Phil Jackson, Lakers Fined for Comments About CBA

The NBA has fined coach Phil Jackson and the Los Angeles Lakers for comments that he made about the collective bargaining agreement. Jackson and the organization received separate $75,000 fines, making it the second straight day someone on the Lakers has drawn a fine from the league. Kobe Bryant received a $100,000 fine Wednesday for a homophobic slur that he made to a referee during a Spurs vs. Lakers game.

The league came down pretty harsh on the Lakers Thursday, but maybe it is something they should have been expecting. When it comes to the CBA, it is important to NBA Commissioner David Stern and the owners to keep a united front, and issues can be created if a team representative talks to the public about it. It is because Jackson represents the Lakers that the franchise received their own fine, likely a statement from the league that owners still need to keep their owners in check.

ESPN reported that the fine probably stemmed from a sit-down Jackson had with beat writers while in Portland last week. In that interview, he said, "Who knows what the NBA is going to look like next year? It's going to take on a whole different proportion. How long is it going to last? I think there are some people who are pretty convinced there's not going to be a year next year." Postulating on whether there will or will not be a 2011-12 NBA season is something that will get any team representative dinged at this point.

The problem that he NBA is facing will be very similar to what the NFL is going through right now. The current collective bargaining agreement between the NBA and its players comes to an end after the Finals, leaving the offseason and next season in jeopardy. The CBA is the basic agreement that determines where money from television contracts goes, how much players can get paid, and if teams will have salary caps. It's basically the contract that governs the relationship between the players and the owners; not having one in place will mean a stoppage in play.

It really doesn't seem like the NBA is taking it seriously that a lockout could harm the momentum that has been created during a great season. Many stories like the rise of the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls are sending a positive message about the league, and any lost games would be a huge step back for their "product." Fans aren't going to be happy if an argument between another group of millionaires and billionaires costs them the chance to see their teams play.

With the pending lockout drawing closer every day, this probably won't be the last time someone gets in trouble for saying the wrong thing about the CBA.