Lakers, Warriors to play a game in Shanghai

The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are scheduled to have two pre-season games in Beijing and Shanghai this autumn, the National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today.

The NBA global games will conclude with two matches between the Lakers and Warriors on October 15 at the MasterCard Center in Beijing and on October 18 at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai.

"The last time I played in China during the 2008 Olympics, the atmosphere was electrifying and you could see that the fans truly love the game," said Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. "Every summer I travel to China to meet the fans and I can't wait to play for them again in Beijing and Shanghai."

"I'm excited to play in China for the first time and I know the fans there are among the most passionate NBA fans in the world," said Stephen Curry of the Warriors. "We look forward to putting on a great show, feeding off the excitement of the crowds, and taking the opportunity to interact with all of the great Chinese fans."

Also in Asia, the Indiana Pacers and Houston Rockets will begin their preseason slate with a game in Manila, Philippines on October 10. The game will mark the first time an NBA team has traveled to the Philippines since 1979. The Pacers and Rockets will then travel to Taipei for a game on October 13, marking the second NBA game played in Taiwan.

Eight NBA teams will take part in the eight global games in six countries this October, the association said.

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