Can someone help me understand the NBA Lockout?

I'm really lost in all this talk about a lockout. I'm a big fan of the NBA and would like to know what exactly is going on. I am aware that this happened back in 1998, but I'm unaware of what this exactly means. Can somebody please tell me what will happen? How many games will now be played? Will there be an All-Star weekend? Just tell me the basics of what will happen PLEASE!