Lakers to open preseason play in San Diego

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – The Los Angeles Lakers will open their preseason schedule by facing the Denver Nuggets Oct. 6 at the Valley View Casino Center, marking their return to San Diego after a one-year absence.

The Lakers scheduled a preseason game in San Diego each year from 1999 through 2012, but their two preseason games in China in 2013 left them unable to play a preseason game in San Diego, according to John Black, the team’s vice president of public relations.

“We love San Diego and playing in that market,” Black told City News Service today in connection wit the team announcing its preseason schedule. “Although we can’t commit to specific locations for future years, we hope to keep San Diego as a regular location for preseason games.”

The 2006 game was canceled because of the wildfires burning throughout San Diego County. The Lakers made a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross to assist with relief efforts.

The 2011 game was canceled because of the league’s lockout of its players after the league and players union were unable to agree on a new collective bargaining agreement.

Tickets for the Oct. 6 game will go on sale at 10 a.m. May 19 at axs.com or by phone at (888) 9-AXS-TIX. They will be priced at $30, $45, $75 and $105.

Group seating for groups of 15 or more is available by calling (619) 308-4311 or emailing groupsvalleyviewcasinocenter.com.