NEW YORK (AFP) ― Negotiations aimed at ending the NBA lockout that reached it’s 146th day on Wednesday have resumed with the goal of ending the money squabble in time to play games on Dec. 25, according to reports.

ESPN and the New York Times, citing unnamed sources, said the talks began on Tuesday between attorneys for both sides because of an anti-trust lawsuit filed last week by players against the league.

NBA club owners, claiming $300 million in losses last season among 22 of the league’s 30 clubs, locked out the players when the prior collective bargaining agreement expired on July 1.

Negotiations on how to divide about $4 billion in annual income never produced a deal, with owners demanding a 50-50 revenue split and players, who made 57 percent in the old deal, unwilling to surrender more than 53 percent.

As a result, the league has called off all games from Nov. 1 through Dec. 15 and without a deal by the weekend, the popular nationally televised Christmas Day games are also like to be lost.