As the NBA unveils its full schedule for the 2024-25 season, one thing is clear: the Los Angeles Lakers will once again dominate the national television landscape. According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Lakers are set to lead the league with 39 of their 82 games broadcast across ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NBA TV—nearly 48% of their season.
Following closely behind the Lakers are the Golden State Warriors, who will have 36 games aired nationally. The reigning champion Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks each have 34 national TV appearances scheduled. The Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns round out the top five with 30 games apiece.
On the flip side, the Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers, and Toronto Raptors will each have only four games broadcast nationally, the fewest in the league.
Here’s the updated ranking of NBA teams based on their number of national TV appearances, including NBA TV:
- Los Angeles Lakers – 39
- Golden State Warriors – 36
- Boston Celtics – 34
- New York Knicks – 34
- Dallas Mavericks – 30
- Phoenix Suns – 30
- Denver Nuggets – 29
- Milwaukee Bucks – 27
- Philadelphia 76ers – 27
- Minnesota Timberwolves – 25
- Oklahoma City Thunder – 25
- Los Angeles Clippers – 21
- San Antonio Spurs – 21
- Memphis Grizzlies – 17
- Cleveland Cavaliers – 16
- Indiana Pacers – 14
- Miami Heat – 13
- New Orleans Pelicans – 13
- Sacramento Kings – 12
- Houston Rockets – 11
- Orlando Magic – 9
- Atlanta Hawks – 8
- Charlotte Hornets – 7
The Lakers’ prominence on national TV isn’t new. Since LeBron James joined the team in the 2019-2020 season, they have consistently ranked among the top teams for national broadcasts. This season marks the first time they’ve topped the list since the 2021-22 season, when the Golden State Warriors held the top spot for the past two years.
While the Lakers’ placement at the top of the national TV rankings isn’t solely a reflection of their on-court performance—having not won a championship since 2020 and coming off a first-round playoff exit—it underscores the team’s star power and media appeal. The presence of LeBron James and the anticipated debut of his son, Bronny James, adds significant intrigue. The hiring of JJ Redick, LeBron’s podcast partner, as head coach also promises to generate additional interest.
Despite a relatively stable core roster, the Lakers’ significant national TV presence highlights the league’s focus on big names and compelling storylines. The potential for historic moments, such as the first on-court father-son duo in NBA history, ensures that the Lakers will continue to capture viewers’ attention throughout the season.