Players' Union Responds To NBA Lockout Decision

The National Basketball Players Association -- the NBA's players' union -- released a statement late Thursday responding to the league's decision to institute an NBA lockout as of 12:01 a.m. on Friday, delaying the start of free agency, putting player movement on hold and threatening the season.

Union officials said players would continue to negotiate with franchise owners despite the lockout.

"While today's decision by the owners to lock out the players is unfortunate, our players will continue to stay focused on a fair outcome," said Derek Fisher, the union's president and L.A. Lakers point guard. "We will continue to negotiate and work towards a resolution that will bring the fans the game they love so much."

In a Thursday press conference announcing the decision to institute a lockout, NBA deputy commissioner Adam Silver said the sides will likely meet on Tuesday at the staff level to attempt to make progress on the economic issues that separate owners and players. A fuller bargaining session could follow in the week of July 11.