One day, we’re going through the motions, and the next, we wake up to see that Luka Doncic has been traded to the LA Lakers. I’m sorry, what? After shipping out Anthony Davis, the Lakers have created one of the most fascinating superstar pairings in recent memory.
Naturally, the move sparked intense buzz and plenty of doubts. Concerns immediately centered on Luka’s conditioning, AD’s health, the Lakers’ already poor defense, and LeBron nearing the end of his career.
The Lakers also acquired Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton over the summer, but lost a premier 3-and-D guy in Dorian Finney-Smith. The dilemma is clear: Luka has to stay in shape and tighten up his defense, and LeBron is literally on his way out the door. I feel like it’s now or never.
The Lakers clearly wanted to secure their future by getting another superstar, so I give them kudos on that. But whether they’ll make any progress with both Luka and LeBron remains to be seen. To make sure you don’t miss any of the action this season, here’s a complete look at how to watch Los Angeles Lakers games on TV.
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What channels have Los Angeles Lakers games?
You can watch most regular-season Lakers games on Spectrum SportsNet, the team’s regional TV partner. But you’ll also need access to ABC, ESPN, and NBC to catch nationally televised broadcasts. Amazon Prime Video and Peacock are also in the mix, as they hold the exclusive streaming rights to several matchups.
If you’re outside the Spectrum SportsNet TV market, NBA League Pass is your best option for watching out-of-market games. Just keep in mind that blackout rules still apply to any game airing locally or nationally in your area.
Want radio coverage? You can also catch every Lakers game locally on 710 AM ESPN Radio, with Spanish-language broadcasts on 1330 AM Tu Liga Radio. For fans on the go, national coverage is available through SiriusXM NBA Radio.
2025–2026 Los Angeles Lakers TV schedule
People had huge expectations for the Luka Dončić and LeBron James duo to make real noise in last season’s playoffs. Instead, the defense fell flat, and they lost to the Timberwolves in Round 1. Now, after viral videos of “Skinny Luka” and LeBron James doing his thing, fans want to know if they’ve finally put it all together.
Of course, it’s never easy in the West. You’ve still got to worry about three-time-MVP Nikola Jokic, the legendary Steph Curry, and “Easy Money Sniper” Kevin Durant, who just joined an already-dangerous Rockets team. It’s going to be a battle every single night.
To help you follow along, I’ve laid out the complete Los Angeles Lakers TV schedule in the table below. I’ll keep it updated all season with the latest tip-off times and channel listings.
| Opponent | Day | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Preseason |
|||
| Phoenix Suns | Friday, Oct. 3 | 10:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, NBA TV |
| At Golden State Warriors | Sunday, Oct. 5 | 8:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, ESPN |
| Golden State Warriors | Sunday, Oct. 12 | 9:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| At Phoenix Suns | Tuesday, Oct. 14 | 10:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| Dallas Mavericks | Wednesday, Oct. 15 | 10:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, ESPN |
| Sacramento Kings | Friday, Oct. 17 | 10:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, NBA TV |
|
October |
|||
| Golden State Warriors | Tuesday, Oct. 21 | 10:00 p.m. | NBC, Peacock |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | Friday, Oct. 24 | 10:00 p.m. | Amazon Prime Video |
| At Sacramento Kings | Sunday, Oct. 26 | 9:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| Portland Trail Blazers | Monday, Oct. 27 | 10:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| At Minnesota Timberwolves | Wednesday, Oct. 29 | 9:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, ESPN |
| At Memphis Grizzlies | Friday, Oct. 31 | 9:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, Amazon Prime Video |
|
November |
|||
| Miami Heat | Sunday, Nov. 2 | 9:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| At Portland Trail Blazers | Monday, Nov. 3 | 10:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, NBA TV |
| San Antonio Spurs | Wednesday, Nov. 5 | 10:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, ESPN |
| At Atlanta Hawks | Saturday, Nov. 8 | 8:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, NBA TV |
| At Charlotte Hornets | Monday, Nov. 10 | 7:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| At Oklahoma City Thunder | Wednesday, Nov. 12 | 9:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, ESPN |
| At New Orleans Pelicans | Friday, Nov. 14 | 8:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| At Milwaukee Bucks | Saturday, Nov. 15 | 8:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, NBA TV |
| Utah Jazz | Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 10:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| At Utah Jazz | Sunday, Nov. 23 | 8:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| Los Angeles Clippers | Tuesday, Nov. 25 | 11:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, NBC, Peacock |
| Dallas Mavericks | Friday, Nov. 28 | 10:00 p.m. | Amazon Prime Video |
| New Orleans Pelicans | Sunday, Nov. 30 | 9:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
|
December |
|||
| Phoenix Suns | Monday, Dec. 1 | 10:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, Peacock |
| At Toronto Raptors | Thursday, Dec. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| At Boston Celtics | Friday, Dec. 5 | 7:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, Amazon Prime Video |
