MILAN, Italy — Kobe Bryant said it was "very possible" he will play in Italy during the NBA lockout, adding that the country is like "home" to him since he spent part of his childhood there.

Virtus Bologna has made numerous contract offers to the Los Angeles Lakers star and Bryant discussed the situation with the Gazzetta dello Sport during a sponsor's appearance in Milan on Wednesday.

"It's very possible. It would be a dream for me," Bryant said, according to the 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."