NBA Lockout Needs to End or Kobe, LeBron and Everyone Else Will Play Elsewhere

Deron Williams has a contract to play in Turkey while many other second tier players also have contracts in place to play elsewhere.  After watching the past few Olympics and World Championships, I have noticed the world is improving at the American sport and loving it more. 

The NBA lockout doesn't seem to be coming to end soon, and most of these NBA players support their families with an NBA paycheck.  With no season and no money, I don’t blame players for wanting to play in other leagues where they have potential to boost their fan base and make a substantial amount of money

All each NBA player has ever known since they were younger was playing basketball, whether it through the AAU circuit, high school leagues and so on.  These players are bred to play basketball and play it 24-7 unless we’re talking about the incumbent Eddie Curry.  

Throughout the summer, players such as Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Brandon Jennings and even Kobe Bryant have been playing in the summer pro leagues all over the US.  These players are in small, high school style gyms to better their game even if it means playing against inferior talent or getting injured.  You ask why are they doing that?  Because they love the game.  The guys want to play basketball.  If the NBA lockout is not lifted, then every player will take their talents to even bigger venues in Europe, Asia or other places.

Then again, the best NBA players playing elsewhere could also be beneficial for the NBA as a brand in the long run.  Maybe this is Commissioner David Stern’s ultimate plan.  He has expressed interest in spreading the NBA brand globally.  The past few years, Stern has brought a handful of games overseas so foreign fans can see what the NBA really has to offer.  Hypothetically, Stern could possibly be be prolonging the lockout just so the NBA stars can showcase their talents to every league in the world.  More fans equal more money, which has been dipping the past few years.  

Imagine Kobe and Dwight Howard in China, or LeBron in Spain and Durant in Turkey. When the NBA season eventually resumes, then the fan base would be even bigger.  Players playing overseas would be great for the NBA during the lockout, but for all the fans in America, it would really suck. I really hope there isn’t an extended lockout because I don’t want to watch my favorite players playing on T.V. at 2 AM.