Kobe not playing in Italy after all

Well, at least he won't be playing exhibition games for the basketball team Virtus Bologna. Owner Claudio Sabatini, who kept insisting that a deal was almost done, appears to be backing off, according to an Italian newspaper. But there may be more to the story. From the LAT:

Those reading the tea leaves might see this as a sign that the NBA owners and players union might broker a deal as they meet Tuesday with federal mediator George Cohen. But it's also a sign that amid Bryant's desire to maximize his health, his overseas ventures never really seemed that realistic.

No word yet on today's bargaining session.