You're probably checking the clock or scrolling through your apps wondering exactly when is the lakers next basketball game so you don't miss tip-off. Honestly, after that rough 132-116 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night, the Lakers don't have much time to lick their wounds. They are headed straight back to Los Angeles.
The purple and gold are back in action Sunday, January 18, 2026, against the Toronto Raptors.
It's a home game at Crypto.com Arena. Tip-off is set for 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET).
If you're staying home to watch, you've got a few options. Local fans can catch it on Spectrum SportsNet, while those out of market might need to check NBA League Pass. Since it’s a Sunday night game, it’s a quick turnaround for a team that looked a bit sluggish in the Pacific Northwest.
Lakers vs. Raptors: Breaking down the matchup
The Lakers are currently sitting at 24-15. That’s a decent record, but the vibes are a little shaky right now. Losing to Portland—a team they were supposed to handle—has fans a bit on edge. LeBron James and Luka Doncic (yes, in this 2026 season, the roster looks a bit different than the old days) are carrying a massive load. Especially with Austin Reaves sidelined with that grade 2 calf strain.
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Toronto isn't the powerhouse they once were, but they play hard. They’ll likely try to exploit the defensive lapses that saw Portland put up 132 points.
Recent Form and Standings
Before the Portland slip-up, the Lakers were holding onto the 5th seed in the Western Conference. They’re still 1st in the Pacific Division, but the Phoenix Suns are breathing down their necks, just a game back.
- Lakers Record: 24-15
- Place: 5th in Western Conference
- Last Game: 116-132 loss @ Portland
- Next Opponent: Toronto Raptors (Home)
The road ahead: Lakers January and February schedule
Once the Raptors game is in the books, the schedule gets pretty intense. The NBA is heading into "Rivals Week," which means some of the most anticipated matchups of the season are right around the corner. If you’re planning your life around the Lakers, here is what the next couple of weeks look like.
January 20, 2026: Lakers at Denver Nuggets
This is a big one. 8:00 PM PT at Ball Arena. Facing Nikola Jokic in Denver is never fun, but it’s part of the AWS NBA Rivals Week. This game will be on national TV (likely ESPN or TNT).
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January 22, 2026: Lakers at LA Clippers
The "Hallway Series" takes a trip to the Intuit Dome. 7:00 PM PT. It’s always a weird energy when these two play, even if the Clippers are struggling a bit more this season at 17-23.
January 24, 2026: Lakers at Dallas Mavericks
Another Rivals Week special. 5:30 PM PT. This is a massive game for the standings and for the narrative, especially with the history between these rosters.
January 26, 2026: Lakers at Chicago Bulls
A quick trip to the United Center. 5:00 PM PT. The Bulls are always a wildcard, but the Lakers should be the favorites here.
Injuries and rotation news
You can't talk about the Lakers without talking about health. It's the story of the franchise.
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Right now, the big concern is Austin Reaves. He’s out with that gastrocnemius strain, and the secondary playmaking has suffered because of it. Marcus Smart has been stepping into the starting lineup to provide that defensive grit, but he doesn't offer the same floor spacing as Reaves.
Adou Thiero is also out with an MCL sprain. This has forced JJ Redick to go deeper into his bench than he probably wants to this early in the year. You're seeing more minutes for Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton, who has been a solid presence in the middle but needs to stay aggressive.
Where to watch the Lakers
Most games are still on Spectrum SportsNet for the local LA market. If you've cut the cord, Fubo and DirecTV Stream are basically your only legal ways to get that channel without a cable box.
For the national games—like the upcoming ones against Denver and Dallas—you'll want to have ABC, ESPN, and TNT ready. Radio listeners can always find the English broadcast on ESPN LA 710 and the Spanish broadcast on 1020 Radio AM.
Basically, the Lakers are in a "prove it" stretch. They have the talent to be a top-three seed, but the consistency just hasn't been there the last few weeks. Sunday against Toronto is exactly the kind of "get right" game they need before hitting the road for a brutal four-game trip.
Actionable Next Steps
- Sync your calendar: Set an alert for 6:30 PM PT this Sunday so you don't miss the Toronto tip-off.
- Check the injury report: Look for updates on Austin Reaves about 90 minutes before game time; his return date will dictate how much LeBron has to carry the offense.
- Monitor the Suns: Keep an eye on the Phoenix vs. Detroit score; if the Suns win, the Lakers could drop out of the top spot in the Pacific Division before the weekend is over.