Nets, Lakers to play two-game exhibition series in China in October
Nets GM Sean Marks speaks with the media at HSS Training Center in Brooklyn on Sept. 18. Credit: James Escher
BOSTON — Chinese businessman Joseph Tsai, who is in his second season as minority partner of Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov, said when he purchased 49 percent of the Nets that he hoped to pursue marketing opportunities in China, and that vision already is being realized. The NBA on Monday announced the Nets and Lakers will be featured in the 2019 NBA China Games.
The two-game exhibition series includes games Oct. 10 in Shanghai and Oct. 12 in Shenzen. The Nets, who previously played in China in 2010 and 2014, always have been eager participants in international play, and that figures to continue under Tsai, who heads China-based e-commerce giant Alibaba. Tsai is scheduled to become controlling owner of the Nets in 2021.
“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.”
Greg Logan has worked for Newsday since 1982 covering a wide array of sports and events, currently including the Brooklyn Nets beat.
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