Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash receive Italian national team jerseys

Kobe Bryant was presented with an official jersey from the Italian national basketball team after the Lakers’ 102-84 victory over the Utah Jazz at Staples Center.

Giancarlo Migliola, press officer of the Italian Federation (link in Italian), gave Bryant the jersey after the game. The No. 18 didn’t have specific significance but it read “Kobe” on the back.

Bryant spent many of his formative years in Italy as his father, Joe Bryant, played overseas.

The Lakers All-Star guard could be heard yelling, “Forza, Italia!” as he walked away after the presentation, which translates to “Let’s go, Italy!”

Witnessing the exchange was Steve Nash, who met with Migliola and was presented with a jersey as well (without a number or name).

Bryant has hinted in the past that he’d consider playing in Italy after he retires from the NBA.

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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.