Okay, let's be real. Finding the Lakers game is like trying to find a matching sock in the dryer. Where does it go?
The Great Channel Hunt
Seriously, is it on ESPN? TNT? Bally Sports? Streaming on Pluto TV because, why not? You start flipping channels like a caffeinated squirrel on a mission.
Sometimes, you're lucky. Bam! LeBron's face graces your screen. Other times, you end up watching competitive dog grooming. (No offense to competitive dog grooming. It's just…not the Lakers.)
My Hot Take
And here's my unpopular opinion: The NBA should just pick one channel. One. I'm thinking "LakersVision." I mean, it's not like we need another cooking show.
Imagine the bliss! No more frantic channel surfing. No more accidentally watching pickleball (again, no offense, pickleball enthusiasts!).
The Streaming Struggle is Real
Don't even get me started on streaming. You need seventeen different subscriptions these days. ESPN+, NBA League Pass, Hulu... My bank account is weeping.
And then there's the dreaded blackouts! Living in Southern California shouldn't mean I can't watch my home team play. Is that too much to ask?
The Conspiracy Theories
Okay, I'm going full tin-foil hat here. I think the networks *deliberately* make it hard to find the games. It's a scheme to sell more subscriptions!
Think about it. "Oh, you want to watch LeBron? Better sign up for our platinum package! Includes exclusive access to post-game interviews...with the janitor."
I'm kidding! Mostly.
Bally Sports, My Old Friend
Ah, Bally Sports. The channel formerly known as...well, a bunch of different things. It's the Lakers' local broadcast home.
Assuming you have cable, and assuming it's not blacked out, and assuming your remote hasn't mysteriously disappeared down the couch cushions, you're golden!
The Future is...Complicated
Honestly, who knows what the future holds? Maybe we'll all be watching games in the metaverse. Maybe LeBron will be commentating from his yacht.
Maybe I'll finally figure out how to program my DVR. (Don't hold your breath.)
A Simple Solution (Please?)
Here's my plea to the powers that be: Simplify things! Make it easy for fans to watch the Lakers. We're already stressed enough about the games themselves.
Less channel surfing, more cheering. Is that too much to ask? I think not!
The Real MVP
Let's give a shout-out to the real MVP here: The person who always knows what channel the game is on. You're a true hero.
Thank you for your service.
And to everyone else struggling to find the game, you're not alone. We're all in this together. Let's just hope it's not on the Cooking Channel. Again.
