--The Times' Mike Bresnahan explains why the NBA owners and players union feel optimistic about making a deal in Friday's meeting.

--Truehoop's Henry Abbott lists three reasons for the increased optimism surrounding the labor negotiations.

--The New York Times' Howard Beck indicates that if both sides reach a deal by this weekend, it's possible to salvage an 82-game season.

--CBS Sports' Ben Golliver analyzes Phil Jackson's recent criticism of the Lakers falling apart in the clutch during the 2011 NBA playoffs.

--The New York Daily News' Frank Isola notes that the biggest hurdle remains involving how to split up basketball-related income.

--ESPN Los Angeles' Brian Kamenetzky weighs the pros and cons of the NBA salvaging a full season.

--The New York Daily News' Mike Lupica argues a deal will hinge on whether the owners truly want to do so.

--Sports Illustrated's Zach Lowe analyzes what needs to happen for both sides to reach a deal.

--Sports Illustrated's Ian Thomsen looks at the progress the NBA owners and players union made in this week's meeting.

--The Orange County Register's Mark Whicker looks at seven NBA teams, including the Lakers, that will hurt during the lockout.

--Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski talked to one source who indicated both sides expect that "hands will shake" after Friday's meeting.

Tweet of the Day: "My morning take on the NBA's big day: the optimism is warranted and there is a deal to be done, but I could still see this going South." -- sam_amick (Sports Illustrated's Sam Amick)

--Mark Medina

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

Photo: Billy Hunter, executive director of the NBA players association, says progress is being made toward a new labor agreement. Credit: Mary Altaffer / Associated Press