Howard Beck provides some notes for Friday's crucial meeting between the NBA and the players.

The parties are picking up where they left off prior to the players ending talks and the union disbanding. That is, the 50-50 deal framework last discussed is the basis of the new negotiations.

Both sides have agreed in advance that none of what takes place at these talks -- technically settlement discussions to resolve the players' lawsuit -- can be used by either side to make its case in court, should these negotiations again fail to consummate a deal. For this reason, Derek Fisher, the former union president, will participate in Friday's meeting.

While Jeffrey Kessler remains a part of the players' legal team, he will not be present for Friday's session and his role has been "mitigated" by the hiring of Jim Quinn.