The NBA lockout could soon be over, that is, if the optimism from both camps is any indication.

NBA Commissioner David Stern told the Associated Press on Thursday that he would consider it “a failure” if the owners and players can’t come to an agreement in the next few days. "There's no guarantee we're going to get it done," Stern said, "but we're going to give it one heck of a shot." Stern said he expects the two sides to address the distribution of basketball revenue on Friday.

Stern’s sentiment was echoed by Union executive Billy Hunter: “I think we're within striking distance of getting a deal," Hunter told the AP.

The two sides met for a grueling 7.5 hours on Thursday. Small groups from both sides returned to a hotel Thursday less than 12 hours after finishing a 15-hour meeting that went until past 3 a.m.

Union president Derek Fisher told the AP they're working through a number of different issues and trying to close the gap in each issue.

The next round of bargaining is set for Friday morning.