Scope sports editors Nick Malpede and Tommy Orme debate the merits of the NBA lockout.

Tommy: For months the NBA, similar to the NFL for many months, has been in a deadlock. Monetary issues have forced players and owners to delay the start of the season. It should stay that way.

Nick: So you think it’s good for the NBA to be in a lockout?

Tommy: Yes.

Nick: Are you kidding me? There is literally no benefit to having the NBA season in a lockout right now. The owners are losing money, the players are out of a job and the fans can’t watch their favorite teams play.

Tommy: There is no benefit to having it either. The NBA is a joke. When LeBron left Cleveland I stopped caring. Speaking of the players not having a job, they can just join the rest of America’s modest work force and actually earn their pay. Also, LeBron didn’t need an hour special to decide what team he was going to choose. Joke.

Nick: First of all, last year’s NBA final with the Mavericks and the Heat was one of the most anticipated finals in NBA history.  Ratings are at an all time high, and losing a whole season to the lockout would be detrimental.  How uncaring are you?  It’s not that easy to just get another job, and for many players, especially young ones, they don’t have any money saved up to live off of this year.

Tommy: It’s not to say that NBA isn’t loved nationwide. Ratings are high and many want their season back, I get that. However, what is disenchanting about the NBA to me is the reason they play. Take college players- they play for the game. NBA players play for the pay.

Nick: Because it’s a job… after college, players need a source of income, they need to support their families, so yes, they do play for money.  That’s not to say that the basketball isn’t entertaining.  The talent level in the NBA is unbelievable, and young kids look up to many of these players.

Tommy: We don’t need the NBA.

Nick: We need the NBA.