How to watch the Los Angeles Lakers live in the 2024 Playoffs

What channels are Los Angeles Lakers playoff games on this season?

Lakers fans who want to catch every game need a TV service that carries Spectrum Sportsnet, the team’s regional sports partner for the regular season and locally aired games. You’ll also want access to ESPN, ABC, TNT,  NBA TV and ABC. With LeBron in the fold, the Lakers will be must-see TV, meaning many of their bigger showdowns with teams like the Golden State Warriors air nationally on ESPN. 

Below is a look at which live TV streaming platforms carry each sports channel so you can find the best option for your needs: 

How to watch the Los Angeles Lakers on DISH (Featured partner)

As far as traditional cable TV options go, DISH Network is our top pick. Lakers fans can watch all nationally televised games here. ABC, ESPN and TNT are available in all packages, and NBA TV is available in America’s Top 200 or the Multi-Sport Pack add-on. Unfortunately, DISH doesn’t carry Spectrum Sportsnet, but you can supplement your plan with Spectrum Sportsnet Plus (in-market) or NBA League Pass (out-of-market).

DISH packages cost between $84.99 and $114.99 a month, and you can get anywhere from 190 to over 290 channels. You’ll need to rent some equipment, and DISH’s Hopper 3 receiver allows you to record 16 channels simultaneously and store up to 2,000 hours of content. DISH doesn’t require a contract, but the best pricing is available if you sign up for two years.

How to stream the Lakers on DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM is the best option for Lakers fans. The platform carries Spectrum Sportsnet, ESPN, ABC, TNT and NBA TV. On top of that, you’ll also have access to unlimited recording space to record every game this season. 

To gain access to all of these channels, you’ll need the Choice package, which starts at $108.99 per month. This plan comes with over 105 channels, including regional sports networks and more than 15 other sports channels.

How to stream the Lakers on Fubo

Fubo is an excellent live TV streaming platform for sports fans. Its base package features over 190 channels, 1,000 hours of DVR and the ability to stream from 10 devices at the same time for $79.99 per month, plus a regional sports fee of up to $14.99 per month. 

For Lakers fans, you’ll find some limitations. It does come with ESPN, ABC and NBA TV, though the latter requires an upgrade or add-on. So, for primetime and playoff games, you’ll catch most of the action. However, Fubo doesn't carry TNT or Spectrum Sportsnet. To get every Lakers game, you’d need to subscribe to additional services like Max with B/R Sports and Spectrum Sportsnet Plus.

How to watch the Los Angeles Lakers on Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV comes with more than 95 channels, unlimited DVR storage and access to Hulu's unique on-demand library for $76.99 per month. On the channel front, you can stream Lakers games on ABC, ESPN and TNT. A subscription also gets you access to Disney Plus and even more live sports on ESPN Plus. 

The only downside is that it doesn't carry Spectrum Sportsnet. If you’re an out-of-market fan, you can add NBA League Pass to supplement coverage. However, if you live in or around Los Angeles, your best bet is to add a streaming service with Spectrum Sportsnet or subscribe to Spectrum Sportsnet Plus.

How to stream the Lakers on Sling TV

Sling TV is one of the more affordable sports streaming platforms. You can buy Sling TV packages for as low as $40 per month, and they include 50 hours of cloud-based DVR. 

For Lakers fans, you’ll want the Sling Orange & Blue package, as it comes with ESPN, ABC and TNT. This combo plan will run you $50 per month. You can also add NBA TV with the Sports Extra add-on for another $15 per month. 

Sling TV does have limitations. With a much more limited channel selection, you won’t find Spectrum Sportsnet here. However, fans can subscribe to NBA TV (out-of-market) or Spectrum Sportsnet Plus (in-market) for complete Lakers coverage.

How to watch the Lakers on YouTube TV

YouTube TV offers ample entertainment options with over 100 channels. Its base plan features ESPN, NBA TV, TNT and ABC for $72.99 per month. And with unlimited recording space, you can capture and rewatch your favorite season highlights. 

However, YouTube TV doesn’t have Spectrum Sportsnet. If you’re a Lakers fan living away from Los Angeles, you can supplement coverage with NBA League Pass. In the LA market, you can look into Spectrum Sportsnet Plus.

How to watch Los Angeles Lakers out-of-market games with NBA League Pass

NBA League Pass works best for Lakers fans not living in or around Los Angeles. This over-the-top service lets you access live streams of NBA games outside your viewing market, abbreviated game replays and other content. For games you can’t access due to blackout restrictions, you’re able to watch them three days after their original air date.

NBA League Pass starts from $14.99 per month and gives you access to all games to stream on a single device. The Premium subscription is $22.99 per month and allows you to stream from three devices and watch in-arena content in lieu of commercials. There’s also a single-team plan available for $89.99 a season.

You can sign up for NBA League Pass through the NBA's website. You’re also able to include it as an add-on with some streaming services like YouTube TV. When you sign up, it will tell you which local NBA team has blackout restrictions. That means if an NBA team near you hosts the Lakers, you’ll need to watch the game on another channel like ESPN or ABC. 

FAQ

What streaming service is the Lakers game on?

You can find nationally televised Lakers games on Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and Fubo. If you want access to regional broadcasts, you’ll need DIRECTV STREAM within the LA viewing area.

Is there an app to watch the Lakers?

The official Lakers app is a great way to keep up with scores, live updates, tickets and highlights, but it doesn’t include live games. To watch live Lakers games on your mobile device, you’ll need your live TV streaming service’s app or the NBA app with a subscription to Spectrum Sportsnet Plus or NBA League Pass.

Can I watch Lakers games on ESPN Plus?

ESPN Plus only streams select NBA games. Very few, if any, Lakers games stream on the platform.