As of midnight, the NBA lockout reached Day 144. The owners and players continue to differ on a number of issues, from Basketball Related Income (BRI) to salary cap and free agency rules. Commissioner David Stern has already announced the cancellation of NBA games through December 15th , with fears that cancellations could carry into 2012--or worse, the whole season will be lost. Obviously, owners and players stand to lose in the short term with an absence of basketball games. No games means no money coming in, with players--as employees of the owners--no longer receiving paychecks. As a partnership--employers and employees--the differences regarding league rules, team operations, and financial obligations echo problems felt across the U.S. and international economies. Owners/employers want to run profitable businesses and make as much money as they can, while players/employees want to earn a fair share working in safe conditions and make as much money as they can. Yet, the econ