Lakers, Nets to play two preseason games in Shanghai in October

The NBA announced Monday that the NBA China Games 2019 will feature two preseason games between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets.

The games will take place on Thursday, Oct. 10 in Shanghai, and the second game will be two days later.

“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," NBA China CEO Derek Chang said in a statement released by the league.

"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 Lakers will be making their second trip to China following their visit in 2013, when they played two preseason games, in Beijing and Shanghai.

Brooklyn will be playing in China for the third time after playing in Beijing and Guangzhou in 2010, and in Beijing and Shanghai in 2014.

“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 in a statement.

"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 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.