So, you’re staring at the TV or scrolling through your phone, wondering when does the Lakers play again? It’s a valid question. This 2025-26 NBA season has been a total roller coaster for the Purple and Gold. Honestly, keeping track of the schedule feels like a full-time job lately, especially with the way the league flexes games and the new TV deals with Amazon and NBC making things a bit more complicated than the old "just check Spectrum" days.
If you're looking for the quick answer: The Lakers are back on the court tonight, Sunday, January 18, 2026, taking on the Toronto Raptors. Tip-off is set for 6:30 PM PT at Crypto.com Arena.
But there’s a lot more to the story than just one game. This week is basically a gauntlet. After they wrap up with Toronto, the team hits the road for a brutal four-game trip that’s going to test every bit of depth JJ Redick has on that bench.
The Immediate Schedule: Buckle Up for the Road
It’s not just about tonight. If you’re a die-hard, you’ve gotta look at the next few days because the travel schedule is kind of a nightmare.
After the Raptors game, the Lakers fly out to Denver to face the Nuggets on Tuesday, January 20. That’s an 8:00 PM PT start at Ball Arena. Everyone knows playing in the altitude is a mess, and the Nuggets haven't exactly been kind to LA lately. Then, they’re back in Southern California—well, technically Inglewood—to visit the Clippers at the brand-new Intuit Dome on Thursday, January 22 at 7:00 PM PT.
The week doesn't slow down there. On Saturday, January 24, they’re in Dallas for a massive showdown against the Mavericks at 7:30 PM PT. Then, they close out the month with a flight to Chicago to play the Bulls on Monday, January 26.
Here’s the breakdown so you don't have to go hunting for it:
- Jan 18 vs Toronto Raptors (Home) – 6:30 PM PT
- Jan 20 @ Denver Nuggets (Away) – 8:00 PM PT
- Jan 22 @ LA Clippers (Away) – 7:00 PM PT
- Jan 24 @ Dallas Mavericks (Away) – 7:30 PM PT
- Jan 26 @ Chicago Bulls (Away) – 5:00 PM PT
Why the Lakers Schedule is Getting Tricky
You might have noticed that finding the game on TV isn't as straightforward as it used to be. Welcome to the future of the NBA. This season, the Lakers are essentially the league's primary "content engine," meaning they have a staggering 42 national TV appearances.
Basically, if it’s a big game, it’s probably on ABC, ESPN, or NBC. If it’s a "quieter" night, it might be tucked away on Amazon Prime Video or Peacock. For the local fans, Spectrum SportsNet LA still carries the bulk of the weight, but you really have to check the listings every single night to be sure.
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The Luka and LeBron Dynamic
It still feels weird to say it, doesn't it? Having Luka Dončić and LeBron James on the same roster has completely changed how the Lakers play. It also changed the schedule's intensity. Opponents treat every game like it's Game 7 of the Finals.
Currently, the Lakers are sitting 5th in the Western Conference with a 24-15 record. They’re winning, sure, but it hasn't been "easy." LeBron is 41 now. Think about that. He’s still putting up 22/6/6, but the team is being incredibly careful with his minutes. He’s missed 17 games so far this season, mostly on the second night of back-to-backs. If you’re asking "when does the Lakers play again" specifically to see the King, you sort of have to wait until an hour before tip-off to know for sure if he’s suited up.
Injuries are Piling Up (Again)
The injury report is looking a little crowded right now, which is definitely affecting the betting lines and how much we can expect from these upcoming games.
- Austin Reaves: He’s currently out with a Grade 2 calf strain. This is a huge blow because he’s been the primary "glue guy" for the rotation.
- Luka Dončić: He’s been dealing with some left groin soreness. He’s officially "day-to-day," so keep an eye on the warm-up reports for the Toronto game.
- Adou Thiero: The rookie was showing some serious flashes of brilliance, but he’s sidelined for several more weeks with an MCL sprain.
- Deandre Ayton: Dealing with some knee soreness, which is typical mid-season wear and tear, but it leaves the frontcourt a bit thin.
Without Reaves and potentially Luka at 100%, the Lakers have to rely on guys like Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia to pick up the slack. Smart has been a great addition for the defensive identity, but he’s not going to give you 30 points a night.
The "When Does the Lakers Play Again" Survival Guide
If you're trying to keep up with the team without losing your mind, here is the expert advice.
First, get the NBA App and favorite the Lakers. It’ll push notifications for start times directly to your watch or phone. Second, if you’re a cord-cutter, look into Fubo or YouTube TV. Since the games are split between so many different broadcasters (NBC, ABC, Spectrum, Prime), having a streaming service that aggregates most of them is the only way to stay sane.
Also, pay attention to the venue. The Intuit Dome game on the 22nd is technically an "away" game, even though it's just down the road. The energy in that building for a Lakers/Clippers matchup is going to be insane, and ticket prices are already reflecting that—some nosebleeds are going for over $150.
Looking Ahead to February
Once the team survives this January road trip, the schedule actually stays pretty intense. They have a massive home stand starting February 5th against the 76ers, followed by the Warriors on Feb 7th. If the Lakers can stay above .500 through this current stretch without Austin Reaves, they’ll be in a prime position to make a real run for the 3rd or 4th seed before the All-Star break.
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Honestly, the biggest challenge isn't the opponents; it's the travel. Five games in seven nights is a lot for any team, let alone one led by a 41-year-old. But that's the NBA in 2026.
To stay on top of the action, make sure you've bookmarked the official NBA schedule page and have your streaming logins ready. The Lakers are in the thick of a very tight Western Conference race, and every single one of these January games is going to matter when April rolls around. Check back often, because with this team, things change fast.