Stern not anticipating lockout

Story at Yahoo! NBA

NBA commissioner David Stern insisted Sunday he hasn’t thought about the effects of a possible lockout next year, and gave new assurances that the league and players’ union remain focused on reaching a new labor agreement.

The sides are divided over the renewal of the collective bargaining agreement that expires June 30, raising fears of a possible lockout.

“We are actually focusing our efforts so entirely on reaching a deal that we haven’t gone into a risk assessment mode for a lockout, because we are trying as hard as we can to reach an agreement with our players,” Stern said. “We have been talking for a long time. I think that the atmosphere is cordial and open. We have provided the players with as much access as have ever been given to financial records, which is complete audited reports (and) tax returns. Although I can’t say we have made great progress, both sides are committed to meetings and talking.”

Famous last words, perhaps, but here's hoping his optimism is well placed. Whatever gripes I might have with the NBA when it comes to officiating or whatever, I'm still a fan and I still want to watch NBA basketball. I don't fancy a repeat of the last lockout or worse.