Lakers will return here for fall camp

Advertiser Staff

The three-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers will conduct training camp and play two exhibition games in Hawai'i this fall.

An opponent has not been named for the Oct. 7-8 exhibitions in the Stan Sheriff Center. But a University of Hawai'i spokeswoman said the Golden State Warriors have requested practice times at the school's facilities in October. The Lakers and Warriors played two exhibition games in October 2001, the last time the Lakers held training camp in Hawai'i.

The Lakers appeared here every preseason but one between 1988 and 1996. In 1991, the Lakers missed the Islands because of an exhibition tour to Paris.

The preseason stay in 2001 nearly was canceled because of the Sept. 11 attacks. All-Star center Shaquille O'Neal did not play in those exhibitions because of an injury.

Although no "official" announcement has been made, the Lakers are advertising travel packages on their Web site.

The Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort and Spa, which is listed as a co-sponsor of the training camp and exhibition games, also is advertising the Lakers' visit on the hotel's Web site.