Free agents advised by NBPA to prepare for lockout

National Basketball Association free agents, including All-Stars LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, are being advised by their union to take paychecks over 18 months instead of the usual six or 12 as a way of preparing for a possible lockout.

Owners and players can opt out of the existing labor contract after the 2016-17 season.

An 18-month payment schedule would allow a player to continue receiving paychecks through the 2017-18 season, even if games aren’t played because of a work stoppage.