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Today, for the first time since 1991, the Lakers will fly over to Europe and play some exhibition basketball. In ’91 the team landed in Paris, but in 2010 they will be heading over to London. The team will spend five days in London and three days at Pau Gasol’s birth city, Barcelona. While in Europe, the Lakers will play the Minnesota Timberwolves at the O2 Arena in London and Gasol’s former team FC Barcelona. The team will also participate in various activities and will attend a Chelsea vs Arsenal soccer match.
The Laker are heading to Europe for a couple of exhibition matches: Lakers.com BasketBlog
The Latest on the Lakers
Forwards Matt Barnes and Luke Walton both suffered hamstring strains during the morning practice, however the injuries are considered minor. [Lakers.com BasketBlog]
Shannon Brown is looking to win his third NBA title, and will be a valuable piece for the Lakers this season. Brown can either help the team with his explosiveness and energy, or ruin the team with his poor defense and ill-advised shots. Take a look at Shannon Brown’s 2010-2011 season preview. [Silver Screen and Roll]
Individual tickets to Laker home games will be sold on Saturday, starting at 10:00 am PST. The tickets can be bought through TicketMaster.com or by the phone. However, you cannot buy tickets from the Staples Center Box Office. [Los Angeles Time Lakers Blog]
Kobe Bryant’s number 24 jersey ranks as the top selling jersey in Europe. LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers), Dwayne Wade (Miami Heat) and Pau Gasol (Los Angeles Lakers) came in second, third and fourth respectively. [Lakers.com BasketBlog]
The Latest on the NBA
Hall-of-Fame coach Dean Smith attended another Charlotte Bobcat practice. [ESPN.com]
After the Carmelo Anthony-Nets deal died, the entire playing field opened up. Teams like the Bulls and Knicks are trying to land the superstar player, but there are many obstacles in their way. [Pro Basketball Talk]
The Dallas Mavericks have waived Tim Thomas. [ESPN Dallas]
The NBA has set up a new dress code for coaches, forcing them to wear collar-shirts. Very devastating news to the Magic coach Stan Van Gundy. [Pro Basketball talk]
The Golden State Warriors have a new and improved starting five of : Stephen Curry, Monta Ellis, Dorell Wright, David Lee and Andris Biedrins. [Hoopsnotes]
The Toronto Raptors are perusing veteran big man Boris Diaw, in order to make up for the loss of Chris Bosh. [SportingNews]
The Chicago Bulls will host a ceremony celebrating the 1991 Championship team. [ESPN Chicago]
Nate Robinson dunked on Shaquille O’Neal during practice, but didn’t Kobe do the exact same thing? [Pro Basketball Talk]
The NBA fined Wizards’ owner Ten Leonsis $100,000 for comments about the salary cap. [Slam Magazine]
Magic guard Jason Williams will be sidelined for four weeks due to a knee injury. [Slam Magazine]
The NBA and Bacardi have launched a scholarship program aimed to students from Hispanic and African-American communities. [NBA.com]