Golden State headed to China to take on Lakers

Golden State headed to China on Friday to prepare for their game against the Los Angeles Lakers. ESPN has the Warriors’ schedule all mapped out.

"The Warriors land in Beijing on Saturday evening. After practicing Sunday, they’ll visit the Great Wall and a school. There’s a reception and team dinner Monday followed by the first game with the Lakers the next day.The Warriors fly to Shanghai immediately after the game. They’ll meet with fans Thursday and put on a clinic. They’ll play the Lakers again Friday before returning home Saturday."

Playing a game in China is just like the Rockets and Pacers playing in Taiwan, it’s part of the league’s plan to expand their brand. By playing games overseas in highly populated areas, they are allowing the world to see the NBA on a different level, something they may have never seen before.

"The NBA played its first international game when Washington visited Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel in 1978, six years before David Stern became commissioner. By the time Stern leaves this season, the league will have played nearly 150 of them, including 18 during the regular season."

It’s true to say that Commissioner Stern, among other things, as had an impact on the NBA’s brand. He’s done a pretty good job showing the world about the game.