NBA players looking for a place to work during the lockout need not play apply in China.

The Chinese Basketball Association won’t allow NBA players under contract to play for their teams during the lockout, even if the season is canceled, writes the Associated Press. But NBA free agents are welcome.

So it means that players like Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, new Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony and New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul will all have to look elsewhere for playing opportunities. The three, along with several other NBA players, have expressed interest in playing with teams in China during the NBA lockout.

The Xinhua News Agency reported Friday that the CBA will allow free agent NBA players to play for its teams as long as they commit to playing the full season. Many NBA players are looking at overseas playing opportunities but are asking for opt-out clauses so that they can return to NBA teams once the lockout is over.

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