Are They Serious?

Lockout imminent for the NBA

So let me get this straight: As the world continues to watch the slow, steady demise of the National Hockey League due to their ongoing lockout, it now seems that the National Basketball Association will soon follow suit. The collective bargaining agreement between owners and the players union runs out at the end of June and it doesn't seem that either side is in much of a hurry to get a new one worked out.

I know that comparing the NBA's situation with the NHL is a little like comparing apples & oranges, but there are similarities. First of all, look at the public relations damage that the NHL has suffered. People are realizing that they can live without hockey...you don't think they can live without pro hoops?

A work stoppage in the NBA would simply be another black eye for a league who hasn't had the best publicity lately. To follow last year's Pacers-Pistons brawl with a fight over money between billionaire owners and over-priced players could be the last straw for a lot of fans who are already disenchanted with the league.