Los Angeles NBA Basketball 2025-2026: Tickets and Best Prices

Los Angeles is one of the most important cities in American basketball. There are many passionate fans and tickets are limited. Tickets for the 2025-2026 season are already on sale, so now is the perfect time to secure your seat and experience the best NBA basketball live. Find out how!

The Californian metropolis is one of the few cities in the United States with two teams in the NBA's top division, which means twice as many options to enjoy the best live basketball during the 2025-2026 season.

Los Angeles Lakers

Even those who have never seen an NBA game know the Los Angeles Lakers. Their yellow and purple jersey is a true icon, and the team has welcomed legendary figures such as Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, Magic Johnson and Shaquille O'Neal. Today, they continue to put on a show with stars such as LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the locker room.

In the new 2025-2026 season, the Lakers will be looking to return to the top of the Western Conference, with highlights including games against historic rivals such as the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets. All their home games are played at the Cryptocom Arena (formerly the Staples Center).

Los Angeles Clippers

With such a famous city rival, standing out has never been easy, but the Los Angeles Clippers are facing the 2025-2026 season with a competitive roster and ambitious goals. Although the famous "curse of the sacred buffalo" has marked part of their history, today they have established players and young talents who can surprise.

This season, the Clippers will welcome some of the league's most powerful teams, such as the Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks, to their home court, the Intuit Dome in Inglewood.

Cryptocom Arena

Opened in 1999 (then known as the Staples Center), this arena in downtown Los Angeles has a capacity of around 19,000 for basketball. It is home to the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as the Kings (NHL) and the Sparks (WNBA), and is located next to the L.A. Live complex with excellent public transport links.

Intuit Dome

Just 15 km away, in Inglewood, stands the Intuit Dome, which opened in 2024 as the new exclusive home of the Los Angeles Clippers after their departure from the Cryptocom Arena. Funded by owner Steve Ballmer, it offers around 18, 300 seats, a 360° Halo video scoreboard and over 1,000 toilets, all designed for a "pure basketball" experience.

Whether you want to see a Lakers or Clippers game, you can find and buy your tickets on the Hellotickets website. In just a few clicks, you can secure your seat at the Cryptocom Arena. The process is quick and completely secure. You will receive your tickets on your mobile phone and simply show them at the entrance to gain access.

Keep in mind that these are very popular events (for both teams) and it is advisable to buy tickets in advance. If you'd rather wait, the Cryptocom Arena box office is located near the Star Plaza entrance. It is usually open from 10:00 a.m. until half an hour after the start of the event (on event days) and from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (on non-event days).

As with other sporting events or, for example, airline tickets, tickets for the Lakers and Clippers are also subject to dynamic pricing. In short, this is a strategy for setting the price of products based on various factors such as demand and proximity to the start of the event.

Other important factors include the name and track record of the opposing team. It's not the same to play against the Atlanta Hawks as it is to play against the Boston Celtics. Finally, timing also matters. If a game coincides with national holidays or specific times of the year, prices tend to rise.

In the case of the Lakers, the cheapest ticket ranges from £40 to £50. However, Clippers games are usually affordable for all budgets. With the exception of the most "heated" matchups, you can find a ticket for less than £30.

The Lakers usually make the playoffs, so the last games of the regular season tend to be cheaper. When this happens, fans who don't have season tickets prefer to spend their money on games against stronger opponents. Keep in mind that the regular season ends in April.

In the case of the Clippers, games played on Mondays, Tuesdays and Sundays (during the regular season) tend to have lower prices. In general, if you want to save money, just avoid games against the Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder.

In general, you can save money by buying tickets for the preseason. These games are played to help players get into top form. The score isn't important, but the show is guaranteed. Each team plays between four and six games, lasting about two and a half weeks between September and October.

Cryptocom Arena

(Los Angeles Lakers)

For a premium experience, seats in the first 10 rows of the "Center Floor" (side sections 101 and 111) are the most sought after.

If you're looking for a balance between price and visibility, rows 11-20 in those same sections or the first seats on level 200 offer an elevated view with quick access to concessions and restrooms. Sitting slightly diagonally to the basket improves your view of plays above the rim.

Intuit Dome

(Los Angeles Clippers)
Opening in 2024 and designed for "pure basketball," this Inglewood venue brings all seats closer to the court. The gems are the Courtside and Club Sideline (sections 4-10 and 24-30) in front of the midfield line.

For great value without breaking the bank, try the front rows of "Terrace 09" and "Terrace 25," right above the half court, or experience the atmosphere of the vertical wall The Wall behind a basket (exclusive access for registered fans). Thanks to the compact design, every seat in the first rings is less than 45 feet from the game, guaranteeing total immersion.

No, this is not possible. The Cryptocom Arena is a multi-purpose venue and does not offer guided tours. There is always a concert or other sporting event taking place inside, so access is only permitted with a ticket to a scheduled event.

In the case of the Intuit Dome, the new home of the Clippers opened in 2024, there are also no guided tours for the public. Access is only permitted on game days or for special events, although the venue has outdoor areas and plazas that can be explored freely in the surrounding area.

If you want to visit a stadium in Los Angeles, I recommend Dodger Stadium, home to the city's baseball team. It was opened in 1962 and is the third oldest baseball stadium still in operation. It is located in Echo Park, one of Los Angeles' hipster neighbourhoods (1000 Vin Scully Avenue).

The 2025-2026 NBA regular season starts in mid-October 2025 and ends in mid-April 2026. If a team qualifies for the playoffs—which is common for the Lakers and less frequent for the Clippers—the schedule extends from late April to mid-June with the playoffs and, eventually, the Finals.

