Amidst labor negotiations, Commissioner David Stern canceled the first two weeks of the regular season on Monday, October 10. Negotiations will continue on Tuesday, October 18, when a federal mediator will meet with both sides. If somehow a deal gets done between the owners and players, then the 2011-2012 NBA season will commence, albeit shortened. Life will go on but who really benefits from a shortened NBA season?

LeBron James leaving Cleveland for New Jersey not a farfetched idea, even if New Jersey has the worst record in the NBA. Their young core combined with a billionaire owner and a lottery pick could entice the King to come play for the Nets.

A much anticipated rematch of the ’07-’08 Finals is not a sure thing. Cleveland and Orlando look strong and Denver, Dallas and Utah can challenge LA in the West.