BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets will play two 2019-2020 pre-season games against each other in China, the NBA announced on Tuesday.
The games will mark the Lakers' second trip to China following their visit in 2013 when they played two preseason games in Beijing and Shanghai, while the Nets will be making their third visit to the country. The two teams will square off in Shanghai on October 10, before playing in Shenzhen on October 12.
"The entire Los Angeles Lakers organization is excited to return to China to play in front of the passionate Chinese fans," Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma said.
In addition to the games, both teams will also engage in a range of promotional activities, including community outreach events.
"It's an honor to help celebrate basketball's growth abroad and represent Brooklyn and the League on an international stage," Nets guard Caris LeVert said. "The Nets have a connection to fans all over the world and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to visit China and play for our passionate Chinese fans for the very first time."
Basketball is a popular sport and NBA teams have played 26 pre-season games in the country since 2004.
"These games are the pillars of our efforts to bring authentic NBA action to our Chinese fans," NBA China CEO Derek Chang said.
