You're sitting on the couch, the snacks are ready, and you've got that specific pre-game itch. But then comes the annoyance: hunting for the right channel. If you've been asking what channel are the lakers playing tonight, you aren't alone. Between local blackouts, national TV switches, and the confusing world of streaming rights in 2026, finding the Purple and Gold can feel like a part-time job.
Tonight, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Los Angeles Lakers are taking on the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center. If you're looking for the quick answer, the game is being broadcast on NBA TV and Spectrum SportsNet for local viewers. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. PST (10:00 p.m. EST).
But as any die-hard fan knows, just knowing the name of the channel is only half the battle. Depending on where you live, "NBA TV" might be blacked out, or your favorite streaming service might not carry Spectrum. Let's break down exactly how to navigate this mess so you don't miss a single LeBron James transition dunk or a clutch bucket from the Lakers' newest stars.
The Local Choice: Spectrum SportsNet
For those living in Southern California, Southern Nevada, or Hawaii, Spectrum SportsNet is basically your home base. Honestly, it's where about 90% of the games live. If you've got a traditional cable package with Spectrum, Cox, or Frontier in the LA market, you're usually set.
But what if you cut the cord?
The Spectrum SportsNet+ app is the direct-to-consumer option that changed the game for locals. You can subscribe monthly without a full cable contract. It’s a lifesaver if you're tired of "sailing the high seas" just to see a regular-season game against Portland.
National TV and the "Blackout" Headache
Tonight’s game is also on NBA TV. This is great for fans living in, say, New York or Chicago. You get the national feed, the high-def cameras, and the outside perspective.
However, if you are in Los Angeles, NBA TV will likely be blacked out.
Why? It’s all about regional sports network (RSN) exclusivity. Spectrum pays a massive amount of money to be the exclusive home of the Lakers in LA. If they are showing the game, NBA TV isn't allowed to compete with them in your zip code. It's annoying, I know. You've just got to switch over to the local channel.
Streaming Options for the Modern Fan
Streaming has made watching the Lakers a lot more flexible, but also way more fragmented. Here is a quick rundown of the platforms that actually matter for the 2025-26 season:
- Fubo: This is often the best "all-in-one" for sports fans because it carries Spectrum SportsNet in the local LA market. If you want the most seamless experience that feels like cable but isn't, this is usually the go-to.
- NBA League Pass: Perfect for the out-of-market fan. If you live outside the Lakers' broadcast region, you can watch almost every game here. Just remember: if the game is on ESPN, ABC, or TNT, it won’t be live on League Pass.
- YouTube TV & Hulu + Live TV: These are great for national games on ESPN or TNT, but they notoriously struggle with regional sports networks. Check your local lineup before assuming they have Spectrum SportsNet. They usually don't.
- Amazon Prime Video: In 2026, Amazon has carved out a niche for specific NBA games. While tonight’s game isn't an Amazon exclusive, they do have a handful of Friday night "Doubleheaders" throughout the season.
Lakers vs. Trail Blazers: What to Expect
Tonight’s matchup in Portland is actually a bit of a weird one. The Lakers (24-15) are coming off a tough loss to the Hornets, and the injury report is getting crowded.
Luka Dončić—who has been an absolute monster this season—is reportedly out with left groin soreness. That’s a massive blow. Without him, the offensive load falls squarely back on LeBron James. It’s wild that at this stage of his career, we're still looking at LeBron to carry the scoring when the stars are out.
Portland is no pushover this year, either. Deni Avdija has been playing like a Most Improved Player candidate, though he’s also dealing with a back issue tonight. If you're tuning in, keep an eye on the boards. The Blazers are a top-10 rebounding team, and the Lakers have struggled with size when Anthony Davis or their primary bigs aren't 100%.
Tips for Finding the Game Every Night
If you’re tired of searching what channel are the lakers playing every single week, here is the "pro-tip" method to stay ahead:
- Check the Lakers App: The official app is surprisingly accurate with broadcast info, including which radio station (710 ESPN LA) is carrying the call.
- Follow Beat Reporters: Guys like Mike Trudell or the crew at Silver Screen and Roll usually tweet out the broadcast info an hour before tip-off.
- The "Home/Away" Rule: If the Lakers are at home, it’s almost always Spectrum SportsNet. If it’s a high-profile Sunday afternoon game, start checking ABC immediately.
The NBA’s media rights are shifting constantly. With new partners like NBC and Peacock jumping into the mix more heavily this season, the days of just "flipping to channel 5" are long gone. You basically need a spreadsheet and three different logins.
Actionable Steps for Tonight’s Game
If you want to watch the Lakers right now, follow this checklist. First, check your physical location. If you’re in LA, open your Spectrum SportsNet app or find the channel on your cable guide. If you’re outside of California/Oregon, fire up NBA TV or NBA League Pass. If you don't have those, a free trial of Fubo or YouTube TV (for the national feed) can usually get you through the night. Just make sure you’ve got a stable internet connection—nothing ruins a LeBron buzzer-beater like a "buffering" circle.
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The game tips at 7:00 p.m. PST. Don't be late. Portland's crowd is always loud, and the Lakers need this win to keep their seeding in a very crowded Western Conference.