So, the NBA season is in that weird middle ground right now. We’re past the holiday hype, but the playoff push hasn't quite reached a fever pitch. If you’re tracking the LA Lakers game schedule, you already know the stakes are getting higher with every single whistle. Honestly, looking at the stretch they have ahead in early 2026, it’s a brutal gauntlet that could either cement their standing in the West or leave them scrambling for a Play-In spot.
The Lakers just came off a game against the Charlotte Hornets on January 15, and let me tell you, the Crypto.com Arena was absolutely buzzing. They entered that game with a 24-14 record, which is solid, but in a Western Conference where a three-game losing streak can drop you four seeds, "solid" barely keeps your head above water.
The Road Ahead: Breaking Down the LA Lakers Game Schedule
If you're planning your life around when the Purple and Gold are on TV, grab your calendar. The remainder of January and February is basically a "who's who" of NBA heavyweights.
The team is about to embark on a massive road trip that starts on January 17 in Portland. Playing the Trail Blazers at the Moda Center is never as easy as it looks on paper—that crowd gets loud. From there, it's a flight to Denver on January 20 to face the Nuggets. Every time the Lakers go to Ball Arena, it feels like a chess match where Nikola Jokic is playing with three extra queens.
Then, on January 22, we get the "Hallway Series" but with a twist. They’re heading to the Intuit Dome to play the Clippers. It’s technically an away game, which is still weird to say given they’re just down the road in Inglewood.
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Key Matchups in Late January
- January 24 @ Dallas Mavericks: This is a big one. Luka Doncic is having an MVP-caliber year, and the Mavericks' offense is a nightmare to scheme for.
- January 26 @ Chicago Bulls: A classic matchup at the United Center.
- January 28 @ Cleveland Cavaliers: Heading East to face a Cavs team that has been surprisingly dominant at home.
- January 30 @ Washington Wizards: Wrapping up the month in D.C.
Why February is the "Make or Break" Month
February 2026 is going to be a total rollercoaster. It starts with a trip to Madison Square Garden on February 1 to face the Knicks. There is nothing like Lakers vs. Knicks on a Sunday night in New York. The energy is just different.
But then, things get really intense. The Lakers return home for a string of games that will likely dictate their playoff seeding. On February 5, they host the Philadelphia 76ers, followed by a massive showdown against the Golden State Warriors on February 7. That Warriors game is on ABC, so expect all the "LeBron vs. Steph" nostalgia the media can handle.
The LA Lakers game schedule also features a Valentine’s Day break—well, sort of. All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis runs from February 13 to 15. After that, it’s a sprint. They face the Clippers again on February 20 and the Boston Celtics on February 22.
Yes, you read that right. Celtics at Lakers. Sunday afternoon. February 22. If you only watch one game this season, that’s the one. The rivalry is as alive as ever, and with both teams fighting for top-tier positioning, the intensity is going to be through the roof.
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March Madness (NBA Edition)
March doesn't get any easier. The Lakers open the month against the Sacramento Kings on March 1. The Kings have become a persistent thorn in the Lakers' side with their pace and transition scoring. Following that, they have home games against the Pelicans (March 3), Pacers (March 6), and Knicks (March 8).
One thing most people get wrong about the Lakers' schedule is assuming the "easy" home games are guaranteed wins. This season, they’ve struggled with consistency against sub-.500 teams. They'll need to lock in for games against the Bulls (March 12) and the Wizards (March 30) to avoid those "trap game" losses that haunt teams in April.
How to Watch and Attend
If you’re trying to catch a game in person, Ticketmaster remains the official marketplace. Prices for some of these high-profile matchups are, frankly, astronomical. For example, a ticket to see the Lakers play the Warriors on February 7 is currently starting around $212, and that’s just to get in the building.
For those watching from the couch, Spectrum SportsNet is still the primary home for local broadcasts. However, because the Lakers are... well, the Lakers, they have a ton of nationally televised games. You’ll see them frequently on:
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- ABC/ESPN: Primarily for the big weekend games and Wednesday night doubleheaders.
- Prime Video: They've picked up several Friday night slots this year.
- NBC/Peacock: A new addition to the rotation that has been hosting some of the marquee Tuesday and Sunday matchups.
Surprising Factors Influencing the Schedule
Something nobody talks about enough is the travel fatigue built into this specific 2025-26 stretch. The Lakers have a few "back-to-backs" that are particularly grueling. For instance, playing in Brooklyn on February 3 and then flying back across the country to host Philly on February 5 is a lot of miles on 30-plus-year-old legs.
Management has been careful with "load management," but with the West being so tight, they might not have the luxury of sitting stars. Anthony Davis has been the anchor this year, and his availability for these cross-country stretches is the biggest X-factor for the team's success.
Strategic Insights for Fans
If you're looking to attend a game but don't want to pay "Celtics-rivalry" prices, keep an eye on the late-season matchups in April. The Lakers face the Utah Jazz on April 12 to close out the regular season. Depending on whether the seeds are already locked in, you might find more reasonable prices—though there's always the risk of starters resting.
The most important thing to watch is the home-stand between February 20 and March 14. During this period, the Lakers play ten out of twelve games at Crypto.com Arena. If they can go 8-2 or better during that stretch, they could realistically jump into the top three in the Western Conference. If they stumble and go .500, they'll be looking at the Play-In tournament for the third year in a row.
To stay ahead of the curve, sync the schedule to your phone via the official Lakers app. Keep an eye on the injury reports about two hours before tip-off, especially for those away games in Denver and Dallas where the altitude and travel often lead to late scratches. Focusing on the defensive rotations during the upcoming road trip will give you the best indication of whether this team is truly a championship contender or just another high-profile exit in the first round.