| At Philadelphia 76ers | Sunday, Dec. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| At Utah Jazz | Thursday, Dec. 18 | 9:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| At Los Angeles Clippers | Saturday, Dec. 20 | 10:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, NBA TV |
| At Phoenix Suns | Tuesday, Dec. 23 | 9:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| Houston Rockets | Thursday, Dec. 25 | 8:00 p.m. | ABC, ESPN |
| Sacramento Kings | Sunday, Dec. 28 | 9:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| Detroit Pistons | Tuesday, Dec. 30 | 10:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
|
January |
|||
| Memphis Grizzlies | Friday, Jan. 2 | 10:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| Memphis Grizzlies | Sunday, Jan. 4 | 9:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| At New Orleans Pelicans | Tuesday, Jan. 6 | 8:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| At San Antonio Spurs | Wednesday, Jan. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, ESPN |
| Milwaukee Bucks | Friday, Jan. 9 | 10:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, NBA TV |
| At Sacramento Kings | Monday, Jan. 12 | 10:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, Peacock |
| Atlanta Hawks | Tuesday, Jan. 13 | 10:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| Charlotte Hornets | Thursday, Jan. 15 | 10:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| At Portland Trail Blazers | Saturday, Jan. 17 | 10:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, NBA TV |
| Toronto Raptors | Sunday, Jan. 18 | 9:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| At Denver Nuggets | Tuesday, Jan. 20 | 10:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, NBC, Peacock |
| At Los Angeles Clippers | Thursday, Jan. 22 | 10:00 p.m. | Amazon Prime Video |
| At Dallas Mavericks | Saturday, Jan. 24 | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
| At Chicago Bulls | Monday, Jan. 26 | 8:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| At Cleveland Cavaliers | Wednesday, Jan. 28 | 7:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, ESPN |
| At Washington Wizards | Friday, Jan. 30 | 7:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
|
February |
|||
| At New York Knicks | Sunday, Feb. 1 | 7:00 p.m. | NBC, Peacock |
| At Brooklyn Nets | Tuesday, Feb. 3 | 7:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| Philadelphia 76ers | Thursday, Feb. 5 | 10:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, Amazon Prime Video |
| Golden State Warriors | Saturday, Feb. 7 | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | Monday, Feb. 9 | 10:00 p.m. | Peacock |
| San Antonio Spurs | Tuesday, Feb. 10 | 10:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, NBA TV |
| Dallas Mavericks | Thursday, Feb. 12 | 10:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, Amazon Prime Video |
| Los Angeles Clippers | Friday, Feb. 20 | 10:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, ESPN |
| Boston Celtics | Sunday, Feb. 22 | 6:30 p.m. | NBC, Peacock |
| Orlando Magic | Tuesday, Feb. 24 | 10:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| At Phoenix Suns | Thursday, Feb. 26 | 9:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| At Golden State Warriors | Saturday, Feb. 28 | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
|
March |
|||
| Sacramento Kings | Sunday, March 1 | 9:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| New Orleans Pelicans | Tuesday, March 3 | 10:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| At Denver Nuggets | Thursday, March 5 | 10:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, Amazon Prime Video |
| Indiana Pacers | Friday, March 6 | 10:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| New York Knicks | Sunday, March 8 | 3:30 p.m. | ABC |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | Tuesday, March 10 | 11:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, NBC, Peacock |
| Chicago Bulls | Thursday, March 12 | 10:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| Denver Nuggets | Saturday, March 14 | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
| At Houston Rockets | Monday, March 16 | 9:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, Peacock |
| At Houston Rockets | Wednesday, March 18 | 9:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, ESPN |
| At Miami Heat | Thursday, March 19 | 8:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| At Orlando Magic | Saturday, March 21 | 7:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, NBA TV |
| At Detroit Pistons | Monday, March 23 | 7:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| At Indiana Pacers | Wednesday, March 25 | 7:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| Brooklyn Nets | Friday, March 27 | 10:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| Washington Wizards | Monday, March 30 | 10:00 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | Tuesday, March 31 | 10:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
|
April |
|||
| At Oklahoma City Thunder | Thursday, April 2 | 7:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, Amazon Prime Video |
| At Dallas Mavericks | Sunday, April 5 | 7:30 p.m. | NBC, Peacock |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | Tuesday, April 7 | 10:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| At Golden State Warriors | Thursday, April 9 | 10:00 p.m. | Amazon Prime Video |
| Phoenix Suns | Friday, April 10 | 10:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
| Utah Jazz | Sunday, April 12 | 8:30 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet |
Data effective as of post date.
