Lakers Overview

Fast facts

League: Western Conference Pacific Division

Head Coach: Darvin Ham

Team Mascot: No Mascot

Year Opened: 1999

Capacity: 19079

City / State: Los Angeles / California

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Lakers vs Celtics

Rival Team: Boston Celtics

The Lakers rivalry with the Celtics is arguably the best rivalry in the NBA as well as the fiercest cross-country rivalry in sports. These are the two most successful franchises in the NBA, and as a result, the two teams have met in the NBA Finals a record 12 times. The rivalry was particularly fierce in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1980s. However, the two have recently met in the 2008 and 2010 NBA Finals. The chance to see these two square off is a can’t miss, so if you can only go to one Lakers home game a year, this is the one to see.

Lakers vs Clippers

Rival Team: Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers-Lakers rivalry is a fierce one like most intercity rivalries and is unique among US sports rivalries in that the two teams share the same building, which has led to the rivalry being nicknamed “The Hallway Series.” For years the Clippers had been the laughingstock of the NBA while the Lakers dominated winning 11 NBA Titles since moving to LA. However, the two teams fortunes have changed in recent years. Those of you looking to attend the hottest NBA game in LA will without a doubt want to check this one out.

Lakers vs Suns

Rival Team: Phoenix Suns

The Lakers-Suns rivalry has been raging since 1970 when Phoenix blew a 3-1 playoff lead against the Lakers. The two teams have also both played in the Pacific Division for much of their history meaning they have squared off many times in the regular and postseason over the years. In the mid-2000s the rivalry was particularly intense thanks to the two teams being among the best in the Western Conference. There’s always bad blood when these two get together, so don’t miss the Suns when they come to town.

Lakers vs Kings

Rival Team: Sacramento Kings

The Lakers-Kings rivalry was at its zenith in the early 2000s when the two met in the playoffs three years from 2000 to 2002. The 2002 Western Conference Finals series is particularly memorable thanks to some questionable officiating that took place in the series. The Kings have been down for a number of years since then, but there is still plenty of animosity between these two California teams.

Lakers Stadium Guide

In Game

A trip to LA for a Lakers game is on the bucket list of every basketball fan out there. There is no better place to attend an NBA game than Crypto.com Arena for a Lakers game, although Celtics fans may think otherwise.

The atmosphere inside and around the arena is pure LA and pure Lakers. Before even entering Crypto.com Arena you’ll be able to enjoy one of the best neighborhoods near any arena. LA Live is located right next door, which offers endless choices of pre and post game entertainment. The Grammy Museum and ESPN, Los Angeles studio, are also nearby meaning you’ll without a doubt bet able to find something to do before the game.

Once you step inside Crypto.com Arena, you’ll be able to feel the aura and history that emanate from the building. The Lakers have played in seven NBA Finals since the arena opened and there is plenty of history from that era and even further back on display as well.

The atmosphere during the game is also second to none thanks in large part to the arena’s unique lighting system that puts all your attention on the court. The theater like lighting gives the “Showtime” experience that the Lakers are famous for and goes a long way in making you feel like you’re witnessing something special.

The in-game entertainment at Crypto.com Arena is among the best in sports, and unlike a lot of NBA arenas, it doesn’t feel as forced or over the top. The Laker Girls and Laker Band have a long history of performing at games, and as a result, they put on incredible performances that will keep you entertained throughout.

Lastly, the concessions inside Crypto.com Arena are amazing much like the rest of the experience, so don’t worry if you forget to eat before the game. Wetzel’s Pretzels and Camacho’s Cantina, in particular, are worth checking out.

If you want to experience the best that the NBA has to offer then, you need to attend a Lakers game at Crypto.com Arena as soon as possible.

Things to check out

Magic Johnson and Shaq Statues

Magic and Shaq are two of the greatest players in Lakers history, and there is no better way to honor these legends than to stop by their statues. Grab a picture with these statues to remember your visit to LA.

