As expected the NBA announced the cancellation of the first two weeks of regular season games along with the entire pre-season schedule. With that said, here’s a quick run down of some important LOCKOUT bullet points.

Most notably, a shortening of the NBA season is almost a certainty. At this point, there is too little time and too little initiative shown on the NBA’s behalf, to indicate anything but a shorter season. On top of that, due to the already grueling 82 game season (not including playoffs) the player’s association is demanding a 50 game season. Players like Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Amare Stoudemire are just of few of the many superstars in favor of the 50 game season.

In my first story about the NBA lockout, I speculated the anticipated starting date of the 2011-2012 season, saying January at best. Now, its possible (even without any known progress) they could be playing before Thanksgiving. Still, there is always the likely chance the NBA and the players won’t make nice.

Whether or not the insanely wealthy owners or the insanely wealthy players get along; What will happen to us??? The fans?? We are the people who seem to care the most and always seem to get the short end of the stick. Regardless, the NBA WILL see a significant fan base drop off. They WILL see multiple local businesses suffer nationwide, as well as many city workers face unemployment. Lastly, they WILL have to eventually face the fans and apologize sincerely and promise to do everything in their power to make sure this never happens again.

On a positive note, the lack of NBA games will lead to other avenues of entertainment being brought to Orlando’s forefront. My source close to the Amway Center tells me, “You’ll see a lot of new innovative acts come to the Amway if the lockout extends passed Christmas.” At this point, I interpret new and innovative to crappy and undesired. Maybe I’m right, maybe I’m wrong. Keep checking for more updates on the lockout and other sports news around town..