Lakers games are not regularly broadcast on Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus does not carry NBA regular-season or playoff games as part of its standard sports lineup. The Lakers' broadcast rights are split among ESPN, ABC, Spectrum SportsNet (the team's regional channel), and NBA League Pass. If you are looking for Lakers games, you will need to check one of those services instead.

Paramount Plus does occasionally air sports content through its partnership with CBS Sports, but this is limited to college football, college basketball, and the NFL — not the NBA. The platform focuses on entertainment, movies, and prestige television rather than professional basketball.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Plus does not broadcast Lakers games or other NBA regular-season matchups.
  • Lakers games air on ESPN, ABC, Spectrum SportsNet, or NBA League Pass depending on the game and your location.
  • Checking the Lakers' official schedule will show you which network carries each game before you search for it on streaming services.
  • If you have a cable subscription, you may be able to stream ESPN or ABC games through their apps without an additional fee.

Where Lakers games actually broadcast

Most Lakers games fall into one of four broadcast categories. National games on ESPN or ABC reach viewers across the country. Regional games on Spectrum SportsNet are available only in Southern California through cable or the Spectrum app. Some games are exclusive to NBA League Pass, which is a separate subscription service run by the NBA itself.

The Lakers' schedule changes which network carries each game throughout the season. A game on a Friday night in January might be on ESPN, while a Wednesday game in March could be on Spectrum SportsNet. Checking the official Lakers website or the NBA's schedule page before game time will tell you exactly where to find that specific matchup.

Streaming options for Lakers games

If you have a cable subscription that includes ESPN or ABC, you can stream those channels through the ESPN app or ABC app without paying extra. You will need to sign in with your cable provider credentials. This works on phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV.

NBA League Pass is a paid subscription that streams out-of-market games — meaning games not broadcast in your local region. If you live outside Southern California and the Lakers are playing a team in your area, League Pass will black out that game to protect the local broadcaster's rights. League Pass costs vary depending on whether you want a full season pass or a single-team pass for just the Lakers.

Spectrum SportsNet requires a Spectrum cable subscription or a separate Spectrum streaming subscription. If you have Spectrum internet or cable service, you can log into the Spectrum app to stream regional Lakers games.

How to check which network has tonight's game

The fastest way is to visit NBA.com and search for the Lakers schedule. Each game listing shows the broadcast network. You can also check the Lakers' official website at Lakers.com, which displays the same information with links to ticket sales.

ESPN.com and ABC.com both publish their full sports schedules, so you can search those sites if you know a game is on one of those networks. The night before a game, the Lakers' social media accounts usually post which channel will carry it, which is another quick way to confirm.

Why Paramount Plus does not carry NBA games

The NBA sells its broadcast rights to specific networks through long-term contracts. ESPN, ABC, and NBA League Pass hold the national rights, while regional sports networks like Spectrum SportsNet hold local rights. Paramount Plus is owned by Paramount Global, which also owns CBS, but CBS does not hold NBA rights.

Paramount Plus does carry some live sports — primarily college football and college basketball games that air on CBS during the season, plus NFL games on Thursday nights. But the NBA chose not to include Paramount Plus in its current broadcast agreements, which run through the 2024–2025 season and beyond.

What to do if you cannot find a game

If a game is not showing up on any of the services you subscribe to, it may be blacked out in your region. Blackout rules prevent out-of-market services like NBA League Pass from streaming games that are broadcast locally. If you live in Southern California, a game on Spectrum SportsNet will be blacked out on League Pass even if you pay for it.

Some games are also exclusive to specific platforms — for example, a game might air only on ESPN+ (the ESPN streaming service, separate from the ESPN cable channel) or only on NBA League Pass. Checking the game listing on NBA.com will clarify which service has exclusive rights before you search elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Lakers games on Paramount Plus with a cable login?

No. Paramount Plus does not carry NBA games even if you have a cable subscription. You would need to use the ESPN app, ABC app, or Spectrum app instead, depending on which network is broadcasting that particular game.

Does NBA League Pass show all Lakers games?

No. League Pass blacks out games that are broadcast locally on Spectrum SportsNet or nationally on ESPN and ABC. If you live in Southern California or the game is on a national network, you will not be able to stream it on League Pass.

Is there a free way to watch Lakers games?

Only if you have a cable subscription that includes ESPN or ABC. You can stream those channels through their apps for free with your cable login. Otherwise, you will need to pay for NBA League Pass, Spectrum streaming, or cable service.

What if the game is on ABC — can I stream it anywhere?

Yes. ABC games can be streamed through the ABC app if you have a cable subscription, or through ESPN+ if the game is also on ESPN+. Check the game listing on NBA.com to see which streaming options are available for that specific broadcast.