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Sports Museum

The Sports Museum inside Crypto.com Arena is the best place learn about Los Angeles sports history. In the museum, you’ll find lots of memorabilia and exhibits showcasing all the biggest moments, teams, and players in LA history. Make sure to stop by the Sports Museum before the game.

Championship Banners

The Lakers have one of the most illustrious histories in all of sports, so there’s no reason they shouldn’t show it off. The Lakers let everyone know about their past success, so take in the Lakers impressive 16 championship banners during your visit to Crypto.com Arena.

Sportscenter Studio

Located across the street from Crypto.com Arena is the Sportscenter Studio. Sportscenter is one of the most popular sports show in the history of TV, so if you’re a big ESPN fan check it out before the game.

LA Live

LA Live is home to lots of pregame entertainment options including restaurants and movie theaters among others. If you’re looking for somewhere to hang out before the game, then you can’t go wrong spending some time at LA Live.

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Gretzky Statue

Even if you aren’t a big hockey fan no trip to Crypto.com Arena is complete without snapping a pic with The Great One. Not only is Gretzky the greatest player in NHL history, but he also played a significant role in the sports success in Southern California so stop by and pay tribute to him.

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Celebrity Sightings

There is no better place in sports or perhaps anywhere to see stars than at a Lakers game. The team has countless celebrity fans including Jack Nicholson, Snoop Dogg, and Leonardo Dicaprio, so you’ll never know who you’ll see at the game.

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Laker Girls

The Laker Girls have been entertaining and pumping up crowds since 1979. The cheer squad is one of the most famous in the world, so you won’t want to miss their routines when attending a Lakers game.

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Laker Band

Located in section 308, the Lakers Band is one of the oldest and most talented in the NBA. The band performs a variety of popular songs during the game and plays a significant role in making a Lakers game a special experience. Keep your ears peeled for the stylings of the Lakers Band during your next visit to Crypto.com Arena.

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Lawrence Tanter

Tanter has been the Lakers PA announcer since the 1981-82 season and is one of the most beloved announcers in the NBA. He knows how to work the crowd and does an excellent job of bringing everyone to their feet, so make sure to appreciate Tanter’s skill during your trip to LA.

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Fight Songs

  1. I Love LA

    Immediately after the final buzzer of a Laker win, streamers fall from the rafters, and the Randy Newman song “I Love LA”, blares through the intercom. The tune gives off a great LA vibe and is an incredible way to celebrate a Lakers win.

    La
    Fly by like the g4
    Everyone in yellow jersey with the two four
    Ain’t that right?
    Best places to shop like rodeo drive
    Clubbin’ is more than a hobby, its a passion
    Hollywood, where the lights is constantly flashin’
    Killin with your peers at the santa monica pier
    Love my city, so i lived it down right here
    15 nba titles, magic, kobe, down to be a idol
    ___________________________________

    You ride with the top down of your car
    Cruise hollywood boulevard

    Pulling down pch with a smile up on my face
    The weather is always right
    The sun is always shining
    Right here is where you’ll find
    Any and everything that you’d like
    _______________________
    All i’m trying to say is that
    I love la, i love la,
    There’s no place i’d rather be
    Than right here
    I live la,
    And i never wanna leave la,
    Everywhere i go,
    Everybody knows i love la,
    L l l la, l l l la
    I love la
    From pasadena to the lbc,
    Southern california dreaming,
    Is where i wanna be
    From up in simi down to the oc
    So much to love, jkred don’t you agree?

    Where’s everybody gonna vacay?,
    Not nyc or mia,
    You know what they say,
    I’m going going back to la,
    You can chill on the beach,
    And the stars aren’t so out of reach,
    If you know what i mean,
    Lemme hear you say on the count of three,
    I love la, i love la,
    There’s no place that i’d rather be
    Than right here
    Said i live la,
    And i never wanna leave la,
    Everywhere i go,
    Everybody knows i love la,
    L l l la, l l l la, l l la
    I love la

