NBA Lockout Has Come to an End

Perhaps it was the holiday season picking up the spirits of owners and players alike, but after nearly five months of negotiations and hundreds of canceled games, the NBA and NBPA have reportedly agreed on a new collective bargaining agreement. 

A 66-game season has been put in order and is expected to start December 25. While there are numerous questions that have yet to be answered, one answer has been given for certain: there will be basketball.

The two lawsuits that were filed by the NBPA must be dropped or settled before the season can begin. It is expected that the lawsuits will be taken care of on Monday.

Neither side was able to provide much detail regarding the tentative settlement agreement, but NBA.com has reported that training camps would be opened starting December 9, along with free agency.

The playoffs and NBA Finals would begin a week later than originally scheduled under the new 66-game season.

"We've reached a tentative understanding that is subject to a variety of approvals and very complex machinations, but we're optimistic that will all come to pass and that the NBA season will begin Dec. 25," Commissioner David Stern said.

The settlement was first reported by CBSsports.com

Merry Christmas, basketball fans.