New York, NY

The NBA and its players have reportedly reached a deal to end the labor strife between the sides that has already cost the league several games.

A 66 game schedule has been proposed with games to start on Christmas day between the Knicks-Celtics, Heat-Mavs and Lakers-Bulls.

Sources indicate the tentative deal is for 10 years, though either side can opt out after six.

Basketball related income split is reportedly between 39 and 51 percent, while owners must spend 85 percent of salary cap on team payroll in the opening two years of the deal and 90 percent from then on.

The pact must still be ratified by owners and players and more on this story will follow.

NBA Players Excited About Impending Season

"The journey now begins!!" Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving tweeted of his excitement of the end of the labor strife between the NBA and its players.

Irving, the Duke product who lasted just one injury-shortened season in Durham, is no doubt excited about earning his first NBA paycheck and competing against the best players in the world.

The Cavs will likely start their 66-game season December 26, one day after a Christmas Day triple-header tips off the campaign.

Another ex-Dookie, Shane Battier, was more cautiously optimistic in noting players still have to officially agree to the new deal.

He could barely contain his excitement though, even as a free-agent who will likely have several teams vying for his services starting December 9.

"I am happy it looks like we'll get to start winning our fans back," Battier wrote on twitter. "Thanks for the patience. Need to read new details before I pop the bubbly."

Miami superstar LeBron James, coming off a terrific season before coming up short in the NBA Finals vs. the Dallas Mavericks, was more effusive than Battier.

"I feel like my kids on X-mas day! So juiced!! Excited for Miami/South Florida let's go!!!! HEAT is gone be on FIRE."

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