NBA commissioner David Stern insisted Sunday he hasn't thought about the effects of a possible lockout next year.

"We are actually focusing our efforts so entirely on reaching a deal that we haven't gone into a risk assessment mode for a lockout, because we are trying as hard as we can to reach an agreement with our players," Stern said. "We have been talking for a long time. I think that the atmosphere is cordial and open. We have provided the players with as much access as have ever been given to financial records, which is complete audited reports (and) tax returns. Although I can't say we have made great progress, both sides are committed to meetings and talking."