How to Buy Tickets for an NBA Game in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the most important cities in American basketball. The fans are many and tickets are limited. Securing your seat is not always easy, but by following a few tips you can watch the best baskets live - find out how!

The Californian metropolis is one of the few in the United States that can boast two teams in the top division.

Los Angeles Lakers

Even those who have never seen an NBA game in their lives know the Los Angeles Lakers. Their yellow and purple jersey is truly iconic. If that wasn't enough, the team hosted the greats of the game: like the now legendary Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, Magic Johnson or Shaquille O'Neal (and I could go on with the list). Many are gone, but with current stars like LeBron James or Anthony Davis, would you miss a Lakers show?

The strangeness of the name "Lakers" can be traced back to the origin of the franchise. Before arriving in California, the team played its home games in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the "land of 10,000 lakes". Today, home games are played at Cryptocom Arena, formerly known as the Staples Center.

Los Angeles Clippers

With such a famous and successful crosstown rival, standing out is difficult. Superstitious fans blame The Curse of the Sacred Buffalo, a series of injuries that has plagued the team's best players since the franchise moved from Buffalo to California.

However, the Clippers are a more than respectable team. Players such as Elton Brand, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and Eric Piatkowski, among others, have worn the white jersey.

Cryptocom Arena Stadium

Currently, both NBA franchises play their home games at Cryptocom Arena. However, the days of coexistence are numbered. Steve Ballmer, one of the richest men in the world and owner of the Clippers franchise, wants to give the team a new identity. That is why he financed the Clippers' new home, Intuit Dome, which will open in the 2024/2025 season.

The Cryptocom Arena - formerly known as the Staples Center - opened in October 1999 and seats approximately 19,000 people. It hosts major sporting events in Southern California and is easily accessible by public transportation.

Whether you want to see a game of the Lakers or the Clippers, you can find and buy your tickets on the Hellotickets website. In just a few clicks you can secure your seat at the Cryptocom Arena. The process is fast and totally secure. You will receive your tickets on your mobile phone and you just need to show them at the entrance to gain access.

Always keep in mind that these are very busy events (for both teams) and it is advisable to buy your tickets in advance. In case you want to wait, the Cryptocom Arena ticket office is located near the Star Plaza entrance. It is usually open from 10:00 to half an hour after the start of the event (on event days) and from 10:00 to 18:00 (on non-event days).

As for other sporting events or, for example, airline tickets, also tickets for the Lakers and Clippers are subject to dynamic pricing. In short, it is a strategy to price products according to various factors such as, for example, demand and the proximity to the beginning of the event.

Other important factors are the name and record of the opponent. Playing against the Atlanta Hawks or the Boston Celtics is not the same. Finally, seasonality also plays a role. If a game coincides with national holidays or specific times of the year, prices tend to go up.

In the case of the Lakers, the cheapest ticket is between €40 and €50. However, Clippers games tend to be affordable for all budgets. With the exception of the "hottest" games, you can find a ticket for less than €30.

The Lakers usually make the playoffs and therefore the last games of the regular season are usually cheaper. When this happens, fans who don't have a season ticket prefer to spend their money on the games against the stronger rivals. Keep in mind that the regular season ends in April.

In the case of the Clippers, games played on Mondays, Tuesdays and Sundays (during the regular season) usually have low prices. In general, if you want to save money, you can avoid games against Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder.

In general, you can save money by buying preseason tickets. These games are played in order for the players to reach their optimum form. The score is not important, but the spectacle is assured. Each team plays between four and six games, lasting about two and a half weeks between September and October.

As I mentioned in the first point, Clippers and Lakers currently share the same home: the Cryptocom Arena. According to insiders, all seats in the first 10 rows of the "Center Floor" section are very good value.

If you want to spend a little less, seats in rows 11-20 are also worthwhile. In both cases, the view over the pitch is excellent. Personally, I always recommend sitting diagonally to the basket. This way, you will enjoy the dunks even more.

No, you can't. Cryptocom is a multifunctional venue and no guided tours are planned. There is always a concert or other sporting event taking place inside. If you want to visit a stadium, I recommend Dodger Stadium, the home stadium of the city's baseball team.

It was opened in 1962 and is the third oldest baseball stadium still in operation. It is located in Echo Park, one of the hipster neighbourhoods of Los Angeles (1000 Vin Scully Avenue).

The NBA regular season begins in mid-October or early November and usually ends in mid-April. If a team qualifies for the finals - very common for the Lakers and less frequent for the Clippers - the playing time extends a bit longer: from the second half of April to the first half of June.

