Look, everyone wants a seat at Crypto.com Arena for a Tuesday night against the Celtics or a primetime matchup with the Warriors. But have you seen those prices? Honestly, it’s getting a bit ridiculous. If you’re trying to catch a glimpse of the purple and gold without draining your entire savings account, LA Lakers tickets preseason are basically the best-kept secret in Southern California.
It’s basketball. It’s the Lakers. But it's also… chill.
Most people overlook these games because they think the stars won't play. They assume it's just a bunch of guys on 10-day contracts fighting for the 15th spot on the roster. While there is plenty of that—which is actually fascinating if you’re a real hoop head—you’re still seeing the foundational chemistry being built. You’re seeing the rookies get their first real burn. You're seeing the coaching staff test out those "what if" lineups that might never see the light of day in January.
The Reality of the Preseason Value Proposition
The sticker shock of the regular season is real. For a standard home opener, you might be looking at several hundred dollars just to sit in the 300 level, where the players look like ants. During the preseason, those same seats are often available for the price of a decent dinner in Santa Monica. Sometimes even less if you’re looking at third-party marketplaces like StubHub or SeatGeek a few hours before tip-off.
You’ve got to understand the logistics here. The Lakers don’t just play at "The Crypt." They often take the show on the road to places like Palm Springs or Las Vegas for the "Acrisure Invitational" or similar neutral-site showcases. For fans in the Inland Empire or the Coachella Valley, this is the only time the team is in their backyard. The energy in those smaller arenas is weirdly intense. It feels like a high school gym on steroids.
There’s also the "star factor." No, LeBron James probably isn't playing 38 minutes in a preseason game against the Kings. He might play the first quarter, give the crowd a couple of dunks, and then spend the rest of the night in a high-end sweatsuit on the bench. But you’re still there. You’re seeing the greatness in person. And for the younger guys—think about the hype surrounding recent picks like Dalton Knecht or Bronny James—these minutes are everything. Every dribble matters to them. That's a different kind of intensity than a mid-February blowout where everyone is just waiting for the All-Star break.
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Where to Actually Find the Best Deals
If you’re hunting for LA Lakers tickets preseason, don’t just settle for the first price you see on the official site. The secondary market is your best friend here. Season ticket holders often have these games bundled into their packages, and frankly, many of them don’t want to go. They’ve seen it all. They’d rather recoup a little cash to offset the cost of their playoff tickets later.
Check out the "value" sections. Usually, the corners of the arena or the rows immediately behind the baskets are priced to move. If you’re taking a family, this is the only way to do it without it costing $1,000. Seriously. You can get four tickets, some overpriced nachos, and a parking pass for a fraction of a regular-season game's cost.
Why the Atmosphere Hits Different
The regular season is a grind. It’s corporate. It’s loud. It’s full of "influencers" who spend more time taking selfies than watching the pick-and-roll. Preseason is for the fans. You’ll see families who have been Lakers fans for generations. You’ll see the guy who knows the stats of the third-string point guard from the South Bay Lakers.
It’s more relaxed. The players are looser. Sometimes you’ll even see them interacting more with the fans near the tunnel because the pressure of the standings isn't weighing on them yet. It’s a vibes-based experience. If you’ve ever wanted to sit closer to the floor, this is your shot. Those "Premier" seats that are usually thousands of dollars? They might actually be within reach during the preseason.
Neutral Sites: A Different Beast
Keep an eye on the schedule for games at the Honda Center in Anaheim or the Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs. These games sell out fast because the local fanbases are starved for NBA action. However, the experience is unique. The Lakers have always treated Southern California as their personal playground, and seeing them in a different environment feels special. It's like a traveling circus, but with better jump shots.
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Parking at these secondary venues is usually a nightmare, though. Just a heads up. If you're heading to the desert for a game, get there early. The traffic on the I-10 is no joke, even for a "meaningless" exhibition game.
