FCBARCELONA.CAT

01.06.2010 13:36

“The best in Europe against the best in the USA”

Jordi Clos

According to NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the game between Regal Barça and the Los Angeles Lakers on October 7th is set to be, “an excellent contest”, whilst Joan Laporta believes “it’ll be a magnificent game”.

The game between the European and current NBA Champions will be held at the Palau Sant Jordi on October 7th and announcing the match, President Laporta claimed: “this is a magnificent game for Catalonia – we’ll see the best in Europe up against the best in the USA”.

As well as the club President, the presentation of the game was made in the presence of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Club Director in charge of basketball Josep Cubells, NBA representative Sophie Goldschimidt, Euroleague Executive Director Jordi Bertomeu and ex-Barca player Roberto Dueñas.

Regal Barça want to win

Although this will only be a friendly game, Joan Laporta insisted: “it’s a big thing for basketball and for Barca, it will promote our image on an international stage. The fact that the Lakers have agreed to come and play is recognition of the quality of this club”. Sr Laporta also echoed the message of Juan Carlos Navarro, who made a brief video appearance alongside Roger Grimau, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, “it’ll be a party, but we will be going into it with the competitive spirit which we have”.

Abdul-Jabbar impressed by Barcelona

The Lakers legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar spoke glowingly of Pau Gasol: “he’s very proud of this city and with this visit I have seen just why that is – it’s been a great experience. We are going to have a really interesting game, it doesn’t matter who wins, it’ll be a great match and I’m sure everyone will enjoy it”.

Tickets available from June 9th

Josep Cubells announced that tickets for the game will go on sale from June 9th and that “there will be an initial period in which Palau season ticket holders and members will have first option on the tickets”.

The presentation finished with an exchange of shirts between Joan Laporta and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.