NBA Lockout: 10 Things Players Might Be Doing Besides Playing Basketball

We often times complain ourselves about the NBA lockout and how much we miss watching the exciting action on the court, but have you ever thought about what the players have been during their lockout? They can't just sit around and get fat or let their elite skills go to waste, so they find other things to do.

What other things, you ask?

Take a look—you'd be surprised to see what some players have been getting themselves into.

Playing Flag Football

Lebron James and Kevin Durant match up on November 30th.

Not on the basketball court, but on the football field. Hopefully nobody gets hurt, but you can't say players aren't taking advantage and having a good time.

Both James and Durant would be something special to watch on the field.

Bowling

Chris Paul is known as one of the prolific bowlers in the league, so there is no doubt in my mind that he has been at his fair share of bowling alleys.

He often times host charity bowling events to raise money for less privileged children and other good causes.

Bowling is always something fun to do—whether it's with family, friends or professional athletes.

Nice little change of scenery for the players. It's not quite the bright lights they are used to, but for now, cosmic nights will have to do.

Internships

Brandon Jennings is one of many players dabbling in a little interning this summer.

Just take a look at what Blake Griffin has been up to.

Playing Chess

Kobe Bryant is one of the smartest and most crafty players in the league. 

Most recently, he has been presented with the problem of dealing with the young and talented teams making their presence felt throughout the NBA. This is quite a task, even for Kobe Bryant. He's faced with one of the most difficult task ever in the NBA as he goes for his sixth ring. 

If anyone can do it, Kobe can, but he's got some figuring out to do. He should play some chess to polish up that IQ and keep his brain sharp.

He should play with some of the other players around the league like Tim Duncan or Derek Fisher, who need to be resting their bodies.

Going Back for Their Degrees

Some players, in particular rookies such as Kyrie Irving, are going back to school and finishing their degrees. This will certainly pay off in the future. I mean, we don't know how long this lockout will be. 

They might be out in the regular work force longer than they think.

Visiting Their Alma Maters

Players have been paying their alma maters visits. Nick Young is scheduled to appear at USC for boy's second game of the season.

Lebron James is often found working out at his high school.

Everyone is taking the opportunity to pay their former coaches and schools respects.

Basketball Never Stops Commercials

I know you've seen the commercials. The commercials keeping fans going, giving fans hope that the NBA will be back soon enough.

Basketball never stops? Someone please tell David Stern that.

Playing NBA 2K12...As Themseleves

Anybody that has played NBA 2K has created themselves to play in the game at one time or another. Well, these NBA players don't have to, and I assure you there are some gamers among these elite players.

In order to pass time, players look to their XBOX 360s or PS3s for entertainment. They play with themselves or their friends and do things in the video game world that are virtually impossible on the court.

An NBA season on NBA 2K might just be the only thing keeping some players going.

Working on Their Game

We have all seen the videos of players across the country, whether they are playing at Drew League or Rucker Park. For however long the lockout lasts, look for players to come back better than ever. 

They will be well-rested and excited to see the bright lights again and show off all the skills and abilities they have been shaping all summer.

Marquee players such as Lebron James, Kevin Durant and John Wall have been open about their workouts and the things they have been doing to stay in shape. But don't think other players haven't been in the gym just as much—in particular the Black Mamba.

Spending Time with Friends Family

Surely NBA players are taking advantage of this time off and spending more time with their family and friends.

This will be the first time in a while that some of the players get to spend Thanksgiving with their families, and even though they can't wait to get back to the court, I'm sure they are enjoying some extra time with their loved ones.

We never really think about the demands of an NBA player and just how often they are away from their families. At least there is at least one positive aspect of this lockout: prolonged vacations for the players.