2011-2012 without the NBA

[Scout200]

Many people are saying that a lockout is inevitable for the 2011-2012 season. What impact will it have on the NBA, players, fans.. and in general, America? Also, if there is a lockout, who would be to blame?

[RebusRankin]

Blame, both owners and Players.
Effects: More people watch hockey?

[perks-a-beast]

If i were an NBA player and there was a lockout i wouldnt even think twice about signing a nice fat contract in Europe.  I can envision alot of players...ecspecially superstars like LeBron, Kobe, and Durant, trying to expand their brand, doing this...this could end ugly for the NBA 

[Roy H.]

I don't think that either the players or the owners will allow for cancellation of the entire season.  I'm sure they saw how both MLB and the NHL lost popularity after their respective strikes / lockouts, and I doubt anybody wants to see the NBA suffer a similar fate.

[BballTim]

  Before they have any kind of a lockout they should show the players videos of people like Shawn Kemp waddling up the court after they started the season a few months late.

[RebusRankin]

  Before they have any kind of a lockout they should show the players videos of people like Shawn Kemp waddling up the court after they started the season a few months late.

From the Reignman to the Hey Koolaid man.

[Q_FBE]

It would be disasterous for the league and I think up to six franchises could fold up. And then I think a lot of players would play overseas just to keep playing and making money. Long term, I think the league will be stronger for taking the painful steps to get their cost structure under control. I put the blame squarely on the commisioner for not nipping this dispute in the bud.

[guava_wrench]

I would really be bummed to have our banner raising delayed.

[LooseCannon]

Also, if there is a lockout, who would be to blame?

It's completely on the owners.

[Scout200]

If i were an NBA player and there was a lockout i wouldnt even think twice about signing a nice fat contract in Europe.  I can envision alot of players...ecspecially superstars like LeBron, Kobe, and Durant, trying to expand their brand, doing this...this could end ugly for the NBA 

I didn't think about that... Excellent point!

[Chris]

If i were an NBA player and there was a lockout i wouldnt even think twice about signing a nice fat contract in Europe.  I can envision alot of players...ecspecially superstars like LeBron, Kobe, and Durant, trying to expand their brand, doing this...this could end ugly for the NBA 

Well, only players not under contract would be allowed to play in Europe.  Since there are not a whole lot of stars who will be free agents this summer (especially if Melo signs an extension), I don't think there is too much for the league to worry about.  They won't cry too much over a few role players going overseas (and then running back the second the NBA season starts).

[hwangjini_1]

Blame, both owners and Players.
Effects: More people watch hockey?

well said. good thing i like hockey.