NBPA executive director Billy Hunter came away from Friday's meeting with the owners with a more optimistic frame of mind than when he entered the room.

The players and owners will increase the frequency of labor talks, according to Hunter, though talks are still expected to go down to the wire.

But the NBPA says a hard salary cap is not something players are likely to ever accept.

Derek Fisher said that a lockout will only occur if the owners force it upon the players. Fisher also said that the players are fighting against the elimination of the NBA's middle class.