Best TV plans for watching the Los Angeles Lakers
It’s important to stay on top of your TV options, as the NBA and individual teams occasionally strike new media deals. With the way things have panned out lately, catching every Lakers game means combining a few different services. While no single provider covers everything, I recommend Stream with DIRECTV as the strongest starting point.
DIRECTV is the only live TV streaming platform that includes Spectrum SportsNet, the must-have channel for in-market broadcasts. It also carries all the national staples, like ABC, ESPN, NBC, and NBA TV. That comprehensive lineup ensures you won’t miss local broadcasts or high-profile national matchups.
The service is feature-rich, too. It offers unlimited DVR and a sports-friendly interface that lets you track your favorite teams. For full season coverage, though, you’ll still need separate subscriptions to Amazon Prime Video and Peacock for their exclusive NBA games. And if you’re outside the Lakers TV market, NBA League Pass remains the best way to pick up those Spectrum SportsNet broadcasts (subject to blackout rules, of course).
Standalone in-market TV package for Lakers games
Are you a Lakers fan looking for a more flexible way to stream in-market games? Expensive TV providers like DIRECTV, Spectrum, or Cox aren’t your only options.
Spectrum SportsNet+ is a direct-to-consumer service that delivers over 70 live Lakers games, as well as pre- and post-game coverage. Since I’ve streamed games through the NBA app before, I know how slick the viewing experience is, and this service is available directly through the NBA’s app and website.
At just $19.99 per month, Spectrum SportsNet+ totally beats having to pay $80+ for a bulky live TV package just for one crucial channel. My favorite part is that it even comes with dedicated content for Los Angeles Sparks fans, who get live games and exclusive programming during the WNBA season. If you live in Southern California, Hawaii, or the southern tip of Nevada, this is your complete, in-market streaming solution.
How to watch the Lakers for free
Enjoying the Lakers doesn’t always require a pricey subscription. Many streaming services offer free trial periods, including DIRECTV, Fubo, and YouTube TV. That gives you a short window to watch nationally televised games without paying, and it’s also a handy way to test which platform feels right for you.
Old-school tricks still work, too. With more NBA games shifting to ABC and NBC, a simple digital antenna can unlock several Lakers broadcasts at no cost. I just recommend using Antennas Direct’s TV Transmitter Locator to check your local coverage.
How to watch the Los Angeles Lakers FAQ
Which channel shows the most Lakers games?
The majority of regular-season Lakers games air locally on Spectrum SportsNet. The regional sports network is available throughout Southern and Central California, Hawaii, and the Las Vegas area. If you live outside of that broadcast territory, you’ll need NBA League Pass to watch those broadcasts.
Will the Lakers be on national TV often?
Yes, absolutely. As one of the league’s most high-profile franchises, the Lakers routinely get heavy national coverage. Expect plenty of appearances on ABC, ESPN, NBC, Amazon Prime Video, and Peacock.
How can I watch Lakers games without cable?
Local Lakers fans can avoid a cable subscription by signing up for Spectrum SportsNet+ or a live TV streaming service that carries Spectrum SportsNet (like DIRECTV). For those outside the Lakers’ broadcast territory, you’ll need an NBA League Pass subscription for out-of-market coverage.
How can I keep up with Lakers games while traveling?
When you’re traveling out of market, you’ll need NBA League Pass access to watch most Lakers games. But national matchups will still be exclusive to specific channels and platforms regardless of your location in the U.S.
Who are the TV announcers for the Los Angeles Lakers?
A veteran duo holds down the broadcast booth for Lakers games on Spectrum SportsNet. You’ll hear longtime play-by-play announcer Bill Macdonald alongside color commentator and former Laker, Stu Lantz.
Why you should trust us
CableTV.com contributor Creshonda Smith pulled together this Lakers viewing guide by researching the latest broadcast setups, blackout rules, and schedule details. She meticulously tracked roster updates, new media deals, and streaming changes to make sure every angle was covered.
Creshonda’s goal is to give every fan a smooth viewing experience. From sorting out Spectrum SportsNet access to flagging when games shift to national networks, this guide has everything you need so you can just focus on enjoying Lakers basketball.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
