Stern: NBA Wants To Reach Labor Deal "Without Any Interruption"

NBA Commissioner David Stern discussed the league’s labor situation prior to the NBA Draft Lottery, and he said the league is committed to sitting with the NBPA and getting a new CBA “without any interruption.” Stern: “We had a meeting last week. We're going to have a meeting next week, and we're hopeful that we'll be able to get something done." Stern: "We cover everything, with the understanding that until we have a deal, we've covered nothing and that's sort of what we do. … I don't mean to suggest that we're at agreement or close to an agreement but there's nothing other than I would say goodwill, friendship. No acrimony.”

He added, “This is going to be a long-term deal when it's finally made, and we want it to be as extensive as it possibly can be" (“NBA Countdown,” ESPN, 5/17).