Everything I hear about the NFL lockout is that it will probably be over by the time hockey starts back up. The NHLPA planned ahead for their lockout and had the option of playing overseas to stay in shape and to keep some money coming in. The NFL players didn't plan ahead with any kind of real slush fund, and they can't really go play in Europe. They're likely to cave as soon as September rolls around and they don't have game checks coming in. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if the NBA players are as unprepared, though they have European options.
Even if it isn't, ESPN will spend forever talking about it, and as long as college football and basketball are ongoing, they won't run into a situation where they have nothing to show.
Even though not every playoff game is being televised nationally, VS is managing two full games a night every night since Wednesday thus far. Do you really see ESPN2 doing the same, even ignoring their other commitments.