LA Lakers star Kobe Bryant is saying "deuces" to the NBA preseason and hello to the $3 million, 10-game offer from Italian club Virtus Bologna. But where does that leave the fans? Kacie Hollins offers suggestions on how to fill the empty lockout space.

With the preseason officially scrapped, basketball blogger John Chick writes that it's safe to say we're in a 'danger zone 'now in terms of the NBA season. According to David Stern on Tuesday, if a deal isn't reached by early next week, games that count will start disappearing.

Kobe Bryant's management and Virtus Bologna released a joint statement Monday to reaffirm that they're working "very intensely" to bring the Los Angeles Lakers superstar to Italy.

Commissioner David Stern said he will cancel the first two weeks of the regular season if there is no agreement on a new deal by Monday, costing both sides money and driving away some basketball fans who might never come back.

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs confirmed Wednesday that he will play basketball in France during the NBA lockout for ASVEL, a pro team on which he serves as vice-president.

Former Toronto Raptor Jamario Moon is working with the Quebec Kebs of the National Basketball League.

Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko has signed a 3-year contract with Russia's CSKA team that he can terminate if the NBA lockout ends.

Agent Bruce Kaider acknowledged Tuesday that insurance issues must be resolved for Milwaukee Bucks centre Andrew Bogut to play Friday for the Sydney Kings in their National Basketball League season opener.

The NBA has cancelled the remainder of the preseason and will wipe out the first two weeks of the regular season if there is no labour agreement by Monday.

After a lockout that has lasted more than three months, whether the NBA season starts on time could come down to one "very huge day" in labour talks. If they fail to produce results, there may not be enough time left to avoid cancelling regular-season games.