--The Times' Mike Bresnahan explains how both the NBA owners and players union made some slight progress in a 15-hour meeting Wednesday to Thursday morning on various issues. Bresnahan also explains why younger teams will benefit from a lockout-shortened season, while older teams will struggle.

--NBA.com's David Aldridge notes how both sides made progress on the luxury tax. 

--NBA.com's Steve Aschburner talks with economist Kevin Murphy, who sat in on Wednesday's labor meeting. 

--Sports Illustrated's Sam Amick believes it's presumptuous to think a deal is imminent. 

--The New York Times' Howard Beck mentions the possibility both sides could reach a deal by this weekend. 

--Ball Don't Lie's Kelly Dwyer suggests NBA fans should celebrate the possible end of a lockout in their own way. 

--TrueHoop's Tom Haberstroh  provides an in-depth analysis on discovering that spending has little to do with ensuring competitive balance. 

--The New York Daily News' Frank Isola notes the effort to salvage the full season. 

--Sports Illustrated's Zach Lowe breaks down the NBA trade market. 

--Lakers.com's Mike Trudell breaks down what Mike Brown's assistants bring to his coaching staff.

--Fox Sports' Jason Whitlock talks with Steve Nash and Grant Hill, who criticize the owners' for hypocrisy regarding the NBA lockout. 

--Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski explains that talks centering on system issues resulted in significant progress on how much luxury taxes each team pays. 

Tweet of the Day: "I haven't slept a moment since yesterday with all this NBA stuff going on. A deal is closer, but can still get nixed over BRI. We'll see." -- stephenasmith (ESPN's Stephen A. Smith)

--Mark Medina

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

Photo: Derek Fisher, president of the NBA players' union. Credit: Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press