The Lakers and Suns continue to be put to the test to open the 2023-24 NBA season.
Two of the heavyweights in the Western Conference have not had the fortune of easing themselves into the new season, facing off against a couple of title contenders to start the year.
The Lakers opened their season with a loss on the road against the defending champion Nuggets. Los Angeles still had no answer for Nikola Jokic, who cruised his way to a 29-point triple-double while Anthony Davis was held scoreless in the second half.
The Suns started the season shorthanded against the Warriors, as star guard Bradley Beal was out due to a back injury. Phoenix still picked up a tough road win behind Devin Booker's 32 points and eight assists, and Beal has a chance to make his return for Thursday's contest against the Lakers.
For more information on how to tune into a matchup between the Lakers and Suns, The Sporting News has you covered with all the details you need below.
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What channel is Lakers vs Suns on?
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 26
- TV channel: TNT
- Live streaming: Sling TV
Lakers vs Suns will air on TNT. Sling TV will also offer a streaming option.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the biggest games of the 2023-24 NBA season on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Sling base packages (Sling Orange or Sling Blue) start at just $20 for your first month, or you can get Sling Orange + Blue starting at $27.50 for your first month. There are no long-term contracts, and you can change your channel lineup anytime. DVR is included along with thousands of on-demand shows and movies.
Lakers vs Suns start time
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 26
- Time: 10 p.m. ET
Lakers vs Suns will tip off around 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, Oct. 26. The game will be played at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
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Lakers schedule 2023-24
Here are Los Angeles' first five games of the 2023-24 regular season:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET)/Result | TV channel |
| Oct. 24 | at Nuggets | L, 119-107 | TNT |
| Oct. 26 | vs Suns | 10 p.m. | TNT |
| Oct. 29 | at Kings | 9 p.m. | — |
| Oct. 30 | vs Magic | 10:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Nov. 1 | vs Clippers | 10 p.m. | ESPN |
Suns schedule 2023-24
Here are Phoenix's first five games of the 2023-24 regular season:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET)/Result | TV channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 24 | at Warriors | W, 108-104 | TNT |
| Oct. 26 | at Lakers | 10 p.m. | TNT |
| Oct. 28 | vs. Jazz | 10 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Oct. 31 | vs. Spurs | 10 p.m. | TNT |
| Nov. 2 | vs. Spurs | 10 p.m. | NBA TV |
NBA schedule for first week of 2023-24 regular season
Thursday, Oct. 26
| Game | Time (ET) | National TV |
| 76ers vs Bucks | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Suns vs Lakers | 10 p.m. | TNT |
Friday, Oct. 27
| Game | Time (ET) | National TV |
| Pistons vs Hornets | 7 p.m. | — |
| Nuggets vs Grizzlies | 7 p.m. | — |
| Knicks vs Hawks | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| Heat vs Celtics | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Thunder vs Cavaliers | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| Raptors vs Bulls | 8 p.m. | — |
| Rockets vs Spurs | 8 p.m. | — |
| Nets vs Mavericks | 8:30 p.m. | — |
| Clippers vs Jazz | 9:30 p.m. | — |
| Magic vs Trail Blazers | 10 p.m. | — |
| Warriors vs Kings | 10 p.m. | ESPN |
Saturday, Oct. 28
| Game | Time (ET) | National TV |
| Bulls vs Pistons | 7 p.m. | — |
| Grizzlies vs Wizards | 7 p.m. | — |
| Knicks vs Pelicans | 7 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Pacers vs Cavaliers | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| 76ers vs Raptors | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| Heat vs Timberwolves | 8 p.m. | — |
| Jazz vs Suns | 10 p.m. | NBA TV |