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Free agency madness – international version. [Source: Sina.com]

CBA club announced it has reached an agreement with LA Lakers' star Kobe Bryant to play in China in the 2011-12 season.

The chairman of the Shanxi Zhongyu basketball club announced Wednesday that the club has reached an agreement with LA Lakers' superstar Kobe Bryant to play in the Chinese Basketball Association's upcoming season.

Wang Xingjiang, chairman of the Shanxi Zhongyu basketball club, told a local newspaper that Bryant would join his team in the new CBA season. He also revealed that the Lakers' star would arrive in China on October 1.

However, according to the newest report by ESPN, sources close to the situation has refuted the report that Bryant has committed to a contract, saying he is "conducting due diligence and weighing various options."

According to Wang, the club offered a contract to Kobe during his 2011 China tour in July. The two sides reached agreement after some adjustment to the details of the contract

"Kobe is satisfied with the contract," Wang said.

The Shanxi club has previously featured ex-NBA stars Stephon Marbury and Bonzi Wells.

Still, it is too early to say that Bryant will play in the CBA's new season as the governing body of the league hasn't decided whether to allow NBA players to sign short term contracts with CBA teams.

The league's officials are currently meeting in Shenzhen, where the proposal will be discussed.

Due to the expected prolonged league lockout, NBA players are considering all their options, including playing overseas.

New Jersey Nets All-Star guard, Deron Williams, signed a contract with Turkish club Besiktas last month, while other big names including Bryant, Dwight Howard and Blake Griffin have been linked to Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) teams.

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