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How to Stream the Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game Legally: team news, livestream, TV channel, and start time
The marquee NBA matchup between Kevin Durant’s Phoenix Suns and LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers is a must-watch event. To ensure you catch every legal dunk and three-pointer without any legal hiccups, here is your guide to streaming the game legally and safely.Watch: Lakers vs Suns Live
How to watch Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers:
- When:ย Tonight, Monday, December 1
- Where:ย Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
- Time:ย 10:00 PM ET
Know the Broadcast Rights
First, identify who is broadcasting the game in your region. National TV games are typically on:- ESPN / ABC
- TNT
- NBA TV
- Suns Games: Primarily on Arizona’s Family Sports (formerly Bally Sports Arizona).
- Lakers Games: Primarily on Spectrum SportsNet.
Your Legal Streaming Checklist
1. For Nationally Televised Games (ESPN, TNT, ABC, NBA TV)
If the Suns vs. Lakers game is on one of these channels, you have several flexible options:- Live TV Streaming Services (The Most Flexible Choice):
These services replicate a cable package over the internet. They require a monthly subscription but offer free trials.
- Sling TV: The Sling Orange plan includes ESPN & TNT. A cost-effective way to get both.
- YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, DIRECTV STREAM: All carry ESPN, TNT, ABC (in most markets), and NBA TV. Check their channel pages for current availability.
- Network-Specific Apps:
- ESPN/ABC: You can stream through the ESPN app. You will need to log in with credentials from a TV provider (like the services above or traditional cable).
- TNT: Stream via the TNT app or tntdrama, again with a TV provider login.
- NBA TV: Available through the NBA App or NBA League Pass (see below), or via your live TV streaming service login.
2. For Locally Televised Games (Regional Sports Networks)
If the game is only on the local RSNs, your options are more specific:- NBA League Pass – The Official Solution:
- The Base Plan: Lets you stream out-of-market games. Crucially, if you live outside of Arizona and Southern California, this is your primary legal option. Games are subject to national and local blackouts.
- The Key Exception: If you live in-market (Arizona or Southern California), the game will be blacked out on League Pass. You must watch it on your local RSN.
- Team Pass: A cheaper option to follow just one team (out-of-market).
- Streaming the RSNs Directly:
To watch Arizona’s Family Sports or Spectrum SportsNet legally online, you need a live TV service that carries that specific RSN in your ZIP code.
- Suns Fans in AZ: Check if FuboTV, DIRECTV STREAM, or KTVK/KPHO’s streaming service (for over-the-air games) carries your local Suns broadcast.
- Lakers Fans in SoCal: Spectrum SportsNet is notoriously difficult to stream. As of now, it is only available through DIRECTV STREAM in its “Choice” package and higher in the Los Angeles area. It is NOT on YouTube TV, Hulu Live, or Fubo.
3. Don’t Forget Over-the-Air (Free & Legal!)
If the game is on ABC, you can watch it for free with a good old-fashioned digital antenna. This provides a high-definition broadcast at no monthly cost.A Simple Decision Flowchart
- Is the game on National TV (ESPN/TNT/ABC)?
- YES โ Use a Live TV Streaming Service (Sling, YouTube TV, etc.) or the network app with provider login.
- NO โ Proceed to #2.
- Where do you live?
- In Phoenix or Arizona โ You need a service carrying Arizona’s Family Sports.
- In Los Angeles or Southern California โ You need a service carrying Spectrum SportsNet (check DIRECTV STREAM).
- Anywhere else in the US/World โ Subscribe to NBA League Pass. (The game will be available live if not nationally blacked out).
Pro Tips & Final Advice
- Check Blackouts: Always visit the NBA League Pass website and enter your ZIP code to see blackout restrictions before purchasing.
- Use Free Trials: If you’re a new subscriber, strategically use free trials from services like YouTube TV, fuboTV, or Sling to watch the game at no cost.
- Beware of “Unofficial” Streams: Illegal streams are often low-quality, unreliable, packed with intrusive ads, and can expose your device to malware. They also violate copyright law and harm the league and teams you love.
- International Viewers: NBA League Pass is the premier, no-blackout option outside the USA. Local broadcast partners (like Sky Sports in the UK, Sportsnet in Canada) may also carry games.