Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

Kobe Bryant’s management and Virtus Bologna have released a joint statement saying they are working “very intensely” to bring the Los Angeles Lakers to star to Italy during the NBA lockout.

Bologna president Claudio Sabatini told The Associated Press on Friday that he had reached a tentative deal with Bryant’s agent Rob Pelinka for a 10-game contract worth more than $3 million.

Monday’s statement reads: “Virtus Pallacanestro Bologna and the management of Mr. Bryant are working very intensely to try and create this important deal. … Everyone wants a positive outcome to the deal, the goal of which is Kobe Bryant’s presence in Italy, economic interests for the 17 clubs in Serie A and more attention for all of Italian basketball.”

-AP