    La home of the city lights
    Avenue to the stars
    I guess its the way of life,
    The lakeshow is the world’s favorite team
    And the definition of what a champ really mean
    Cruise the coast
    Wave hi to malibu
    Then hit topanga,
    Welcome to the valley boo
    Hollywood stars plus the fast cars
    Dreams come true in la, play the right card
    Ladies half black and asian, latina, causasian,
    This city is amazin
    Hugh hef, playboy
    I’m trying to chill,
    And kick it with lauren and the girls from the hills
    Sit sideline on the usc field, while i watch my boy d-back
    Kick a hundred mill
    Threepeat
    They said it was because of shaq,
    Kobe got the juice now,
    So we going back to back

    I love la, i love la,
    There’s no place that i’d rather be
    Than right here
    Said i live la,
    And i never wanna leave la,
    Everywhere i go,
    Everybody knows i love la,
    L l l la, l l l la, l l la
    I love la

  2. Let's Go Lakers! Chant

    Let’s go Lakers,
    (Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap),
    Let’s go Lakers,
    (Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap),
    Let’s go Lakers,
    (Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)…

Lakers Bars & Restaurants

  1. Park’s Barbeque

    Parks BBQ

    Lively, upscale Korean BBQ restaurant with grill-it-yourself Kobe-style beef & marinated short ribs.

    955 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006, USA

    213-380-1717

    Bar website

    asian - bbq - $$

  2. SUGARFISH

    SugarFish

    Celebrated local sushi chain serving traditional rolls & sake in a chic, intimate space.

    600 W 7th St #150, Los Angeles, CA 90017, USA

    213-627-3000

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  3. El Cholo

    El Cholo

    Local Mexican chain serving classic dishes & margaritas in a traditional setting since the 1920s.

    1037 S Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA

    213-746-7750

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  4. The Stocking Frame

    Stellas On State Street Whiskey

    Upscale pub grub & craft cocktails served in a rustic-chic space with brick walls & a wood bar.

    911 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA

    213-488-0373

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Caña Rum Bar

    Cana Rum Bar

    Rum is the star spirit at this sleek indoor-outdoor bar where an annual membership fee is required.

    714 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA

    213-745-7092

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Dublin’s Irish Whiskey Pub

    House of Wings Sportsbar Beer 3rd Base Sports Bar Beer Kilroys Beer

    Walls of TVs playing sports & tons of beers on tap are the main draws at this lively Irish pub.

    815 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017, USA

    213-489-6628

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  7. Beelman’s Pub

    Beelmans Pub

    Beelman's is a downtown Los Angeles restaurant and bar serving plant-based pub food, tropical cocktails and craft beers.

    600 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014, USA

    213-622-1022

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Bonaventure Brewing Company

    Bonaventure Brewing beer

    Brewpub offering craft beers, American grub & city skyline views from 4th-floor outdoor patio.

    404 S Figueroa St #418a, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA

    213-236-0802

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Los Angeles Biergarten

    The Pub at the Strathcona Hotel Beer

    Spacious gastropub offering bar bites & a large beer selection, plus TVs for sports fans.

    750 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014, USA

    323-528–1045

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  10. Shoo Shoo, Baby

    Blarney Stone Wine Spirits

    Craft cocktails in a throwback 1940s-era bar, with draft beer & European wines.

    717 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017, USA

    213-688-7755

    Bar website

    european - $$$

  11. Tom’s Urban

    Sprawling gastropub featuring an all-day American menu, large draft beers & sports on big screens.

    1011 S Figueroa St #101, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA

    213-746-8667

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

    Flemings Prime Steakhouse

    High-end steakhouse chain with aged prime beef & classics such as lobster tails & pork chops.

    Lucky Strike Bowling - Los Angeles, 800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA

    213-745-9911

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  13. Langer’s

    Langers Deli

    Old-fashioned deli serving up hot pastrami sandwiches & other traditional comfort food since 1947.

    704 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90057, USA

    213-483-8050

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  14. Yard House

    House of Wings Sportsbar Beer 3rd Base Sports Bar Beer Kilroys Beer

    Always has that distinct sense of belonging in this place.

    Lucky Strike Bowling - Los Angeles, 800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA

    213-745-9273

    Bar website

    american - $$