How to Watch Kings vs. Lakers Preseason on DIRECTV: Tip-Off Time, ESPN2 Channel and Local TV
ESPN's NBA preseason coverage starts with a rematch. The Sacramento Kings visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 10:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. PT) at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, and the game airs nationally on ESPN2, which is channel 209 on DIRECTV.
It's the first of five preseason games on ESPN and ESPN2 this fall, and the second Kings-Lakers meeting in four days. Here's how to watch on DIRECTV, the local options in each team's market and what to know before tip-off.
Kings vs. Lakers: quick facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, October 8, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT |
| National TV | ESPN2 (DIRECTV channel 209) |
| Streaming | ESPN app; DIRECTV app with a package that includes ESPN2 |
| Local TV, Los Angeles | Spectrum SportsNet |
| Local, Sacramento | Kings+ (the team's free streaming platform) |
| Arena | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles |
| Game type | NBA preseason (exhibition) |
What channel is Kings vs. Lakers on DIRECTV?
Tune to ESPN2 on channel 209. ESPN2 comes with the ENTERTAINMENT package and higher, so you don't need CHOICE or a sports add-on for this game. It's also part of the MySports Genre Pack. Our ESPN2 channel guide has more on where it sits in each package.
Each team's local outlet also has the game:
- Southern California: Spectrum SportsNet, which is airing all five Lakers preseason games. Spectrum SportsNet+ streams it for subscribers.
- Sacramento area: Kings+, the Kings' free streaming platform, which carries four of the team's five preseason games, including this one. Kings+ is a stream, not a DIRECTV channel.
On DIRECTV, regional sports networks such as Spectrum SportsNet come with CHOICE and higher where DIRECTV carries them in your ZIP code. Channel numbers vary by market, so check your local listings or search "Lakers" in your guide.
Not sure your package has ESPN2? Call 1-855-690-9884 and we'll check before Thursday night.
How to stream Kings vs. Lakers
- ESPN app: ESPN says all of its NBA preseason games are available in the ESPN app. DIRECTV customers with ESPN2 in their package can sign in with their DIRECTV account.
- DIRECTV app: watch ESPN2 live on your phone, tablet or streaming device if your package includes it.
- DIRECTV streaming: ESPN2 is channel 209 on DIRECTV streaming too, with ENTERTAINMENT and higher or the MySports Genre Pack.
Kings vs. Lakers channels on DIRECTV
| Network | DIRECTV channel | Who gets it |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN2 | 209 | ENTERTAINMENT and higher; MySports Genre Pack |
| Spectrum SportsNet | Check your local listings | Southern California viewers, CHOICE and higher where DIRECTV carries it |
| Kings+ | Not a DIRECTV channel | Free stream from the Kings for Sacramento-area fans |
What to know before tip-off
- The Lakers won Monday's meeting: Los Angeles beat Sacramento 127-103 on October 5 at Golden 1 Center. Luka Doncic scored 21 points in the first half and sat out the second half with the Lakers up big.
- Injuries to watch: Austin Reaves (ankle) and Walker Kessler (finger) missed Monday's game. Coach JJ Redick didn't expect the injuries to be long-term, but the Lakers hadn't said whether either will play Thursday.
- A busy week for L.A.: the Lakers play at Golden State on Tuesday, October 6, then come home to host the Kings.
- Life after LeBron: it's the Lakers' first season since LeBron James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.
- Kings rookie to watch: point guard Darius Acuff scored 19 points for Sacramento on Monday.
- Preseason rules apply: starters often play limited minutes in exhibition games, so expect plenty of reserves in the second half.
What's next for the Kings and Lakers
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | National TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat., Oct. 10 | Kings at Warriors (preseason) | 8:30 p.m. | None (local only) |
| Tue., Oct. 13 | Warriors vs. Lakers (preseason, T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas) | 10 p.m. | NBA TV (216) |
| Fri., Oct. 16 | Nuggets at Lakers (preseason) | 10:30 p.m. | ESPN (206) |
| Wed., Oct. 21 | Warriors at Lakers (regular-season opener) | 10 p.m. | ESPN (206) |
| Wed., Oct. 21 | Kings at Clippers (regular-season opener) | 10:30 p.m. | None (local only) |
ESPN is channel 206 and also comes with ENTERTAINMENT and higher. NBA TV (216) starts with CHOICE. The full national schedule, team-by-team local channels and League Pass details are in our guide to watching the NBA on DIRECTV, and the rest of the exhibition slate is in our 2026 NBA preseason guide.
Other ways to follow the game
- Radio: ESPN LA 710 and 980 KFWB carry the Lakers, the Kings have their own radio broadcast, and SiriusXM has national NBA radio coverage.
- Out of market: ESPN2 is the simplest way to watch on DIRECTV if you don't live in either team's area.
Which DIRECTV package is best for Kings and Lakers fans?
- ENTERTAINMENT: includes ESPN and ESPN2, which covers this game, the October 16 Nuggets-Lakers preseason game and the October 21 Lakers opener.
- CHOICE: adds NBA TV (216) and, where available, your team's regional sports network, like Spectrum SportsNet for the Lakers or NBC Sports California for Kings regular-season games.
- MySports Genre Pack: a sports-focused streaming option with ESPN, ESPN2 and NBA TV.
Want ESPN2, NBA TV and your team's channel on one plan? Check DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What time is Kings vs. Lakers on October 8?
Tip-off is 10:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. PT) on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
What channel is Kings vs. Lakers on?
ESPN2 airs the game nationally. On DIRECTV, ESPN2 is channel 209 with ENTERTAINMENT and higher. In Southern California, it's also on Spectrum SportsNet, and Sacramento-area fans can stream it on Kings+.
Can I stream Kings vs. Lakers?
Yes. ESPN streams its preseason games in the ESPN app, and DIRECTV customers with ESPN2 can also watch in the DIRECTV app.
Is ESPN2 included in DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT?
Yes. ESPN2 comes with ENTERTAINMENT and every higher package, and it's also in the MySports Genre Pack.
Who won the first Kings-Lakers preseason game?
The Lakers won 127-103 on October 5 in Sacramento. Luka Doncic led Los Angeles with 21 points.
Questions about ESPN2 or your local team channel? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 6, 2026. Tip times, TV assignments and broadcast lineups are set by the NBA, its teams and their TV partners and may change. Player availability for preseason games is often announced close to tip-off. Regional network carriage, channel numbers, packages and prices vary by address and are subject to change. NBA, ESPN2, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.