Kobe Bryant Still Not Sure About His Future – NBA Update
In the last day or so, there have been many reports suggesting that Kobe Bryant will be moving to China to join the Shanxi team. However none of these reports have been verified as yet and Kobe is still weighing his options in
case the lockout does not end.
According to Chinese reports, which surfaced earlier this Thursday, Shanxi Zhongyu owner Wang Xing Jiang said that they were able to reach an agreement with the Lakers star and he had agreed to join them by October 1.
Kobe is yet to comment on this matter and has not made any decision as of yet. However, it is true that the ‘black mamba’ is weighing his options and is seriously considering playing overseas if the NBA season gets cancelled.
The Turkish side Besiktas had also shown massive interest in landing the five time NBA championship winner. Besiktas recently signed the services of Deron Williams and were desperate to bring his fellow American star to Turkey
as well. However, last week the talks between the two parties broke down.
Although Bryant seems to be more inclined towards China, there has been a recent development which has caused a huge predicament for NBA players wishing to go and play in the Chinese league. The Chinese Basketball Association has
stated that it is pondering over the implementation of a ‘no opt-out’ policy.
This policy will bind the NBA players to their Chinese team until their contract ends. Hence, no player will be allowed to return to the NBA if the lockout ends midway through the Chinese league season. The final verdict on this
matter is expected to be issued by Friday.
CBA’s decision to forbid players from having an opt-out clause is in direct contrast to the recent verdict issued by FIBA. The world’s basketball governing body passed a decision whereby all NBA players are to return to the NBA
once the lockout ends. Hence, most players who had their eyes set on the Chinese league will have to look elsewhere.
Some of the big names that have shown a hint of interest in the Chinese league are Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul. If, however, the CBA goes ahead with its decision, China
will not be seeing any NBA stars in live action.
It is reported that CBA is planning to take this step to ensure that their league does not become a “circus” of sorts. They stated that with the Olympics right around the corner, they wanted the league to be contested seriously.
They claimed that if players started joining and leaving the teams at will, it will affect the league negatively.
"The CBA isn't the NBA's backyard. If we didn't make a rule about players playing here temporarily, then they'd all just leave in the middle of the season. That would affect our season greatly." stated a news report.
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