How to Watch Spectrum SportsNet Without Cable in 2025

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The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the NBA's most successful franchises, having earned 17 championships in their 78-year history. So it's no surprise that the storied team has its own TV network. For devoted Lakers fans living in the team's broadcast territory, having access to Spectrum SportsNet is a must. Every Lakers game not broadcast on a major networks ABC or TNT can be found here. Spectrum SportsNet typically broadcasts more than 70 Lakers and Los Angeles Sparks games every season. (The network is not to be confused with the similarly-named Spectrum SportsNet LA, which broadcasts Los Angeles Dodgers games).

Of course, live games aren't the only thing the network has to offer. There is pregame and postgame coverage and analysis. There's also original programming such as Access SportsNet: Lakers, Lakers Top 10,and the Emmy-winning Backstage: Lakers, which has had exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the team for 13 seasons and counting. Special events such as retirement ceremonies and statue unveilings are also sometimes broadcast. Plus, in the offseason, the network covers the NBA Draft, free agency, and Summer League, all from a Lakers perspective.

For those with cable living in the Lakers' broadcast territory (which includes Los Angeles, San Diego, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, Hawaii, and Southern Nevada), tuning in to Spectrum SportsNet is as simple as turning on your TV. But for those who have cut the cord, there are other ways to witness every Lakers dunk, rebound, and shot from beyond the arc. 

Keep in mind: regional blackouts may apply. That said, if you are outside the areas listed above, Spectrum SportsNet might not be available for you without using a VPN.

Nonetheless, here's how to watch Spectrum SportsNet in 2025.

How to Watch Spectrum SportsNet+ on Spectrum SportsNet

Launched in Oct. 2023, Spectrum SportsNet+ is a direct-to-consumer streaming platform for Lakers fans in the team's broadcast territory, which includes Southern California, Hawaii, and parts of Nevada. Even if you're traveling domestically, you can access the service for up to 30 days. Subscriptions are available via NBA.com at $19.99/month or $149.99/year.

Spectrum SportsNet+ offers everything available on the traditional Spectrum SportsNet channel, including live games, game replays, and an extensive on-demand library featuring shows like Access SportsNet: Lakers, Lakers Top 10, and Backstage: Lakers.

How to Watch Spectrum SportsNet on DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM provides Spectrum SportsNet as part of its Choice package, which starts at around $95/month for the first three months and increases to approximately $115/month afterward. This package includes over 125 channels, featuring specialty sports networks like ACC Network, Big Ten Network, MLB Network, NBA TV, SEC Network, and more.

With regional sports networks included at no extra cost, DIRECTV STREAM is a solid option for sports enthusiasts who want a mix of local and national coverage. Keep in mind that pricing may vary depending on your location, so be sure to check the most accurate rates below.

How to Watch Spectrum SportsNet from anywhere with a VPN

If you're outside the United States or out of the LA region, and don't want to miss a single Lakers game, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is your solution. VPN services like ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access allow you to bypass regional restrictions by masking your location, enabling you to access streaming platforms as though you're in areas within the U.S. not covered by Spectrum SportsNet.

ExpressVPN offers fast and secure connections, starting at $8.32/month, with a 49% discount on its annual plan. For a more budget-friendly option, Private Internet Access starts at just $2/month and delivers reliable performance for streaming services like Spectrum SportsNet.

• Sign up for ExpressVPN
• Sign up for Private Internet Access

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