BASKETBALL superstar Kobe Bryant has been to Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines and China.
His next stop could be Singapore when he visits Asia again.
The New Paper understands Nike has invited the NBA star who plays for Los Angeles Lakers to visit Singapore.
Even though Bryant, 30, has an endorsement deal to promote Nike sportswear, it is still up to him to decide if he wants to come here.
And if he does, it could well be sometime this month.
With the Lakers beating Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals last month, Bryant's visit could inspire Singapore's youth in the sport.
During last year's Beijing Olympics, Bryant was greeted with a rapturous reception and mobbed everywhere he went.
He has appeared in commercials and on billboards, and even had a reality show on Chinese television. It's reported that he sells more NBA jerseys there than Yao Ming.
A trip later this month will be his fourth visit to China.
And if he decides to come to Singapore, it would be timely for him to promote his signature Nike basketball shoe - Nike Zoom Kobe IV.
Bryant spent a chunk of his childhood in Italy where he grew up playing football. His great footwork on the basketball court today was developed and influenced by football.
Now, with a ball in his hands and his dribble alive, Bryant turns it on with an intricate series of jab steps, pivots, turns and twists.
Bryant has been with the Lakers for 13 years, winning four NBA championships.
First time
In last month's NBA Finals, Bryant, who had five assists and six rebounds, was named the Most Valuable Player of the Finals for the first time in his career as the Lakers completed a 4-1 victory in the best-of-seven series.
In 2004, the player had considered leaving the team, but after weighing up an offer to join the Clippers, he decided to re-sign with the Lakers.
But a fortnight ago, he told the media: 'I'm not going anywhere. I know I ain't going nowhere, so it's just a waste of our breaths just talking about it.'
He has two more years of his contract with the Lakers.