If you're content with the less entertaining games (in quotes) you can buy regular season tickets. If you are in the mood for the more exciting challenges, I recommend you to book a ticket for the playoffs, which are played between April and June.

In case you want to enjoy a very hot game, you can opt for a derby between Lakers and Clippers. According to fans, this is the best rivalry in the Western Conference. It's a classic David vs. Goliath story: on one side the successful franchise that never misses a playoff, on the other the cousins struggling to find their niche in a city of yellow/purple faith.

If you are not an NBA expert, the first thing you should know is that game time is effective. When a time-out is called and during time-outs, the stopwatch is stopped. Each game is divided into four 12-minute halves, and between the second and third halves there is a 15-minute stoppage to regain energy.

There is no limit to the number of substitutions, but each must be made when the clock stops. As for scoring, a basket inside the area is worth two points, which becomes three if the shot comes from outside. Finally, a free kick, similar to a penalty kick in football, is worth one point. Here are some other rules that will help you understand the game better:

• Since 1954, the NBA has introduced the 24-second rule. In short, a team has a maximum of 24 seconds to take a shot. It was introduced to avoid defensive strategies that undermine the spectacle.
• While it is hard to imagine basketball without three-pointers, this was not the case before 1980. The rule was introduced to encourage quicker and more varied attacking manoeuvres.
• When it comes to passing, the NBA has always been very generous even though it is a cliché today. The rule has been brought in line with the rest of the world. After catching the ball (zero pass), a player can score two more before passing or shooting.
• If a player is penalised with six fouls, he is sent off.

In the ultimate American basketball competition, every team chooses its own policy. Some set a height limit, others prefer to set an age limit. In the case of Los Angeles, the Cryptocom Arena has established the rules (which apply to both): children under the age of 3 get in free (only if accompanied by an adult).

If you are travelling to California with your kids, I recommend you read the post about things to do in Los Angeles with children.

Yes, the Christmas Games are an NBA classic. It's a particular spectacle worth watching. Often, teams and players wear customised Christmas-inspired uniforms or shoes. They are fascinating games and have often ended with spectacular results.

The last points are about tips and advice for the day of the game. The points below give you all the information you need.

Where to eat

Within walking distance of the Cryptocom Arena you will find dozens of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are some of the best:

• Fogo de Chão, a corner of Brazil in Los Angeles. In addition to steaks, it's known for its "all day long" happy hour (800 S Figueroa Street).
• The Original Pantry, a historic coffee shop. Opened in 1924, it offers a menu of traditional American dishes. Also worth a try are the breakfasts (877 South Figueroa Street).
• Sonoritas, a Mexican place that prepares delicious tacos. It also has a good cocktail menu (2004 Sawtelle Boulevard).
• Mr. Masala, the best Indian in the area. Vegetarian options are also available (949 S Figueroa Street).
• Patxi's Pizza, if you're in the mood for Chicago-style pizza. The reviews are excellent (1011 S Figueroa Street).

Where to park

Located in Downtown Los Angeles, the Cryptocom Arena is easily accessible from major motorways. If you've booked a rental car, you can enter the following addresses (which correspond to car parks) into Google Maps or your browser:

• 1025 South Flower Street (Lot 9)
• 900 Chick Hearn Court (Lot 1)
• 1005 Chick Hearn Court (Lot W)
• 1145 L.A. Live Way (Lot C)
• 888 West Olympic Boulevard (Lot E)

Fares and hours vary by operator. As a general rule, they open at 18:00 and close at 2:00 (but check before you leave your car).

When to go to the stadium?

Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis and traffic jams are common. If you plan to use your car or surface transport (e.g. a bus) , I recommend getting there well in advance. It would be a shame to lose the first few minutes of gameplay.

Wi-Fi connection

The home of the Lakers and Clippers has a free Wi-Fi network. Just select the "Cryptocom Arena Public WiFi" network and follow the step-by-step instructions on the page. It's pretty simple. If you don't want to wait until you are inside or in the vicinity of the venue, you can enjoy the connection from bars/restaurants or your hotel.

Is it possible to bring backpacks or cameras?

Only if they are small (35.5 cm x 35.5 cm x 15 cm). As a general rule, backpacks, handbags, transparent bags, fanny packs and camera bags are not allowed. You may bring a camera, but no larger than the above dimensions.

Public transport is the most recommended option. The Purple line stops within walking distance of the Cryptocom Arena. The 7th Street stop is about 700 metres from the arena. If you don't feel like walking too far, you can take the Blue Line train to the Chick Hearn/Pico station. When you exit you will see the arena within walking distance.