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Wait, wait, now Kobe Bryant’s NOT talking to Turkey. Wait 30 seconds, there will be another update.

NBA's Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant dun

NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant dunks the ball in an exhibition game with Filipino basketball players during the Ultimate All-Star Weekend at Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City Metro Manila on July 23, 2011. The proceeds from the exibition game will help Philippine sports and develop Filipino athletes into becoming world-class competitors. AFP PHOTO/NOEL CELIS (Photo credit should read NOEL CELIS/AFP/Getty Images)

NOEL CELIS

So he’s going, but wait, no, no he’s not. Wait, no he is! Totally talking to them!

No, wait, no, no he’s not. From Yahoo! Sports:

Kobe Bryant is “nowhere near any kind of a deal,” in Turkey, source tells Y! “Not even close.” He’s listening to offers, but that’s all now.

via Twitter / @WojYahooNBA: Kobe Bryant is “nowhere ne ....

This is like “War of the Worlds.” Besiktas is Orson Wells, we’re the poor, unsuspecting public gathering rifles for possemen to go hunt the little green Martians invading from Turkey. Pau Gasol is the Tom Cruise’s little girl. Or something. It’s not a perfect analogy.

This thing is going to drag on for a while. Bryant’s going to continue to solicit offers. Supposedly Bryant and Besiktas are going to meet next week when officials come to the United States for Deron Williams’ signing. But Bryant’s also scheduled to continue his Nike tour in Asia next week. But hey, facts have never stopped a good story before.

On the flip side, crazier things have happened, and if there’s one thing that will drive Bryant to do something, it’s people doubting him. And everyone is doubting him. There’s a consensus that this whole notion is crazy, even as multiple NBA stars are signed, sealed and delivered overseas. Bryant’s a rare case, a Hall of Fame All-Star still competing in his prime, and, you know, Kobe Bryant. He doesn’t need the money, doesn’t need the work, does need the rest, and has no real reason to go. But on the flip side, it’s legitimate competition, which he’s obsessed with, and a chance to expand his brand to optimize his non-basketball earnings in the twilight of his career. There are reasons for him to go, reasons for him not to.

No one can believe he’s going. No one’s saying he’s not.

This is like Schrodinger’s Cat. Bryant is currently both playing and not playing for Turkey.