Look, I get it. You just want to sit down, crack a drink, and watch LeBron James and Luka Dončić (yeah, still feels weird saying they’re teammates, right?) do their thing. But finding out what channel lakers game on shouldn’t feel like you’re trying to crack the Enigma code. Between the new billion-dollar TV deals, regional blackouts, and the fact that there are now like four different streaming apps involved, it’s a total headache.
Tonight, Sunday, January 18, 2026, the Lakers are hosting the Toronto Raptors at Crypto.com Arena. Tip-off is set for 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET).
If you live in the Los Angeles area, the game is on Spectrum SportsNet. If you’re outside of LA, things get a bit more "pick your own adventure."
Where to Find the Game Right Now
Honestly, the NBA's new broadcast landscape in 2026 is a lot. We moved away from the old TNT/ESPN monopoly into this "brave new world" of NBC, Amazon Prime, and Disney.
For tonight's matchup against Toronto:
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- Local (LA Market): Spectrum SportsNet. This is the "home" channel for about 65 games a year.
- National/Streaming: This isn't a TNT or ESPN exclusive tonight, so you're looking at NBA League Pass if you're out-of-market.
- Canada: If you're a Raptors fan lurking here, it's on TSN.
It's annoying. You've got to check the schedule every single night because one day the Lakers are on NBC (the "Sunday Night Basketball" vibes are real now), the next they're an Amazon Prime exclusive on a Thursday, and then they're back on Spectrum.
Why the Channel Keeps Changing
Basically, the NBA signed a massive $76 billion deal that started this season. That's why you're seeing games on NBC and Peacock for the first time in decades. The Lakers, being the Lakers, are basically the prom king of this deal—they have about 42 nationally televised games this year.
If you feel like you're constantly chasing the game across different apps, you aren't crazy. It's actually happening.
The Local Blackout Struggle
Here is what most people get wrong. You buy NBA League Pass thinking, "Sweet, I've got every game." Then you sit down in your Santa Monica apartment, hit play, and get that dreaded "This content is blacked out in your area" message.
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If you live in Southern California, Southern Nevada, or Hawaii, Spectrum SportsNet owns the rights. You basically have two choices:
- Get a cable or satellite package that includes Spectrum SportsNet (Directv Stream is usually the go-to for cord-cutters here).
- Spectrum SportsNet+: This is the direct-to-consumer app they launched. It's about $20 a month. It’s pricey, but it’s the only way to stream local games without a full cable "blood contract."
What About the Big National Games?
When the Lakers play the big-ticket games—think Christmas Day or those Saturday night primetime slots—you’re usually looking at ABC or ESPN. Those are the easiest to find. But the "random" Tuesday night games? Those are migrating to NBC or Peacock more often now.
Amazon Prime has also carved out a huge chunk of the schedule. If the Lakers are playing on a Thursday or Friday, check your Prime Video app before you start scrolling through your cable guide. They have the exclusive rights to the NBA Cup (the in-season tournament) knockout rounds too.
How to Watch if You Don't Have Cable
If you've cut the cord, you’re probably using one of these:
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- YouTube TV / Fubo / Hulu + Live TV: Great for the NBC, ABC, and ESPN games.
- NBA League Pass: Only works if you live outside the Lakers' home territory.
- Prime Video: Necessary for those specific Thursday/Friday night slots.
- Peacock: NBC is putting a lot of "Monday Night" style energy into their NBA coverage, often keeping games exclusive to their streaming platform.
Check the clock. It's almost 6:30.
The Lakers have been a bit of a rollercoaster lately. Losing to Portland yesterday was... not great. But watching Luka and LeBron figure out the spacing in the half-court is still the best show in town. Just make sure you're on the right input.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify your location: If you are in LA, open the Spectrum SportsNet app or tune to the channel now.
- Check your subscriptions: If the game isn't on local TV, see if it’s a "Prime Video" night (though tonight is local/League Pass).
- Sync your calendar: Download the official Lakers app; it usually has a "Watch" button that tells you exactly which provider has the rights for that specific night's tip-off.