--The NBA players union will meet Friday at the Beverly Hilton at 1 p.m. We will provide blog and video updates as they come. 

--NBA.com's David Aldridge has a one-on-one interview with Commissioner David Stern about the lockout.

--True Hoop's Henry Abbott believes the players union will eventually concede and make a deal.

--The Orange County Register's Janis Carr expresses amusement over Virtus Bologna's ongoing effort in signing Kobe Bryant.

--Ball Don't Lie's Kelly Dwyer notes the absurdity of Virtus Bologna owner Claudio Sabatini asking President Obama to help land Bryant.

--Pro Basketball Talk's Kurt Helin laughs over Sabatini's letter-writing campaign to President Obama.

--ESPN Los Angeles' Andy and Brian Kamenetzky as well as Dave McMenamin debate the long-term implications a canceled season would have on the Lakers and the NBA.

--A panel of Sports Illustrated writers debate various lockout issues.

--Sports Illustrated's Zach Lowe talks to multiple sources about what might happen involving both the NBA and player union's lawsuits with the National Labor Relations Board.

--Yahoo! Sports' Marc Spears has an extended Q&A with Players Assn. executive director Billy Hunter.

--ESPN.com's Michael Wilbon argues the NBA is taking a big risk by alienating its fanbase. 

--Lakers Nation's Daniel Buerge takes a look at Bryant's new Nike shoes.

--Lakers.com's Mike Trudell reflects on Bill Sharman's coaching career.

--SB Nation's Tom Ziller criticizes the way the owners have negotiated in the lockout.

Tweet of the Day:"This has to go down as the worst overall sports offseason ever. How many months have we spent discussing NFL, NBA labor issues?" -- ChrisMannix (Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix)

--Mark Medina

E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com

Photo credit: Patrick McDermott / Getty Images / October 4, 2011