The Los Angeles Lakers step into the 2025–2026 NBA season with a stacked roster, sharpened strategy, and sky-high expectations. With marquee matchups scheduled throughout the calendar and intense Western Conference rivalries heating up, every quarter promises drama, precision, and star power.
Missing a single game could mean missing a signature LeBron dunk, a buzzer-beater from the arc, or a key standings shift. For fans who follow every pass and pivot, consistent and reliable access isn’t optional—it’s non-negotiable.
DirecTV delivers full-spectrum Lakers coverage with synced TV broadcasts, frictionless streaming, and mobile viewing options that let you tune in at home, on the go, or from courtside seats on the couch. Here’s how to set up your season and never miss a tip-off.
The Los Angeles Lakers' 2025–2026 NBA season is expected to feature multiple headlining matchups. Between historic rivalries and marquee duels, the schedule highlights games that will shape the playoff picture and ignite widespread fan interest.
Out of the Lakers' 82 regular-season games, 34 are scheduled for national broadcast. This makes them one of the most televised teams in the league. These national appearances are split across multiple networks, including:
Beyond national coverage, many fixtures remain exclusive to regional or streaming platforms. Spectrum SportsNet continues as the Lakers' regional partner, offering 40+ games exclusively to local viewers.
Additionally, the NBA's digital strategy for 2025–2026 includes exclusive distribution agreements. Expect at least 6 games streaming only on Amazon Prime Video, part of the league’s expanded streaming rights deal. Those matchups are unavailable on traditional TV and will not be broadcast by ESPN, TNT, or ABC.
Fans relying on DirecTV must navigate this blend of national, regional, and streaming-only broadcasts to stay connected to the entire Lakers season.
To catch every tip-off, fast break, and buzzer-beater of the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2025–2026 season, knowing which channels carry the broadcasts on DirecTV makes all the difference. The network lineup includes both regional and national broadcasters, with channel numbers varying by provider but remaining consistent within DirecTV’s platform nationwide.
For viewers living in the Los Angeles market, Spectrum SportsNet airs the majority of regular season Lakers games. This regional sports network owns exclusive in-market rights to Lakers broadcasts, delivering live games along with pre-game and post-game coverage specific to the team. On DirecTV, Spectrum SportsNet is typically found on channel 691. Note that access to this channel is limited to subscribers in select zip codes based on regional rights.
The 2025–2026 season schedule includes a mix of nationally televised games. These matchups appear on major networks that cover NBA action league-wide:
Games aired on national networks are available nationwide, regardless of market, and won't be subject to regional blackouts. These broadcasts often feature exclusive camera angles, nationally recognized analysts, and enhanced halftime shows.
To stay updated on upcoming Lakers games and their airing channels, navigate through the DirecTV on-screen program guide:
By following the guide and knowing these key channels—691 for Spectrum SportsNet, 206 for ESPN, 245 for TNT, 220 for NBC Sports Network, and ABC via your local affiliate—you’ll be ready for the full season campaign without missing a possession.
To follow every bucket, block, and buzzer-beater of the Los Angeles Lakers' 2025-2026 NBA season on DirecTV, the channel lineup carried by your satellite package matters. Each DirecTV package offers distinct access to regional and national sports broadcasters. Only certain tiers include the full scope of Lakers coverage, from Spectrum SportsNet to nationwide broadcasts on ESPN, TNT, and ABC.
Lakers fans have three DirecTV packages that include consistent access to NBA broadcasts, including regional coverage:
The differences between packages aren't just about quantity—they determine whether you see each Lakers game in your local market or miss key matchups nationally televised. Here's how the costs and network offerings differ as of the 2025-2026 NBA season:
DirecTV integrates several NBA-specific benefits into its service tiers. For Lakers fans, the presence of Spectrum SportsNet in the CHOICE and higher packages enables live broadcasts of all locally aired games. Meanwhile, NBA TV and optional NBA League Pass elevate coverage with analysis, classic games, and out-of-market viewing.
Several features cater directly to basketball viewers:
Deciding between CHOICE, ULTIMATE, and PREMIER hinges on how many Lakers games you plan to watch and whether you're looking for broader NBA coverage or a more entertainment-rich package.
