Commissioner David Stern is threatening that if the players and owners do not make progress this weekend in their labor negotiations, come Monday he will be cancelling the NBA season.  Whether it part or whole shutdown, the Players Association is viewing the threat of shutdown as a tactic.

In a possible related story, Los Angles Laker guard says he is looking to play in Italy during the lock-out.

For those looking for basketball on cold winter nights, may we suggest turning to college basketball.