Despite what the photo may suggest, Kobe Bryant will not be joining Barcelona, the MLS, or any other soccer organization during the lockout, although it would be pretty sweet if he did. Kobe has always displayed a passion for the sport while growing up in Italy where he was submerged in the culture. Luckily for you Left Coasters, Kobe’s Dad was a hooper and thus Kobe picked up hoops. While Kobe would have been an extremely intimidating striker, today we’re focused on Mr. Bryant’s footwear. Though he has his own signature line with Nike, and seven signature sneakers that bear his name, Kobe donned a pair of Nike Tiempos when Manchester United came to L.A. to play Barcelona. While his outfit is out of sorts with a baggy pair of basketball shorts under a pair of soccer shorts, the kicks fit. One can’t help but wonder what the state of U.S. soccer would be if Kobe dribbled the ball with his feet for a living instead of his hands. As it stands, Kobe will remain an NBA All-Star and one of the greatest ever, but we’ll see if he doesn’t pick up the sport when he hangs up his basketball kicks.

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