., 12/15).
IS STAVRO HAVING SECOND THOUGHTS? In Toronto, Stephen
Brunt writes that there have been recent "whispers" that
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment partner Steve Stavro is
"getting cold feet" about the Raptors because of the team's
lagging attendance. But Brunt tries to reassure the Toronto
community on the Raptors: "They'll find their niche.
They'll make the playoffs. They'll provide some terrific
entertainment" (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 12/15).
