LOS ANGELES: With an agreement between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the players union apparently stalled, Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant could be heading to Italy this fall if a lockout in the US goes forward. Speaking at a sponsor appearance in Milan on Wednesday, the future Hall of Famer said that “it's very possible” that he could return to the country he spent time in during childhood. “It would be a dream for me,” Bryant said, according to Italy's Gazzetta. “There's an opportunity that we've been discussing over the last few days. It's very possible and that's good news for me.” Virtus Bologna has made numerous contract offers to the Los Angeles Lakers star, the same newspaper said. Virtus was reported by The Associated Press to be offering $2.5 million offer for 10 games over 40 days from October 9 to November 16. The deal would, however, allow Bryant to return to the Lakers immediately if the lockout ends. BM