Planning to watch an NBA game in Los Angeles? The Los Angeles Lakers play at Crypto.com Arena in Downtown LA, while the LA Clippers now play at Intuit Dome in Inglewood. This guide covers Lakers and Clippers tickets, arena transportation, seating tips, bag policies, The Wall, first-time NBA advice, and estimated game-day costs.

Watching NBA in Los Angeles｜Lakers & Clippers Tickets, Crypto.com Arena, Intuit Dome, Transportation and Game Day Guide

If you are planning a trip to Los Angeles and want to add a truly American sports experience to your itinerary, attending an NBA game is one of the best options.

Los Angeles is especially interesting because the city has two NBA teams:

Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers.

The two teams also no longer share the same home arena.

The Lakers continue to play at Crypto.com Arena in Downtown Los Angeles, while the Clippers now have their own home at Intuit Dome in Inglewood.

For a first NBA game in Los Angeles, the Lakers offer the more classic LA basketball experience. If you have already seen the Lakers or want to experience one of the newest arenas in the NBA, a Clippers game at Intuit Dome is also worth considering.

The full 2026–27 NBA regular-season schedule was released in August 2026, so travelers visiting Los Angeles from fall 2026 through spring 2027 can already start planning around Lakers and Clippers home games.

Los Angeles NBA Quick Guide

Category	Lakers	Clippers
Team	Los Angeles Lakers	LA Clippers
Home Arena	Crypto.com Arena	Intuit Dome
Area	Downtown Los Angeles	Inglewood
Arena Style	Classic Lakers atmosphere, LA LIVE	New-generation arena, The Wall
Best For	First-time NBA visitors, Lakers fans	New-arena experience, Clippers fans
Official Tickets	Lakers Tickets / Ticketmaster	Clippers Tickets / Ticketmaster
Public Transit	Metro A / E Line	Metro C / K Line + shuttle
Nearby Attractions	LA LIVE, Downtown LA	Inglewood, Kia Forum, LAX area

Which NBA Teams Play in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are one of the most recognizable professional sports teams associated with Los Angeles.

If this is your first time watching an NBA game in the United States and you do not strongly support either team, the Lakers are usually the most iconic choice.

Their home, Crypto.com Arena, is located in Downtown Los Angeles next to LA LIVE, with restaurants, hotels and entertainment nearby.

Arena address:

1111 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015

LA Clippers

The Clippers no longer share Crypto.com Arena with the Lakers.

They now play at their own arena, Intuit Dome, in Inglewood near Kia Forum and the Los Angeles International Airport area.

Compared with the history and tradition of Crypto.com Arena, Intuit Dome focuses more heavily on technology, fan interaction and a modern game-day environment.

Two of its most recognizable features are the massive Halo Board and The Wall fan section.

Arena address:

3930 W Century Blvd
Inglewood, CA 90303

If you enjoy visiting different NBA arenas, Intuit Dome is worth adding to your Los Angeles itinerary.

Lakers or Clippers: Which Is Better for a First NBA Game?

If you can only attend one game, I would recommend the Lakers for most first-time visitors.

That does not mean a Clippers game is less interesting.

The combination of the Lakers, Crypto.com Arena, LA LIVE and Downtown Los Angeles simply feels more like the classic NBA-in-LA experience many travelers have in mind.

Best for a First NBA Game

Recommended:

Lakers at Crypto.com Arena

Good for:

First NBA game in the United States
Lakers fans
Travelers looking for a classic NBA atmosphere
Visitors staying in Downtown LA, Koreatown or Hollywood
Anyone planning to spend time around LA LIVE

Best for a New-Arena Experience

Recommended:

Clippers at Intuit Dome

Good for:

Travelers who have already watched the Lakers
Fans interested in modern arena technology
Visitors who want to experience The Wall
Travelers staying near Inglewood or LAX
NBA fans who enjoy visiting different arenas

2026–27 NBA Los Angeles Schedule

The NBA has officially released the 2026–27 regular-season schedule.

There are several interesting Los Angeles games early in the season.

October 21, 2026

Golden State Warriors
vs.
Los Angeles Lakers

Venue: Crypto.com Arena

A Warriors-Lakers matchup is typically one of the more high-profile regular-season games.

October 23, 2026

LA Clippers
vs.
Los Angeles Lakers

Venue: Crypto.com Arena

This is a Los Angeles rivalry game and a great option for travelers who want to see both local teams on the same night.

October 28, 2026

Los Angeles Lakers
vs.
LA Clippers

Venue: Intuit Dome

Just a few days later, the same matchup moves to the Clippers’ home arena.

If your trip falls across these dates, you may even be able to experience both Crypto.com Arena and Intuit Dome during the same visit.

How to Buy Lakers Tickets

For first-time visitors, the easiest place to start is the official Los Angeles Lakers ticket page.

The official ticket system directs buyers to Ticketmaster.

Buying through the official route makes it easier to:

Confirm the correct game
Check the exact arena and seat location
Manage mobile tickets
Buy from an authorized ticket source
Avoid questionable or unofficial tickets

The Lakers also provide international ticket information, which is useful for travelers visiting from outside the United States.

For the 2026–27 season, regular single-game ticket sales are expected to begin in late August 2026, so popular matchups are worth checking early.

How to Buy Clippers Tickets

For Clippers games, start with the official LA Clippers Single Game Tickets page.

Official ticket links also direct buyers to Ticketmaster.

If you are going to Intuit Dome, it is a good idea to download the:

LA Clippers + Intuit Dome App

before game day.

The arena integrates tickets, entry, parking and several digital game-day features into the app.

For a first visit, do not wait until you are standing outside the arena to set everything up.

What Is The Wall at Intuit Dome?

When looking at Clippers tickets, you will probably come across an area called:

The Wall.

This is one of the signature fan sections inside Intuit Dome.

The concept is to create a concentrated area filled with Clippers supporters and stronger home-court energy.

It can be a good choice if you enjoy:

Standing and cheering
Loud defense chants
High-energy crowd reactions
A more supporter-style atmosphere
Being surrounded by dedicated Clippers fans

For families, parents or travelers who prefer a more relaxed experience, you do not necessarily need to sit in The Wall.

A comfortable seat with a good court angle may be the better choice.

How to Choose NBA Seats

Many first-time visitors assume the closest seat is always the best.

That is not necessarily true.

For basketball, the viewing angle matters a lot.

If You Want to See the Players Up Close

Choose the Lower Level.

You will have a better view of player expressions, physicality, speed and bench reactions.

The atmosphere is also much more immersive.

If You Want to Watch the Full Game Clearly

Look for seats closer to center court.

Seats near midcourt make it easier to follow both offensive and defensive possessions.

For serious basketball fans, a good center-court angle can be more enjoyable than sitting closer behind one of the baskets.

If You Are on a Lower Budget

Upper Level seats can still be a good experience.

NBA arenas are built for large crowds, and many upper-level seats still provide a clear overall view of the court.

If your main goal is simply to experience a live NBA game, you do not need courtside seats.

How to Get to Crypto.com Arena

If you are staying in Downtown LA, Koreatown or near the Metro system, public transportation can be one of the easiest options.

A convenient route is:

Metro A Line
or
Metro E Line

to Pico Station.

Crypto.com Arena is only a short walk from Pico Station.

Another option is 7th Street / Metro Center, followed by a walk toward LA LIVE and the arena.

Driving is also possible, but Downtown LA traffic can become heavy on Lakers game nights.

Do not plan to arrive at the last minute.

How to Get to Intuit Dome

Intuit Dome is located in Inglewood.

Travelers using public transportation can look at:

Metro C Line
or
Metro K Line

combined with game-day shuttle service to Intuit Dome.

Common transfer points may include:

Hawthorne/Lennox Station
Downtown Inglewood Station
LAX/Metro Transit Center

Uber and Lyft are also common options, and Intuit Dome has designated rideshare pickup and drop-off areas.

For your first visit, check your transportation plan before leaving rather than arranging everything just before tipoff.

What Can You Do Before a Lakers Game?

Crypto.com Arena is in Downtown LA, so it is easy to build a half-day or full-day itinerary around the game.

For example:

Explore Downtown Los Angeles
Visit LA LIVE
Have dinner nearby
Watch the Lakers game
Return to a nearby hotel

If the game starts in the evening, arriving in Downtown LA during the afternoon makes the entire experience more relaxed.

What Can You Do Before a Clippers Game?

A Clippers game can be combined with:

Intuit Dome
Kia Forum
Inglewood
LAX-area activities
Westside Los Angeles

If you are attending a game shortly after arriving in Los Angeles, staying around LAX, Inglewood or the Westside may also reduce unnecessary cross-city travel.

How Early Should You Arrive for an NBA Game?

For your first NBA game, do not arrive exactly at tipoff.

You may need time for:

Security screening
Mobile ticket scanning
Finding your seat
Restrooms
Food and drinks
Team Store shopping
Arena photos
Watching player warmups

Arriving early is part of the NBA game-day experience.

For popular games, giving yourself even more time is a good idea.

Can You Bring a Bag to an NBA Game?

This is important.

Crypto.com Arena

Crypto.com Arena has relatively strict bag policies.

Regular backpacks, purses, totes, camera bags and other larger bags generally are not allowed.

Only small wallets or clutches that meet the arena’s size requirements may be permitted.

For a Lakers game, the simplest setup is:

Phone + credit card + necessary ID + very small wallet.

If you do not need a bag, leaving it at the hotel is often easiest.

Intuit Dome

Intuit Dome also has bag-size restrictions.

Personal bags must remain within the venue’s permitted dimensions, and oversized backpacks or travel bags may not be allowed.

Always check the latest arena policy before leaving for the game because security rules can change.

Can You Bring a Camera?

For regular smartphone photography, there usually is not much to worry about.

However, professional cameras, large lenses and professional video equipment may be restricted.

Crypto.com Arena and Intuit Dome have their own camera policies.

For normal sightseeing and game-day photos, a phone is usually the easiest choice.

It also makes security and entry much simpler.

Lakers vs. Clippers: Which Should You Choose?

Choose the Lakers if you:

Are visiting Los Angeles for the first time
Are attending your first NBA game
Support the Lakers
Want to visit Crypto.com Arena
Want the classic Downtown LA NBA experience
Prefer the most recognizable Los Angeles basketball atmosphere

Choose the Clippers if you:

Want to visit Intuit Dome
Are interested in arena technology
Want to experience The Wall
Have already seen the Lakers
Are staying near Inglewood or LAX
Enjoy visiting different NBA arenas

If You Have Two Nights, Watch Both

If your dates match the schedule, one of the best options is:

One Lakers game
plus
one Clippers game.

The two teams now play in completely different arenas.

A Lakers game gives you the traditional Crypto.com Arena and Downtown LA experience.

A Clippers game gives you the newer Intuit Dome experience.

For NBA fans, the two games feel very different, making this more interesting than simply attending two games in the same arena.

Los Angeles NBA Game Tips

Check tickets early for high-profile opponents.
Warriors, Celtics and Lakers-Clippers matchups can attract stronger demand.
Always confirm which team is home before buying.
Lakers home games are at Crypto.com Arena.
Clippers home games are at Intuit Dome.
Start with official team ticket pages and Ticketmaster.
Do not choose a ticket based only on the lowest price; check the seat angle.
Downtown LA and Inglewood can both experience heavy game-day traffic.
Arrive early for your first NBA game.
Avoid bringing large bags.
International visitors should set up Ticketmaster and any required arena apps in advance.
NBA schedules, tipoff times and broadcast arrangements may still change, so verify details before your trip.

Conclusion: Los Angeles Is One of the Best Cities for a First NBA Experience

If watching an NBA game in the United States has been on your travel list, Los Angeles is an excellent place to do it.

You can watch the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena for the classic Los Angeles basketball experience, or visit Intuit Dome to see the Clippers in one of the NBA’s newest arenas.

If you only have time for one game, I would recommend the Lakers for most first-time visitors.

If you have enough time, the best experience may be:

Lakers once + Clippers once.

You can visit two NBA arenas in one trip and experience two very different sides of basketball culture in Los Angeles.

Image Sources：
Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, NBA, Crypto.com Arena and Intuit Dome official websites and official social media channels.

Sources：
NBA Official, Los Angeles Lakers Official, LA Clippers Official, Crypto.com Arena, Intuit Dome and LA Metro.

Disclaimer：
This article is based on publicly available information as of August 2026. NBA schedules, tipoff times, player availability, ticket inventory, seating, transportation services, arena policies, bag restrictions and special events may change at any time. Always confirm the latest information with the NBA, Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Crypto.com Arena, Intuit Dome, Ticketmaster and LA Metro before your visit.

FAQ

How many NBA teams are in Los Angeles?

The Los Angeles area is home to two NBA teams: the Los Angeles Lakers and the LA Clippers.

Where do the Lakers play?

The Lakers play home games at Crypto.com Arena in Downtown Los Angeles.

Where do the Clippers play?

The Clippers play home games at Intuit Dome in Inglewood.

Do the Lakers and Clippers still share an arena?

No. The Clippers now play at Intuit Dome, while the Lakers remain at Crypto.com Arena.

Where should I buy Lakers tickets?

Start with the official Los Angeles Lakers ticket page and follow the official Ticketmaster link.

Where should I buy Clippers tickets?

Start with the official LA Clippers Single Game Tickets page and use the authorized Ticketmaster link.

Which team is better for a first NBA game in Los Angeles?

If you do not have a strong team preference, the Lakers are usually the more iconic first-time experience because of Crypto.com Arena and the Downtown LA setting.

Is Intuit Dome worth visiting?

Yes. Intuit Dome is the Clippers’ dedicated home arena, with features such as the Halo Board, The Wall and a highly technology-focused fan experience.

How early should I arrive?

First-time visitors should arrive well before tipoff to allow time for security, mobile ticket entry, finding seats, shopping and watching warmups.

Los Angeles NBA Ticket Prices and Estimated Costs

NBA single-game tickets do not have one fixed price.

Prices can change depending on:

Team
Opponent
Day of the week
Seat location
Home or away game
Remaining inventory
Resale-market demand

High-profile Lakers games, including matchups against teams such as the Warriors, Celtics or Clippers, may cost significantly more than standard regular-season games.

For Clippers games, official season-ticket information has previously shown some The Wall / Terrace plans averaging around US$38 per game, but that is a season-membership rate and should not be treated as the price of a single-game ticket.

For a regular-season visit, the best approach is to search Ticketmaster for your exact game and seating section before setting your budget.

Standard LA Metro base fare is currently around US$1.75 per ride, although fares, transfers and discount programs may change.

You should also budget separately for:

Parking
Uber or Lyft
Arena food and drinks
Team merchandise
Jerseys and souvenirs

All ticket prices and other costs can change, so check the latest information from the official NBA team, Ticketmaster, arena and LA Metro sources before your trip.