Sixers Notes: Report: Union ponders decertification

With little progress in negotiations between the National Basketball Players Association and NBA owners, there have been reports that the union is considering decertification. The collective bargaining agreement expires after the season.

The players would decertify the union in an attempt to avert a lockout.

The Sports Business Journal reported that two NBA teams have unanimously voted to decertify. The collective bargaining agreement expires June 30.

Sixers center Spencer Hawes, a former player representative for the Sacramento Kings who assists player rep Jason Kapono, said no vote had been taken by the team.

"There has been no vote, but it's something we talked about," Hawes said before Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Wells Fargo Center. "It is an option that is being weighed heavily."

Hawes said it was a little early to take that course of action.

"I don't think there is any reason now to play any hands," he said. "I don't think either side will concede until a lot closer to the deadline."

Clippers rookie Blake Griffin has enjoyed a remarkable beginning to his NBA career after missing all of last season with a broken kneecap. The 6-foot-10 Griffin entered the game averaging 20.3 points and 11.9 rebounds and has been a YouTube sensation with some earth-shaking dunks.

The Sixers host the two-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers on Friday before playing their next eight games on the road. A Sixers official said Wednesday that tickets were still available.

On Thursday, Kobe Bryant's alma mater, Lower Merion High, will dedicate a gym in his name. Entering Wednesday, Bryant was averaging 26.6 points per game. - Marc Narducci