Will the finale of "Lebronapoluza" be an NBA lockout?
With the non-stop media coverage of the free agency drama of Lebron James, Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade and others, the NBA has taken center stage even after its season has ended. This must be a magical team for the league. Well, not so fast.
The NBA collective bargaining agreement runs out after this season and there are many labor storm clouds on the way. While a handfull of star players are looking for "max deals" that will net them 100's of millions, as many as 20 teams could be in financial trouble. In fact, reports suggest that the 20 financially troubled teams will make MORE money during a lockout then having to pay their players.
Given this situation, the owners not participating in Lebronapoluza want major changes. They are seeking shorter max contracts and even non-guaranteed contracts for their players. In short, many NBA owners want the ability to get out of bad deals quickly. These owners are more than willing to shut down the game to get these changes.
If this happens, Lebron might want to save a few bucks from his new contract for 2011.
My name is Christopher Fusco. I am the managing partner of Callahan & Fusco, LLC with offices in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.