NBA lockout: NBA labor talks inching forward

In Monday's labor negotiations to try and salvage the start of the NBA season, ownership led by NBA Commissioner David Stern and players representatives are working to solve a system that has left more than two-thirds of the teams losing money last season -- according to the league -- without taking an unfair drop in pay -- according to the players.

One of the key issues is settling on the return of a mid-level exception, which allows a team once a season to sign a veteran player for the average NBA salary, even if that payment puts the team over the league-instituted salary cap. In the past, that player could be signed even if the team was already over the salary cap.

According to TNT's David Aldridge, the two sides are nearing agreement Monday on how to treat the mid-level exception. Other reports from New York say the sides are showing "movement" on how to split basketball-related income (BRI), which before talks resumed Sunday had the players seeking 53% after the owners last week sought a 50-50 share.

The Times is monitoring the lockout meeting and will have further updates today on latimes.com/sports.

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--Lance Pugmire  

Photo: Derek Fisher arrives at the negotiating session on Monday. Credit: Louis Lanzano / Associated Press.