Basketball fans across America are searching for where to watch lakers vs phoenix suns games throughout the 2025-26 NBA season. With multiple matchups scheduled between these Western Conference rivals, understanding your viewing options is essential for not missing any of the action. Whether you’re looking for lakers vs suns regular season games or suns vs lakers playoff matchups, this comprehensive guide covers every way to catch these exciting games on TV, streaming platforms, and mobile devices.
Complete Lakers vs Suns Game Schedule
The Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns face each other multiple times during the 2025-26 NBA season, providing numerous opportunities for fans to witness this intense Western Conference rivalry.
Key Matchup Dates
The first meeting occurred during preseason on October 3, 2025, at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California, where the Suns defeated the Lakers 103-81. Regular season games between these teams include December 1st at Crypto.com Arena and December 23rd when the Lakers visit Phoenix.
Additional scheduled games feature February 26th in Phoenix and April 10th in Los Angeles, ensuring fans have multiple chances throughout the season to watch these Western Conference powerhouses battle.
Traditional TV Broadcasting Options
Where to watch lakers vs phoenix suns on traditional television depends on your location and cable provider, with several networks offering coverage throughout the season.
National TV Networks
ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV provide national coverage for select lakers vs suns games throughout the season. These nationally televised games are available to viewers across the United States regardless of their local market.
TNT also broadcasts premium NBA matchups, though their coverage depends on the specific game’s importance and scheduling. Prime Video has secured rights to certain Thursday night games, expanding viewing options for subscribers.
Regional Sports Networks
Spectrum SportsNet serves as the primary broadcaster for Lakers games in Southern California, Hawaii, and parts of Nevada. The network provides comprehensive coverage including pregame shows, halftime analysis, and postgame interviews.
For Suns fans, Arizona’s Family 3TV broadcasts games within the Phoenix market, ensuring local fans can follow their team throughout the season.
Streaming Platform Guide
Modern basketball fans have numerous streaming options for watching suns vs lakers games, offering flexibility and convenience for viewers who prefer digital platforms.
NBA League Pass
NBA League Pass remains the premier streaming service for basketball enthusiasts, offering comprehensive coverage of out-of-market games. The service provides multiple viewing options including home and away broadcasts, mobile-optimized streams, and alternative camera angles.
Subscribers can choose between basic ($15/month) and premium ($23/month) packages, with the premium option offering commercial-free viewing and additional features. League Pass is available through the NBA app, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, and other major streaming platforms.
Spectrum SportsNet Plus
Lakers fans within the local broadcast territory can access Spectrum SportsNet Plus, a dedicated streaming service offering over 70 live Lakers games per season. The service includes pregame and postgame coverage, original programming, and on-demand game replays.
New for the 2024-25 season, eligible Spectrum Internet + Mobile customers receive free access to Spectrum SportsNet Plus, making it an attractive option for existing Spectrum subscribers.
Major Streaming Services
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV Stream, and Sling TV offer packages that include NBA coverage through ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV. These services provide comprehensive sports packages for cord-cutters seeking traditional TV experiences through streaming platforms.
Fubo specifically caters to sports fans with extensive NBA coverage, though subscribers may need additional services like Max for complete TNT access.
Mobile and Digital Viewing Options
The NBA App serves as the central hub for mobile basketball viewing, offering live games, highlights, and analysis directly on smartphones and tablets. The app supports various subscription services including NBA League Pass and regional sports networks.
Prime Video also provides mobile access to select NBA games, with apps available across iOS and Android platforms. The service integrates seamlessly with existing Amazon Prime subscriptions.
Regional Viewing Restrictions and Blackouts
Understanding blackout restrictions is crucial when determining where to watch lakers vs phoenix suns games in your area.
Local Market Blackouts
Games broadcast on local networks experience blackouts on NBA League Pass within the respective team’s market. Lakers games are blacked out in Southern California, Hawaii, and parts of Nevada, while Suns games face restrictions in Arizona.
