Look, keeping up with the purple and gold isn't just about knowing what channel to flip to. It’s about not missing that one random Tuesday night where the 2026 Lakers decide to shoot 56% from deep and snap a three-game skid. If you're asking when do the lakers play, you've probably realized by now that the NBA schedule is a grind. We are right in the thick of the 2025-26 season, and the January calendar is packed tighter than a Friday night on the 405.
Honestly, the Lakers just finished a high-energy back-to-back. They took down the Atlanta Hawks on January 13 behind a massive performance from Luka Doncic—who, let’s be real, has changed the entire gravity of this team—and a 23rd-season LeBron James who somehow still refuses to age. But the road ahead doesn't get any easier.
The Upcoming January Gauntlet
If you want to clear your schedule, here is the immediate slate. The Lakers aren't leaving the West Coast for a few days, but the travel starts to get wonky real fast.
Thursday, January 15 vs. Charlotte Hornets
The Lakers stay home at Crypto.com Arena for this one. Tip-off is at 7:30 PM PT. This isn't just a regular game; it's Dr. Jerry Buss Night. Expect some nostalgia and maybe a few celebrity sightings in the front row. It’s the kind of game the Lakers should win, but we've all seen them play down to their competition before.
Saturday, January 17 @ Portland Trail Blazers
The team heads up to the Moda Center. Game time is 7:00 PM PT. Portland is always a loud environment, and the Lakers have historically struggled in that building when they aren't fully locked in.
Sunday, January 18 vs. Toronto Raptors
A quick flight back to LA for a 6:30 PM PT tip. This is the second night of a back-to-back, which is always the danger zone for LeBron’s minutes. With Austin Reaves currently sidelined with that Grade 2 strain, the depth is being tested.
The Brutal Eastern Road Trip
Starting January 24, the team disappears for a while. If you're wondering when do the lakers play after the homestand, the answer is "everywhere but LA." They hit Dallas on the 24th, then Chicago on the 26th, and keep rolling through Cleveland, Washington, and eventually New York to start February.
Why the Schedule Matters Right Now
The Lakers are currently hovering around 24-14. Not bad, but the West is a meat grinder. Losing Austin Reaves for at least a month is a gut punch. He’s been the glue for the second unit, and without him, guys like Marcus Smart and Jarred Vanderbilt have to find a way to contribute more than just "energy."
Luka Doncic is doing Luka things—averaging nearly a triple-double—but he can't play 40 minutes every night. Head coach JJ Redick (yes, he's still there and still intense) has been experimenting with lineups that look... interesting. Sometimes they work. Sometimes they look like five guys who just met in the parking lot.
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Watching the Game in 2026
Broadcasting has changed. If you aren't on Spectrum SportsNet, you're probably hunting through apps. Here’s the deal:
- National Games: ABC and ESPN still have the big ones, like the Warriors matchup on February 7.
- Streaming: Peacock and Amazon Prime Video have snatched up several exclusive windows.
- The Future: If you’re one of those people who bought an Apple Vision Pro, you can actually watch select games in "Apple Immersive" via the Spectrum SportsNet app. It’s basically like sitting at the scorer's table without having to pay $5,000 for the seat.
Misconceptions About the Lakers Schedule
People always think the Lakers get the "easy" travel because they're a big-market team. Wrong. This January/February stretch is a nightmare. They are playing 12 of 15 games on the road at one point.
Another myth? That they always play the late slot. While 7:30 PM PT is the standard, those Sunday games (like Jan 18 against Toronto) often slide up to 6:30 PM or even earlier to accommodate East Coast viewers. Always double-check the tip time about two hours before, because the NBA loves a flex schedule.
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Injury Watch
You can't talk about when do the lakers play without talking about who is actually playing.
- Austin Reaves: Out with a calf strain. Don't expect him back until mid-February.
- Adou Thiero: The rookie has an MCL sprain. He's aiming for a late January return.
- LeBron James: Day-to-day, forever. He played both ends of the last back-to-back, which was a shocker. Expect a "load management" night soon.
Actionable Strategy for Lakers Fans
Stop just googling the schedule every day. It's annoying.
Sync the Lakers schedule directly to your Google or Apple Calendar from the official NBA site. That way, when a game moves from 7:00 to 7:30 because of a TV broadcast change, your phone just tells you. Also, if you’re a local fan without cable, look into the Spectrum SportsNet+ standalone app. It's the only way to avoid the blackouts without a VPN headache.
Keep an eye on the January 20 game against the Denver Nuggets. That’s the real litmus test for whether this team is a contender or just a high-seed pretender. If you're going to watch one road game this month, make it that one. It's an 8:00 PM MT tip at Ball Arena, and it's going to be a bloodbath.