SbB has learned Chris Broussard & Jon Barry won’t returm to ESPN’s NBA studio. Added to show: @sportsguy33 & Stan Van Gundy

— SPORTSbyBROOKS (@SPORTSbyBROOKS) September 11, 2012

In the latest sign that Bill Simmons is the most powerful man at ESPN, the columnist and man behind Grantland will reportedly join ESPN’s NBA studio show this season.

Simmons and former Orlando Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy would replace Chris Broussard and Jon Barry, according to Sports By Brooks.

However, ESPN couldn’t confirm the report when contacted on Tuesday by FishbowlLA.

“We are in the process of considering all assignments for both returning and potential new commentator roles. As we’ve said before, Stan is someone we’d be interested in exploring,” said ESPN spokesman Ben Cafardo. “For Bill,  same applies, we’re exploring the best ways to utilize all of our talent, including Bill, this NBA season.”

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Magic Johnson‘s commute during the NBA season just got a whole lot easier.

ESPN’s Kia NBA Countdown show is moving to the network’s Los Angeles Production Center at L.A. LIVE. In previous years, the show originated from New York City and ESPN’s headquarters in lovely Bristol, Conn.

Joining Johnson this season are Michael Wilbon, Jon Barry and newcomer Chris Broussard. Gone from the mix are Stuart Scott and Hannah Storm, as the show won’t have a traditional host, according to the USA Today.

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With each passing day, local media coverage of Kobe Bryant‘s possible Italian sojourn during the current NBA lockout gets more hilarious. It’s one of the few bits of comic relief in an otherwise very serious situation.

Via LakersNation.com, we learn from Virtus Bologna communications manager Vicenzo Di Schiavia that “negotiations with Mr. Kobe Bryant have been very difficult. We will not make any comment for now.”

Over at ESPN.com, columnist Chris Broussard opines that if the Black Mamba can get the Italian team with the very tuneful homepage to fork over in the neighborhood of $2 million for a single game, “more power to him.” No kidding; transposed to a full NBA regular season schedule, that’s the equivalent of a $164 million annual salary.

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