These restrictions encourage local viewership through regional sports networks and over-the-air broadcasts while protecting broadcasting rights agreements.
Nationally Televised Games
Nationally broadcast games on ESPN, ABC, TNT, or NBA TV are unavailable on NBA League Pass during live broadcasts but become available three hours after the game concludes.
Viewing Options Comparison Table
| Platform | Monthly Cost | Live Games | On-Demand | Mobile Access | Local Restrictions |
| NBA League Pass | $15-23 | Out-of-market | Yes | Yes | Local blackouts apply |
| Spectrum SportsNet+ | $19.99 | 70+ Lakers games | Yes | Yes | Southern CA, Hawaii, Nevada only |
| YouTube TV | $72.99 | National games | Limited | Yes | No local restrictions |
| Hulu + Live TV | $76.99 | National games | Limited | Yes | No local restrictions |
| ESPN+ | $10.99 | Select games | Limited | Yes | Varies by game |
| Prime Video | Included with Prime | Select games | Yes | Yes | No restrictions |
International Viewing Options
American fans traveling abroad can access lakers vs suns games through NBA League Pass International, which offers broader coverage without local blackout restrictions. The service includes all NBA games live and on-demand.
VPN services may allow access to different regional broadcasts, though this practice violates most streaming services’ terms of use and isn’t officially supported.
Free Viewing Alternatives
Several free options exist for watching NBA games, though they come with limitations compared to paid services.
Over-the-Air Broadcasting
Local ABC affiliates broadcast select NBA games free over-the-air, requiring only a television antenna for reception. These games typically feature major matchups and playoff contests.
NBA App Free Content
The NBA App offers free highlights, condensed games, and analysis without subscription requirements. While not providing full live games, this content keeps fans updated on lakers vs phoenix suns matchups.
Cord-Cutting Solutions
Modern viewers seeking alternatives to traditional cable can access comprehensive NBA coverage through streaming-only solutions.
Complete Package Recommendations
For comprehensive coverage including all lakers vs suns games, combining NBA League Pass with a streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV provides national and regional coverage.
Lakers fans in Southern California benefit most from Spectrum SportsNet Plus combined with a national streaming service for games broadcast on ESPN, ABC, or TNT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What channels show Lakers vs Suns games?
Where to watch lakers vs phoenix suns games varies by location and broadcast schedule. National games appear on ESPN, ABC, TNT, or NBA TV, while regional broadcasts use Spectrum SportsNet (Lakers) and Arizona’s Family 3TV (Suns).
Can I watch Lakers vs Suns games without cable?
Yes, streaming services like NBA League Pass, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DIRECTV Stream offer NBA coverage without traditional cable subscriptions. Lakers fans can also use Spectrum SportsNet Plus within their local market.
How much does NBA League Pass cost?
NBA League Pass offers two tiers: basic at $15/month and premium at $23/month. Annual subscriptions provide cost savings, and the service is available through multiple platforms including Amazon Prime Video and YouTube TV.
Are Lakers vs Suns games blacked out locally?
Yes, local market blackouts apply. Lakers games are restricted in Southern California, Hawaii, and parts of Nevada, while Suns games face blackouts in Arizona when broadcast on local networks.
Can I watch games on my phone?
Absolutely. The NBA App provides mobile access to live games through NBA League Pass subscriptions and regional sports networks. Most streaming services also offer mobile apps for smartphone and tablet viewing.
What’s the best streaming service for NBA games?
The best service depends on your location and viewing preferences. NBA League Pass offers the most comprehensive coverage for out-of-market fans, while regional options like Spectrum SportsNet Plus serve local markets effectively.
Understanding where to watch lakers vs phoenix suns games ensures you never miss the exciting matchups between these Western Conference rivals. Whether through traditional TV, streaming services, or mobile apps, multiple options exist to catch every thrilling moment of this compelling NBA rivalry throughout the 2025-26 season.