DirecTV fully supports NBA League Pass, offering subscribers access to hundreds of out-of-market NBA games live, including every Los Angeles Lakers matchup that falls outside your local viewing area. The service integrates directly with DirecTV’s channel guide and billing system, which means there’s no need for separate streaming apps or accounts.
Adding NBA League Pass works in one of two ways. Existing subscribers can call DirecTV customer support to activate it instantly, or navigate to channel 750 and follow on-screen prompts to subscribe. During the NBA season’s early weeks, a free preview typically runs, allowing viewers to test the service before purchasing.
Games available through NBA League Pass appear on dedicated channels in the 750–768 range on DirecTV. Each channel corresponds to a specific game feed, often offering both home and away commentary. Channel assignments rotate nightly based on the game schedule, but the range remains constant throughout the season.
DirecTV offers two primary billing options for NBA League Pass:
Subscribers can also opt for NBA League Pass Premium, which removes commercials and adds additional features such as mosaic views and enhanced stats overlays. Premium tiers come at a higher price point.
Lakers fans living outside of Southern California won’t get access to many games through local RSNs or national networks. NBA League Pass fills that gap efficiently. It delivers every non-national, non-blacked-out Lakers game live and in HD. Whether you're in New York, Chicago, or overseas with a US-based account, League Pass ensures you won’t miss a tip-off.
Additionally, League Pass includes full and condensed game replays, allowing fans to rewatch games on their schedule. That flexibility adds value for anyone managing time zones or work commitments.
Local blackout rules impact viewers who live within the designated Los Angeles Lakers broadcast territory. If a game is being aired on a regional sports network like Spectrum SportsNet, national channels and League Pass won’t show that matchup live in the local market. This restriction ensures exclusive viewing rights for the regional broadcaster.
For DirecTV users in Southern California and parts of Nevada and Hawaii, games carried by Spectrum SportsNet will not appear on NBA League Pass or other non-local coverage options. Any attempt to stream those games through League Pass triggers a blackout message, regardless of your subscription tier.
Blackouts occur for two main reasons: regional exclusivity and national broadcasting agreements. Spectrum SportsNet has exclusive in-market rights for most regular-season Lakers games. Conversely, national TV partners like ESPN, ABC, and TNT occasionally claim exclusivity on high-profile matchups. In such cases, even local networks get preempted.
For example, if the Lakers play the Warriors on a Saturday night and ESPN owns the national broadcast rights, that game won’t be shown live on Spectrum SportsNet—nor on NBA League Pass—in the Los Angeles area. Instead, it will be available only through the national broadcaster.
Understanding how blackout restrictions function removes the frustration of a suddenly unavailable game. Whether you follow the Lakers from downtown L.A. or out-of-state, adjusting your setup ensures consistent access throughout the 2025–2026 NBA season.
DirecTV Stream delivers the full experience of DirecTV without the satellite dish. This platform gives subscribers access to live Lakers games across TNT, ESPN, ABC, and Spectrum SportsNet—provided those channels are available in your package and local area. There's no contract, no equipment fees beyond a streaming device, and setup takes minutes, not days.
Lakers games air locally on Spectrum SportsNet, so availability on DirecTV Stream depends heavily on your location. Residents in the Los Angeles media market will gain access to Spectrum SportsNet through higher-tier packages like DirecTV Stream’s “Choice” plan and above. Outside of this region, local blackout rules apply, and access to direct Lakers broadcasts may be blocked even if you have the channel.
Traditional DirecTV still holds an advantage in rural areas where internet connections are weak or unstable. But for cord-cutters with solid broadband, DirecTV Stream delivers a streamlined, high-performance alternative.
DirecTV Stream can be accessed across a wide range of devices. Stream Lakers games live or on-demand using:
No matter where you watch—from your couch or from the stands at Crypto.com Arena—DirecTV Stream ensures you’re always connected to every quarter, every play, every buzzer-beater.
The DirecTV app enables you to stream live Los Angeles Lakers games directly on your smartphone or tablet, without missing a moment. Once you're subscribed to a package that includes the relevant sports networks, simply download the free DirecTV app from the App Store or Google Play. Sign in with your DirecTV credentials, navigate to the guide, and find the Lakers broadcast. With a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection, Lakers games load in seconds, allowing you to catch every quarter even when you're away from your TV.
