NBA basketball returns to London for the fourth consecutive year as the world-famous Los Angeles Lakers take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at The O2 on October 4, one of a series of games, as part of NBA Europe Live presented by EA SPORTS™.

The NBA Europe Live tour first came to the continent in 2006 and since 2007 London has hosted three sold-out NBA games contributing to a sharp increase in interest and participation across the UK.

“NBA Europe Live and the return of NBA teams to Europe for a fifth consecutive year is a testament to our ongoing commitment to grow the game of basketball and engage our fans in the region,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern.

The L.A Lakers, one of the most storied and recognizable teams in the all of basketball, have won 16 NBA titles, and are the reigning NBA Champions. This will be the Lakers’ first international trip since playing in Paris in 1991. The Timberwolves are making their second trip to London as part of NBA Europe Live, having previously played against the Boston Celtics in 2007.

“On behalf of my teammates and the entire Los Angeles Lakers organisation I want say how excited we are to be coming to London on October 4 to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at The O2 as part of NBA Europe Live,” said Lakers guard Kobe Bryant. “I know how passionate fans are in the UK, and I look forward to putting on a show for what promises to be a great game.”