Nuggets' Lawson set to play in Lithuania; Fernandez eyeing Spain

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[وحدهم المديرون لديهم صلاحيات معاينة هذه الصورة] Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson

Denver Nuggets' point guard Ty Lawson won't be sitting around to see how long it takes NBA owners and players to iron out a new labour agreement.

With the start of the upcoming 2011-12 season in danger, Lawson signed to play with Lithuanian team Zalgiris Kaunas. The contract includes an opt-out clause that he must return to the Nuggets when the currently more than six-week lockout is lifted and NBA play resumes.

Paulius Motiejunas, general director of Zalgiris Kaunas, confirmed the deal.

Lawson will team with Sonny Weems of the Toronto Raptors, who signed last month but without an opt-out clause in his deal.

"It's the best situation for me to go out there," Lawson told the Denver Post.

"Being at home, I'm not saying I'm a lazy person, but I want to be in the gym. And plus, it's a new experience going out to Lithuania, so why not? It was a no-brainer. And as soon as the lockout ends, I can come right back and be with the Denver Nuggets."

Lawson averaged 11.6 points per game and 4.7 rebounds for Denver last season.

Rudy Fernandez of the NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks has agreed to a four-year deal to return to Spain and play for Real Madrid in 2012-13.

According to a Spanish media report by Sportando.net, Fernandez, acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers in a June 23 draft night trade, will finish out his fourth NBA season with the Mavericks, unless the lockout wipes it out, and head back to Spain, where the 26-year-old shooting guard will earn about 4.3 million dollars a season from the La Liga club.

"Rudy is very committed to Dallas," according to the site's source. "The contract he's about to sign means that Real Madrid (is) his choice in Europe if he chooses to stay in Europe, but he's not closing the door on a future in the NBA with Dallas after this year."

Fernandez, who will play at the Eurobasket with defending champion Spain starting later this month, averaged 8.6 points and 2.5 assists per game, mostly in a reserve role with the Trail Blazers last season.