What Most People Get Wrong About "Meaningless" Games
"They don't even try." I hear this all the time. It’s a total myth. Maybe the veterans are coasting, sure. But half the guys on the floor are literally playing for their careers. They are fighting for a roster spot, a two-way contract, or even just good film to show scouts in Europe or China. That desperation leads to some of the hardest-nosed defense you’ll see all year.
You also get to see the coaching philosophy without the "win-at-all-costs" filter. You’ll see the Lakers try out a zone defense they’ve been practicing. You’ll see them run specific sets for a bench player to see if he can handle the pressure. It’s like being allowed into the laboratory.
For the true basketball junkies, this is the good stuff. You’re watching the raw materials before they get polished into a playoff contender. You see the mistakes. You see the potential. You see the future.
Managing Expectations for the Roster
Don't go expecting a Game 7 rotation. You will see names on the back of jerseys that you might not recognize if you only follow the NBA via Instagram highlights. This is where you do your homework. Who is the undrafted free agent from a mid-major school who’s lighting it up? Who is the veteran on a "show-me" deal trying to prove he’s still got gas in the tank?
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How to Secure Your Seats Without Getting Ripped Off
- Wait until the last minute (usually): Unless it’s a high-profile matchup in a small arena, prices for preseason usually drop as tip-off approaches. Sellers get desperate.
- Verify the venue: Make sure you’re actually buying for the right city. The Lakers play all over the place in October. Don't buy tickets for Crypto.com Arena if the game is actually in Las Vegas.
- Check the "Official" Resale: Sometimes the Lakers' own Ticketmaster exchange has lower fees than the big third-party sites. It’s worth a five-minute comparison.
- Watch the injury report: If the stars are officially "out," prices will crater. If you just want the arena experience and don't care about seeing AD or LeBron play 20 minutes, that's your window to pounce.
Honestly, the whole "preseason doesn't matter" narrative is great for us. It keeps the prices down. It keeps the crowds manageable. It lets us enjoy Lakers basketball without the stress of the Western Conference standings.
Logistics and Game Day Tips
If you are going to the arena in DTLA, remember that the Metro is actually a viable option. Don't pay $50 for parking if you can avoid it. The Blue and Expo lines drop you off right there. Also, the food options around the arena have improved massively. Skip the stadium hot dog and hit up one of the spots at L.A. Live or a few blocks over in the South Park district before you go in.
Keep in mind that preseason games often have shorter halftimes or fewer commercial breaks, though the NBA has been tinkering with this. The games can move fast. Or, if there are a lot of fouls because guys are playing too aggressive, they can drag. It’s a toss-up.
Actionable Steps for Your Lakers Preseason Experience
- Set a Price Alert: Use an app like TickPick or Gametime to set an alert for the price point you’re comfortable with. When someone dumps their tickets, you’ll be the first to know.
- Follow the Beat Reporters: Guys like Mike Trudell or Dave McMenamin will usually tweet out who is playing and who is resting about 90 minutes before tip-off. Use that info to decide if you want to pull the trigger on a last-minute seat.
- Go Early for Warmups: This is the best time to see the players up close. In the preseason, security is sometimes a little more relaxed about letting people down toward the lower bowl during the pre-game shootaround. You might get a better photo than you ever would during the regular season.
- Check the Promotional Schedule: Sometimes the Lakers give away shirts or items even during the preseason. It’s not as common as the regular season, but it happens.
- Look for Bundles: Occasionally, the team will offer a "Preseason Pack" that includes a couple of exhibition games and a low-tier regular-season game for a flat rate. If you're a local, this is the move.
At the end of the day, LA Lakers tickets preseason are about the love of the game and the culture of the team. It’s the smell of the popcorn, the sound of the squeaky shoes, and the hope that this year might be the one where they hang another banner. You get all of that for a fraction of the cost. Why wait for November? Get out there and see what the new-look squad is all about before the rest of the world catches on.