Game On: 5 Best Spots To Watch The Lakers In The NBA Postseason

  • By: Ashley Joy Parker

Started from the bottom now we’re here….

Now that the Los Angeles Lakers have (unexpectedly) made it to the Western Conference Finals, the 2023 NBA post season is more exciting than ever. To show your team spirit, get off the couch, turn off your TV and head out on the town to cheer on Lebron and crew with some fellow fans. From Hollywood’s sleekest sports lounge to DTLA’s mega game day hub, catch the next the Lakers’ match up at one of these five hotspots.

Related | Spotlight on Koi Restaurant

3RD BASE

It may be called 3rd Base but this Hollywood hotspot is a bonafide home run. Ok, wrong sport, but you get the idea. While the Dodgers are still getting into the swing of things, cheer on the Lakers at this unique social dining and sports lounge, featuring an upscale atmosphere and thoughtful design (trophy case included). There’s even a VIP room which brings the familiar feel of a swanky suite. On the menu, you’ll find refined versions of your favorite dishes and bar snacks, including mini smash burgers and mac ‘n’ cheese. Be sure to try out their “Margarita Tree” which includes a flight of four different Patron-based margs. Or, if you are really feeling like a baller, order the Owner’s Box which is two glasses of Don Julio 1942 served neat and delivered with a custom tableside presentation.

1562 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, @3rdbasela

TOM’S WATCH BAR

You haven’t really watched a Lakers game until you’ve watched one here. Steps from Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, this truly immersive sports experience is as close to the court as you can get without tix. Within its 20,000 square-foot, two-story space, Tom’s boasts 360 degrees of screens—nearly 150 TVs to be exact—including the largest TV screen in DTLA known as the “Megatron,” coming in at a massive 13-feet high and 23-feet wide. With room to fit 400 guests, expect there to be seas of purple and gold on game days.

1011 S Figueroa St., Los Angeles, @toms_losangeles

JALAPEÑO PETE’S

With over a dozen flat screen TVs within the space, Jalapeño Pete’s is Studio City’s best sports bar and favorited by the most die-hard Lakers fans in the area. So cheer the team on while enjoying Mexican munchies such as street corn, nachos del rey, Mexican wings and nearly a dozen type of tacos (the braised short rib ones are our fav). To drink, take your pick from margaritas, mojitos and many, many kinds of beer. Oh did we mention the buy one get one FREE happy hour? Swish!

11618 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, @jalapenopetesla

HI TOPS BAR

Hi Tops Bar is San Francisco’s go-to LGBTQ+ friendly sportsbar and its West Hollywood outpost—located in the heart of boystown—is a local hotspot.  The vibrant space rocks a fun high school gym locker aesthetic and their menu is described as “gourmet stadium food,” so think house made corn dogs and bacon beef burgers. From behind the bar, be sure to try the  mezcal based The Magic Hour, named after Magic Johnson or the Haterode….especially if the Lakers are now.

8933 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, @hitopsweho

HYDE LOUNGE AT CRYPTO.COM ARENA

If you do score Lakers tickets this postseason, indulge in the ultimate nightlife game day experience at Hyde Lounge inside the Crypto.com Arena. Open one hour before all games, the 4,000 square-foot ultra-lounge inside the arena is complete with three bars, ledge seating, a dancehall and a private great room. Floating LCD TV screens, rosewood walls and plush table service provide a pristine viewing environment for any bball game. Forget the basic beers and nachos, Hyde Lounge serves up specialty cocktails created by renowned mixologists and elevated cuisine from an executive chef. Chris Evans, Minka Kelly, Big Sean and Derek Hough are just a few of the celebs who have spotted partying it up on game day here. We think this beats a courtside seat any day.

1111 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, @hydecrypto

Read More