If you're looking for cheaper tickets and a more relaxed atmosphere, the regular season is the way to go. On the other hand, if you want to experience the tension at its peak, the playoffs offer decisive games and electrifying atmospheres.

This season, the Lakers-Clippers rivalry is once again one of the highlights. Now, with the Lakers at the Cryptocom Arena and the Clippers at the Intuit Dome, the rivalry also moves to two different venues. It's the eternal story of David versus Goliath: on one side, the city's most successful franchise; on the other, a team determined to establish itself among the elite.

If you're not an NBA expert, the first thing you should know is that playing time is effective. When a time-out is called and during time-outs, the clock stops. Each game is divided into four 12-minute quarters, and between the second and third quarters there is a 15-minute break to recover energy.

There is no limit to the number of substitutions, but each one must be made when the clock stops. As for scoring, a basket inside the area is worth two points, which become three if the shot is taken from outside. Finally, a free throw, similar to a penalty kick in football, is worth one point. Here are some other rules that will help you better understand the game:

• Since 1954, the NBA has introduced the 24-second rule. In short, a team has a maximum of 24 seconds to take a shot. It was introduced to prevent defensive strategies that undermine the spectacle.
• While it is difficult to imagine basketball without three-point shots, this was not the case before 1980. The rule was introduced to encourage faster and more varied attacking manoeuvres.
• As for travelling, the NBA has always been very generous, although today it is a cliché. The rule has been brought in line with the rest of the world. After catching the ball (zero pass), a player can score two more before passing or shooting
• If a player is penalised with six fouls, they are sent off

Do children pay admission to the Cryptocom Arena or Intuit Dome?

In the top American basketball league, each team sets its own policy. Some have a height restriction, while others prefer to set an age limit. In Los Angeles, the Cryptocom Arena has established the rules (which apply to both teams): children under 3 years old are admitted free (only if accompanied by an adult).

At the Intuit Dome, home of the Clippers, this policy is combined with family-friendly services such as rest areas, changing rooms and food stands with children's options to make the experience more comfortable if you are attending with young children.

If you are travelling to California with your little ones, I recommend reading the post about things to do in Los Angeles with children.

Yes, the Christmas Games are an NBA classic, and the 2025-2026 season will be no exception. It's a special event that combines the excitement of top-flight basketball with the festive atmosphere of the season. Teams and players often wear customised Christmas-themed uniforms or trainers, and the stands are filled with fans ready to celebrate the holidays in a unique way.

Christmas games usually pit some of the league's biggest rivals against each other, making them the perfect opportunity to see stars like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in action. If you're in Los Angeles around that time, attending one of these games is an unforgettable experience.

The final instructions are suggestions and tips for game day. The points below provide all the information you need.

Where to eat

Within walking distance of Cryptocom Arena, you will find dozens of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are some of the best:

• Fogo de Chão, a little piece of Brazil in Los Angeles. In addition to its meat dishes, it is known for its "all day long" happy hour (800 S Figueroa Street).
• The Original Pantry, a historic café. Opened in 1924, it offers a menu of traditional American dishes. Its breakfasts are also worth trying (877 South Figueroa Street).
• Sonoritas, a Mexican restaurant that serves delicious tacos. It also has a good cocktail menu (2004 Sawtelle Boulevard).
• Mr. Masala, the best Indian restaurant in the area. It also has vegetarian options (949 S Figueroa Street).
• Patxi's Pizza, if you fancy trying a Chicago-style pizza. The reviews are excellent (1011 S Figueroa Street).

Where to park

Located in downtown Los Angeles, the Cryptocom Arena is easily accessible from major motorways. If you have booked a rental car, you can enter the following addresses (which correspond to two car parks) into Google Maps or your navigation system:

• 1025 South Flower Street (Lot 9)
• 900 Chick Hearn Court (Lot 1)
• 1005 Chick Hearn Court (Lot W)
• 1145 L.A. Live Way (Lot C)
• 888 West Olympic Boulevard (Lot E)

Rates and hours vary by operator. As a general rule, they open at 6 p.m. and close at 2 a.m. (but check before leaving your car).

When to go to the stadium?

Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis and traffic jams are common. If you plan to use your car or public transport (such as a bus), I recommend leaving well in advance. It would be a shame to miss the first few minutes of the game.

Wi-Fi

The home of the Lakers and Clippers has free Wi-Fi. Just select the "Cryptocom Arena Public WiFi" network and follow the instructions on the page. It's very simple. If you don't want to wait until you're inside or near the venue, you can use the Wi-Fi connection in bars/restaurants or at your hotel.

Can I bring backpacks or cameras?

Only if they are very small (35.5 cm x 35.5 cm x 15 cm). As a general rule, backpacks, bags, transparent bags, bum bags and camera bags are not allowed. You can bring a camera, but it must not exceed the above dimensions.

How to get to Cryptocom Arena

• Purple Line: get off at 7th Street station, about 700 metres from the stadium.
• Blue Line: get off at Chick Hearn/Pico Station, practically opposite the venue.
• On foot: easy access from central areas such as L.A. Live or the financial district.

How to get to the Intuit Dome

• Metro Line K: stop at Westchester/Veterans, with free game-day shuttle service to the stadium.
• Metro Line C (Aviation/LAX): shuttle connection to the venue.
• LA Metro buses: lines 117 and 212, among others, with stops near the stadium.
• By car: ample parking available, with advance booking option.
• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): designated area for convenient pick-ups and drop-offs.