The DirecTV app functions seamlessly on both iOS and Android devices. iPhone users need iOS version 14.0 or higher, while Android smartphones and tablets require version 8.0 or later. Compatibility extends to most major tablet brands including iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and Google Pixel Slate. Once installed, the app syncs with your DirecTV account and allows simultaneous streaming on multiple devices depending on your subscription tier.
Commuting during tip-off? On the sidelines during a travel delay? With the DirecTV app, you’re still courtside with the Lakers—even if you're miles from home.
The Genie HD DVR from DirecTV offers a fast and reliable way to capture every moment of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2025-2026 season. To record a specific matchup, press the Guide button on your remote, navigate to the scheduled Lakers game on channels like Spectrum SportsNet or ESPN, and press the Record button. A single press sets up a recording for that instance. Press it again, and the DVR will prompt you to record the full series when available—ideal for catching every televised Lakers game without having to reprogram each time.
With storage capacity for up to 200 hours in HD and the ability to record five shows at once, the Genie ensures that no game will be missed, even during high-traffic broadcasting nights like Fridays and Sundays when multiple NBA games air simultaneously.
If your focus is on consistent season-long recording, customize the Series Manager on the Genie interface. Simply select a Lakers game, choose “Record Series,” and set your preferences. You can tell the DVR to record only games aired on specific channels, such as national broadcasts on TNT or regional feeds via Spectrum SportsNet. Want only weekend games? Adjust the time and date filters to zero in on Friday and Sunday broadcasts.
Fans who follow rivalries—LeBron vs. the Warriors isn’t going away—can also program the DVR to record only head-to-head matchups. In the guide, highlight those anticipated games manually and mark each for individual recording. This tactic works well for tracking standout contests without flooding your DVR library.
Subscribers using DirecTV Stream benefit from cloud DVR capabilities that function without traditional hardware. With up to unlimited hours of recording retained for 9 months (as of the 2024 platform update), users can search for “Los Angeles Lakers” in the streaming app, navigate to upcoming games, and click the record icon.
The cloud-based setup syncs seamlessly across platforms. So, whether you're watching live in your living room or catching up via the mobile app on the train, every play, dunk, and buzzer-beater stays within reach.
DirecTV manages Lakers game broadcasts based on your location. If you're in the Los Angeles area—within what the NBA defines as the Lakers' home market—you’ll receive regional coverage via Spectrum SportsNet, the exclusive local partner. Out-of-market fans, those living outside Southern California, rely on a different path to see the games live.
Subscribers based in-market need a DirecTV package that includes Spectrum SportsNet. This channel appears in select premium tiers such as DirecTV Choice, Ultimate, or Premier. Local broadcasts involve no additional charges, provided your package grants access to regional sports networks.
No need for NBA League Pass here. Due to blackout rules, League Pass will not offer Lakers games live if you’re located within the broadcast region. Instead, the games appear on-demand after a delay.
Living outside the Lakers' home broadcast zone opens different viewing paths. Without access to Spectrum SportsNet, out-of-market fans get the most complete live coverage through NBA League Pass on DirecTV.
Package-wise, out-of-market fans benefit most from the Choice package or higher to get access to national sports networks, then layer on NBA League Pass for full Lakers coverage. International DirecTV Stream users are not subject to NBA blackout rules, making League Pass more versatile globally than domestically.
Don’t assume the same DirecTV setup fits everyone. For Angelenos, subscribing to a package with regional sports network access is the only way to see every game live. Lakers fans elsewhere will need to combine NBA League Pass with a proper tier that includes ESPN, TNT, and ABC to catch the full season slate.
Want an edge? Use your DirecTV login credentials with streaming apps like the NBA app or WatchESPN for expanded mobile access, especially useful when you’re outside your normal viewing area but still want to catch the broadcast.
©2026 American TV. All Rights Reserved
Disclaimer: All rights reserved. AmericanTV.com is a website for research and comparison as such, falls under "Fair Use". AmericanTV.com does not provide directly phone, TV, and internet service. All trademarks, logos, etc. remain the property of their respective owners and are used by AmericanTV.com only to describe products and services offered by each respective trademark holder. The use of any third party trademarks on this site in no way indicates any relationship between AmericanTV.com and the holders of said trademarks, nor any endorsement of AmericanTV.com by the holders of said trademarks.
We are here 24/7 to answer all of your TV + Internet Questions:
1-855-690-9884
1-855-690-9884