Image Source: (Orlando Sentinel)

BY TOM MARTIN

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

You're watching multisource sports video news analysis from Newsy. 

Chinese basketball may have lost a superstar in Yao Ming -- but could they replace him with Superman? WESH in Orlando reports:

“Orlando Magic’s Superman might leave the US and go play overseas. Dwight Howard says he is so frustrated with the NBA lockout he is seriously considering playing in China or Europe if the lockout doesn’t end. He says it will give him a chance to work on his skills.”

Basketball overseas -- it’s becoming a popular option for NBA players in the face of an ugly lockout. New Jersey Nets star Deron Williams recently signed to play in Turkey and -- like Howard -- others are weighing their options.

But for Howard, China presents a unique opportunity. As CBS Sports’ Matt Moore writes, the benefits stretch beyond the court.

“Howard understands that playing in China is much more than just about the competition level or comfort. It's about expanding his profile. With ... Yao Ming retired, there's a void left for a[n] NBA star to be China's hero ... Howard might be able to fill that void.”

China is no stranger to Howard -- he and fellow NBA star Carmelo Anthony traveled to the country last summer to film a movie.

But what if this is all talk? Howard reportedly has yet to discuss contract terms with any Chinese teams and wouldn’t go into further detail. Pro Basketball Talk’s Kurt Helin writes, perhaps it’s all a bluff:

“Dwight Howard is not going to play overseas... The fact is he is on the verge of a huge new contract — the max under whatever the new labor deal allows — and he is not going to risk that by risking injury overseas. He’s not going."

The Magic hope Howard won’t leave so soon. He’s eligible for free agency next season, and if the lockout ends, Orlando may have a chance to convince its star to stay. But if it doesn’t -- and Howard jumps ship -- the Orlando Sentinel senses it could spell doom:

“... A missed season could be downright catastrophic. Without the freedom and leverage to make any moves before Dwight Howard’s free agency in July 2012, the franchise would be at the mercy of Howard’s decision... They wouldn’t be able to improve the roster around Howard before he became a free agent.”

Howard told reporters that he is not at liberty to discuss the situation further. But when asked on Twitter about a possible move, he responded -quote: “I got something up my sleeve.”
 

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Transcript by Newsy.