LeBron James is also optimistic that the league and the player association, NBPA will soon reach the deal on collective bargain agreement in a similar tone with NBA Comissioner Adam Silver.
James reciprocated Silver's statement in China during the NBA Global Game on Sunday Oct. 9. He said that he is very optimistic that NBA and NBPA will reach agreement on CBA as reported by Cleveland.com. He said that the best thing with the discussion is that the league and players association started the conversation early.
"We're very optimistic on both sides, from the players' association to the owners, to Adam Silver that we can get something done, and I think we can get something done," James said.
Previously Silver said that both the club owners and union management have come to the common understanding on the issues and stakes if the CBA is not reached. Since both club owners and players association can opt out from the current agreement but that will lead to a lockout, which will hurt both players and the team just like the last NBA lockout in 2011.
Silver also mentioned that NBA and NBPA has regularly met to discuss the renewal of the agreeement which was signed in 2011 after the lockout. The CBA will be expired in 2017, therefore beginning the negotitation earlier will be beneficial.
James, who is the vice president of NBPA also said that the player association will prioritize to help retired player in the CBA agreement as reported by ESPN .
CBA is the most important part to ensure the live of NBA as a league. It govern rules regarding players, contracts and related issues. The agreement is signed between NBA, comprise of the comissionner and team owners the and NBPA, which is represented by the executive director. Current NBPA executive director is Michelle Roberts a litigator in Washington D.C.
Watch the aftermath of 2011 lockout as NBA Comissioner David Sterling and NBPA Executive President Billy Hunter announced tentative agreement on the CBA on Nov. 26, 2011 below: