How to Watch Spectrum SportsNet Without Cable in 2024

Disclaimer: When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the NBA's most successful franchises, having earned 17 championships in their 77-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 network like ABC or TNT can be found here. Spectrum SportsNet typically broadcasts more than 70 Lakers 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. In other words, Spectrum SportsNet is pretty much all Lakers, all the time. It's nirvana for obsessed fans who need a year-round fix.

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. Before long, you'll be spending so much time watching LeBron James, you'll have no trouble debating whether or not he's truly better than Michael Jordan.

Here's how to watch Spectrum SportsNet using only an internet connection.

How to Watch Spectrum SportsNet on Spectrum SportsNet+

Spectrum SportsNet+ was launched in October 2023 as a 24/7 direct-to-consumer streaming service accessible to anyone in the Los Angeles Lakers' broadcast territory, which includes all of Southern California, Hawaii, and some parts of Nevada. If you're traveling domestically, you can still access the service within a 30-day period. As of May 2024, the service is available via NBA.com. A subscription costs $19.99/month or $149.99/year.

In addition to all of the games and coverage you get on the traditional Spectrum SportsNet TV channel, you can also watch replays of completed Lakers games, and access an on-demand original programming library that includes shows such as Access SportsNet: Lakers, Lakers Top 10,and Backstage: Lakers.

If you live outside of the Lakers' broadcast territory, you can access games via an NBA League Pass subscription. 

How to Watch Spectrum SportsNet on DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM has three packages that offer SpectrumSportsNet: CHOICE, which starts at $98.99/month; ULTIMATE, which starts at $109.99/month; and PREMIER, which starts at $154.99/month. CHOICE offers all of the basic entertainment channels, plus specialty sports networks such as NBA TV, and regional sports networks such as SpectrumSportsNet. ULTIMATE gives you everything included with CHOICE, along with additional sports and movies channels. PREMIER gets you everything in ULTIMATE, plus premium networks such as Max, Showtime, Starz, and Cinemax.

How to Watch Spectrum SportsNet on Fubo

Fubo does not offer Spectrum SportsNet, but it does provide plenty of live sports, including Lakers games broadcast on ABC and ESPN. After a free 7-day trial, subscribers can subscribe to Fubo for as low as $79.99 per month, gaining access to nearly 200 channels, as well as the ability to stream on up to 10 devices simultaneously.

How to Watch Spectrum SportsNet on Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV does not carry Spectrum SportsNet, but for $77 per month, you can access a wide array of live sports, TV shows, movies, and other entertainment. You can also watch Lakers games broadcast on ABC and ESPN. With features like unlimited DVR and the ability to stream on two screens at once, it's a great choice for households with varied interests. You'll also get Disney+. 

How to Watch Spectrum SportsNet from anywhere with a VPN

If you're outside the United States but don't want to miss out on Lakers games, VPN services like ExpressVPN or Private Internet Access can help. They mask your location, so you can access streaming services as if you're in the US, no matter where you are. Private Internet Access starts at just $2 per month, while ExpressVPN is currently offering a 49% discount on its annual subscription.

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