In an effort to end the lockout this week so that the season can begin by Christmas Day, the NBA and players restarted negotiations on Tuesday, two sources said.

Discussions were expected to continue Wednesday.

"We should know more by later this evening," one source said.

Settling the players' antitrust lawsuit against the owners would now need to be part of a resolution of the dispute, but any deal the parties' attorneys were able to reach would lead to a new collective bargaining agreement.

Derek Fisher is no longer a part of discussions, sources said, which is consistent with the disclaimer of interest that disbanded the union. While Billy Hunter remains as a member of the players' legal team, Fisher's only role was as union president.