The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced that the NBA China Games for the coming year will feature two preseason games between the 16-time NBA Champions Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets.
The Lakers and Nets will meet in Shanghai on Thursday 10th October, followed by a rematch in Shenzhen on the following Saturday.
Reacting to the announcement, NBA China CEO Derek Chang stated: “We would like to extend our warmest welcome to the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets as we celebrate the 27th and 28th NBA games in China. These games are the pillars of our efforts to bring authentic NBA action to our Chinese fans. I want to thank the cities of Shanghai and Shenzhen for their support and commitment to help us grow the game and promote an active and healthy lifestyle in China.”
The games will mark the Lakers’ second trip to China following the side’s visit in 2013, when they played two preseason games in Beijing and Shanghai. The Nets will be playing in China for the third time after playing in Beijing and Guangzhou in 2010, and in Beijing and Shanghai in 2014.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma also commented: “The entire Los Angeles Lakers organisation is excited to return to China to play in front of the passionate Chinese fans. During my visit to China, I was absolutely amazed by the fans’ love and excitement for the game of basketball. We would like to thank you in advance for coming out to support us in Shanghai and Shenzhen and I know the atmosphere at the games will be great.”
The NBA China Games 2019 will be the NBA’s 27th and 28th games in China, with 17 NBA teams having played games in Beijing, Guangzhou, Macao, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Taipei since 2004.
Brooklyn Nets guard Caris LeVert added: “It’s an honor to help celebrate basketball’s growth abroad, and represent Brooklyn and the League on an international stage. The Nets have a connection to fans all over the world, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to visit China and play for our passionate Chinese fans for the very first time.”
The Lakers’ roster currently features three-time NBA Champion LeBron James, 2016 No. 2 overall draft pick Brandon Ingram, 2017 No. 2 overall draft pick Lonzo Ball, and 2017 No. 27 overall draft pick Kyle Kuzma.
The NBA China Games 2019 will feature a variety of fan activities, including the eighth annual NBA Fan Day Presented by Dongfeng Nissan in Shanghai, which will provide thousands of fans the opportunity to enjoy a performance by Chinese celebrities and watch the Lakers and the Nets participate in on-court drills. Lucky fans will team up with celebrities and players from the two teams to compete in shooting contests.
The NBA Fan Day will be broadcast live and streamed through NBA China’s media partner platforms. In addition to the NBA Fan Day, the league and its partners will conduct a series of NBA Cares community outreach activities in Shanghai and Shenzhen.
The NBA China Games 2019 are presented by Vivo, promoted and produced by iRENA, and co-produced by AEG Presents. The games will be available in more than 200 countries and territories on television, digital and social media. Additional details about both games will be announced at a later date.
