The Italian club Virtus Bologna says "unexpected engagements" have made it impossible to sign Kobe Bryant this month, but both sides will keep working toward a deal in November. Bologna President Claudio Sabatini told The Associated Press this month he had reached a tentative deal with Bryant's agent or a 10-game contract worth more than $3 million US. Any deal with Bryant would allow the Los Angeles Lakers star to return to the NBA once the lockout ends. A statement on Bologna's website says "the sides will continue to work toward arranging Kobe Bryant's arrival in Italy for mid-November." Bryant spent part of his childhood in Italy and has said it would be a "dream" to play in the country.