Labor Vote Is Received Very Quietly

News that 27 of the 29 owners voted Monday to reopen the collective bargaining agreement, likely setting the stage for a lockout after the draft and before negotiations can begin with free agents, was greeted with a resounding yawn by the Lakers. At least those who even knew about the potential for labor action.

Jon Barry and Rick Fox, who share duties as the union representative, said no teammates have come to them to voice an opinion or inquire what the vote means. Of course, this is the same approach the players have taken all season as a pivotal time approaches.

“What do I tell them?” Fox said. “Twenty-seven to two. That means two people aren’t against us.

“We [the union] just feels there needs to be changes. Now it makes two parties that are unhappy. We knew we were unhappy. Now we know for sure about the owners.”

And the mood of Laker players?

“They don’t seem too concerned,” Fox said. “That could be in a lot of ways because most of them have long-term contracts.

“Let me put it this way: if they aren’t saving their nickles already [in preparation for a lockout], they’re not going to.”

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The Nuggets finally concede what has been apparent for about a month, that Laker General Manager Mitch Kupchak, after some serious consideration, has decided against becoming the new head of basketball operations. Former Coach Dan Issel, currently a broadcaster, is a possibility. . . . Robert Horry sat out the final 20:11 of the Lakers’ 107-86 victory over the Nuggets after getting kneed in the groin as Denver’s Anthony Goldwire elevated for a layup, though most of that was optional. He was available for use after a brief break, but was instead rested because of the rout.