The NBA still views the Lakers as must-see television, awarding the franchise the maximum number of national games in its first season of the post-LeBron James era.
The Los Angeles Lakers will remain one of the NBA’s biggest national attractions during the 2026-27 season, even after the departure of LeBron James.
L.A. is scheduled to make 34 national television appearances, tying the New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs and Philadelphia 76ers for the most in the league. The defending Western Conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder rank fifth with 30.
The 34-game allotment is the league maximum across ABC and ESPN, NBC and Peacock, and Prime Video, according to Forbes. NBA TV games were not included because that schedule will be announced later.
The Lakers’ place at the top reflects the continued national interest surrounding Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and a roster that underwent significant changes during the offseason.
Marquee games arrive immediately
The Lakers will open their season against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21 at Crypto.com Arena. The game will air on ESPN at 7 p.m. Pacific and provide the first regular-season look at L.A.’s rebuilt roster.
Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić (77) and guard AustinReaves(15) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesThe Lakers will meet the Warriors again nine days later in San Francisco for an NBA Cup group-play game on Prime Video.
Other early national games include two matchups with the Portland Trail Blazers, a Nov. 27 trip to face the San Antonio Spurs and a Nov. 30 road game against the Houston Rockets.
L.A.’s national schedule will showcase Dončić against many of the league’s most recognizable stars, including Curry, Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards.
Apr 6, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard AustinReaves(15) and guardLukaDoncic(77) celebrate after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn ImagesThe Lakers will also play the defending champion Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 30 as part of the NBA’s Rivals Week schedule. The game will be televised by ABC.
LeBron’s return leads the slate
No game carries more emotion than James’ return to Los Angeles with the 76ers on Christmas Day.
Philadelphia will visit the Lakers at 2 p.m. Pacific on ABC and ESPN, marking James’ first game against the franchise he helped lead to the 2020 championship. The matchup will also feature Philadelphia newcomer Jaylen Brown alongside Joel Embiid.
Mar 17, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guardLukaDoncic(77) and guard Austin Reaves (15) react against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesJames spent eight seasons with the Lakers before signing with the 76ers during the offseason. His return gives the NBA one of its strongest storylines for its showcase Christmas schedule.
The national television total is also a vote of confidence in the Lakers’ new direction. L.A. reshaped its roster around Dončić and Reaves, acquiring Walker Kessler and adding Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
The Lakers have star power, a new ownership group and enough uncertainty to make their season compelling. National networks are betting that audiences will want to watch how quickly the new pieces fit together.
James may be gone, but the Lakers’ hold on the national spotlight has not changed.
