Finding the right channel for a Lakers game used to be simple. You’d flip to KCAL 9 or find the local sports affiliate, and that was it. Not anymore. Now, between the regional lockouts, the new NBC partnership, and the Amazon Prime exclusives, you basically need a treasure map and three different passwords just to see if Luka Dončić and LeBron James are actually playing.
If you are looking for the game right now, specifically for the January 18, 2026 matchup against the Toronto Raptors, you’ll find it on Spectrum SportsNet for local Los Angeles viewers and TSN for those up north in Canada. Tip-off is set for 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) at Crypto.com Arena.
But "what channel is Lakers game" isn't a question with a one-time answer. It changes by the day.
The Spectrum SportsNet Monopoly (and How to Bypass It)
For the vast majority of the 82-game marathon, Spectrum SportsNet is the "home" channel. If you live in Southern California, Hawaii, or parts of Southern Nevada, this is your primary destination. It’s where you get the pre-game crew, the Bill Macdonald and Stu Lantz commentary, and those endlessly nostalgic "Backstage: Lakers" episodes.
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Honestly, it’s frustrating for cord-cutters. You can’t just buy Spectrum SportsNet as a standalone app in the same way you buy Netflix—at least not easily.
- DIRECTV STREAM: This is currently one of the few "cable replacements" that carries Spectrum SportsNet. It’s pricey, but it’s the most reliable way to ensure you never miss a game.
- Fubo: They’ve made big plays in 2025 and 2026 to include regional sports networks (RSNs). Check your local zip code, but Fubo usually has the Lakers in-market.
- Spectrum Internet/Mobile Offer: Here is a weird hack most people miss. In 2026, Spectrum started offering a deal where if you have their internet and at least one mobile line, you can actually get the Lakers games for free through the NBA app. It’s a specific promo at NBA.com/GetLakers.
The New NBA on NBC and Peacock Era
The biggest shift this season is the return of the NBA on NBC. After decades away, NBC is back, which means the old "NBA on TNT" Tuesday nights are effectively dead.
When the Lakers play on a Tuesday or a Sunday night, there is a high probability the game is on NBC or exclusively streaming on Peacock. For the January 20th game against the Nuggets, for example, you’ll need to look toward NBC and Peacock. If you’re searching for the game and can’t find it on your cable box, check the Peacock app. They’ve started putting "Sunday Night Basketball" exclusively on the platform to drive subscriptions.
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National TV: ABC, ESPN, and the Amazon Factor
The "LeBron and Luka" effect means the Lakers are almost always on national television. When it’s a big-market matchup—like against the Warriors or the Celtics—you’re looking at ABC or ESPN.
Then there’s Amazon. Prime Video has become a massive player in the 2025-26 season. They typically take the Thursday night slot. If the Lakers are playing on a Thursday, stop looking at ESPN. Open the Prime Video app on your smart TV.
Why You Might Be Blacked Out
This is the part everyone hates. You pay for NBA League Pass, you see the Lakers game listed, you click it, and... "This content is not available in your area."
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Blackouts happen because Spectrum SportsNet owns the "local" rights. If you live in LA, League Pass will never show you the game live. You have to wait until three days later to watch the replay. The only way around this is using a service that specifically carries the local RSN (like DIRECTV STREAM) or using a digital antenna for the games that air on ABC.
Looking Ahead: The Schedule Breakdown
The Lakers have a brutal stretch coming up. After tonight's game against the Raptors, they head out on a road trip that includes Denver, the Clippers, and Dallas.
- Jan 20 @ Nuggets: Look for this on NBC/Peacock.
- Jan 22 @ Clippers: This one is a Prime Video exclusive.
- Jan 24 @ Mavericks: This is a marquee ABC Saturday night game.
Basically, you need to check the schedule every morning. The league is increasingly moving toward a "flex" scheduling model where they can move games to different channels based on how the standings look.
Actionable Steps to Never Miss a Tip-Off
Instead of frantically Googling "what channel is Lakers game" five minutes after the ball is in the air, do these three things:
- Download the Lakers Mobile App: It’s actually surprisingly good. It syncs with your local time zone and tells you exactly which station has the rights for that specific night.
- Check the "NBA on NBC" Schedule: Since NBC is the new kid on the block, they are putting a lot of marketing behind their Sunday and Tuesday games. If it’s one of those nights, start with the Peacock app.
- Bookmark the Spectrum SportsNet Site: They keep a rolling TV guide that is the "source of truth" for local fans.
The days of a single channel are over. Between streaming and regional rights, it's a bit of a mess, but as long as you know whether it's a "local night" or a "national night," you'll usually find the game in under thirty seconds.