Lockout Threatens Nba

The NBA will lock out its players Monday if final details of the long-delayed labor contract with the union can’t be resolved, a league executive said.

Talks between the league and the union broke off after 6 hours, and the NBA then toughened its stance.

“If nothing changes, there will be a lockout,” the high-ranking league official said on the condition he not be identified.

A lockout would delay the start of what is predicted to be the most frenzied free-agent market in league history. Teams would be forbidden from contacting and signing players, including those selected in today’s draft.