If you’re scrambling to find out what time is the lakers game today, you aren't alone. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026, and the Lakers are heading north to Oregon. They’re facing off against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center.
Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM local time in Portland (PST). For those of you watching from the East Coast, that’s a 10:00 PM EST start. It’s a late one, so maybe grab an extra espresso if you’re planning to catch the final buzzer.
The Lakers come into this one with a 24-15 record. Honestly, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster lately. After a tough loss to the Hornets a couple of days ago, they really need a win to keep their momentum in a crowded Western Conference.
Where to Watch and Streaming Options
Missing the game because you couldn't find the right channel is the worst. If you're in the Los Angeles market, Spectrum SportsNet LA is your go-to home for all the action. For fans in Portland, it’ll be on KUNP.
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Nationally, the game is being picked up by NBA TV.
Streaming has become the default for most of us now. You’ve got a few solid options:
- Fubo (they usually have a free trial if you’re in a pinch)
- NBA League Pass (just remember blackout rules apply if you're in either team's local market)
- YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV if they carry the local RSNs or NBA TV in your area
Why This Matchup Matters Right Now
This isn't just another January game. It’s a battle between two of the league's top scorers. We’re looking at Luka Doncic (who's been absolute magic, leading the league with 33.6 PPG) versus Portland’s Deni Avdija, who has really come into his own this season, sitting 13th in the league at 26.1 PPG.
The Blazers are sitting at 20-22. They're actually the favorites tonight, weirdly enough. Vegas has them as a 2.5-point favorite. Portland is tough at home, and the Lakers have been missing some key depth.
Lakers Availability and Injuries
Keep an eye on the injury report. It’s been a bit of a mess lately. Austin Reaves is still out with that Grade 2 calf strain, and Adou Thiero isn't expected back until the end of the month. That puts a ton of pressure on Luka and LeBron James to carry the offensive load.
Key Stats to Watch
The Lakers have a top-tier offense, ranking 2nd in field goal percentage (49.7%). However, their defense has been... let's just say "generous." They rank 28th in opponent field goal percentage. Basically, if they don't outscore you by a mile, they struggle to get stops when it counts.
Portland, on the other hand, is one of the best rebounding teams in the league (6th overall). If the Lakers can’t box out Donovan Clingan, it’s going to be a long night of second-chance points for the Blazers.
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Betting Odds and Predictions
If you’re looking at the lines on FanDuel or DraftKings, the over/under is sitting around 224.5. Most computer models are leaning toward the over, predicting a score somewhere in the neighborhood of 118-115 in favor of Portland.
The Lakers have been decent on the road against the spread (11-9), so taking them +2.5 isn't the craziest bet in the world. But honestly, it usually comes down to whether Luka decides to drop 50 or not.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
After tonight, the team doesn't get much rest. They fly back to LA immediately to face the Toronto Raptors tomorrow, January 18th, at 6:30 PM PST.
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If you're tracking the schedule for the rest of the month, here is what the upcoming week looks like:
- Jan 20: at Denver Nuggets (8:00 PM PST)
- Jan 22: at LA Clippers (7:00 PM PST)
- Jan 24: at Dallas Mavericks (7:30 PM CST / 5:30 PM PST)
Actionable Next Steps
Check your local listings one more time around 6:30 PM PST to make sure there haven't been any last-minute broadcast shifts. If you're attending the game at the Moda Center, doors typically open 90 minutes before tip-off. Make sure you have your digital tickets ready on the Ticketmaster app, as most arenas are completely paperless now. If you're betting, keep an eye on the "Questionable" status of Rui Hachimura; his presence in the rotation could swing that 2.5-point line significantly before the game starts.