Los Angeles is home to one of basketball's most storied franchises, and tracing Lakers history through the city reveals decades of NBA excellence. From the team's current home at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles to The Forum in Inglewood, where the Showtime era unfolded, Southern California's sports landscape tells the story of where basketball legends trained, competed, and won championships. Whether you're planning a weekend trip to catch a game or exploring the venues that shaped professional basketball, these Los Angeles destinations offer basketball fans a tangible connection to the Lakers' 17 NBA championships and the neighborhoods that fed talent into the NBA.
1. Crypto.com Arena
Downtown Los Angeles, California
Home to the Lakers since 1999, Crypto.com Arena anchors the sports and entertainment district in DTLA and remains the team's current home court. This downtown Los Angeles venue has hosted countless championship moments, playoff runs, and iconic games. The arena sits steps from the Convention Center and Arts District, making it accessible for day trips or longer stays. You can catch live games during the NBA season (October–April) or explore the surrounding plaza and entertainment complex year-round. The modern glass and steel architecture contrasts with older venues, reflecting LA's evolution as a sports capital.
Fun fact: Originally called Staples Center, this arena has hosted more NBA Finals games than any other venue in league history, cementing its place in basketball lore.
Tip: Game tickets range from $50–$300+ depending on matchup and seating. Arrive early for pre-game events in downtown Los Angeles; parking in DTLA runs $15–$25 in nearby structures. Public transit via Metro is a viable alternative. Visit during the season for the fullest atmosphere, or explore the plaza and exterior displays during off-season.
2. The Forum
Inglewood, California
This legendary venue hosted the Lakers for 32 seasons (1967–1999) and remains one of basketball's most iconic arenas in Inglewood. The Greek Revival architecture with white columned facade stands out among sports buildings, and the interior retains its classic elegance despite modern renovations. Located near the Hollywood Park area, The Forum represents the birthplace of Lakers glory during the Showtime era. Today it hosts concerts and special events, but basketball fans recognize it as sacred ground where championships were won and legends were made. The contrast between The Forum's neoclassical design and modern arenas like Crypto.com reflects the evolution of sports venues in Southern California.
Fun fact: Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won five NBA championships at The Forum in Inglewood, cementing it as one of basketball's most storied venues.
Tip: The Forum occasionally hosts basketball events and public tours. Check their website for tour availability; admission is typically free to walk the exterior and surrounding plaza. Parking is ample and free in the lot. Located in Inglewood, it's about 20 minutes from downtown LA by car or public transit.
3. Lakers Championship Exhibits at Crypto.com Arena
Downtown Los Angeles, California
While Crypto.com Arena is the current Lakers home, the venue includes exhibits and displays throughout honoring the team's history and 17 NBA championships. Team shops and memorabilia displays celebrate decades of Lakers excellence in downtown Los Angeles. For history-focused fans, these spaces offer a tangible connection to iconic moments, championship rosters, and the evolution of the franchise. The plaza outside frequently features tributes to past eras, from Showtime to modern championship teams, making it a destination for Lakers history without requiring a game ticket.
Fun fact: The Lakers have won 17 NBA championships as of 2024, tying them with the Boston Celtics for the most in league history, a feat reflected throughout the arena's displays.
Tip: Access to championship exhibits is included with game attendance; merchandise shops are open on event days throughout downtown Los Angeles. Non-game visitors can explore the plaza, exterior tributes, and occasionally attend public tours ($15–$25). Best time to visit is during the NBA season (October–April) when the downtown LA location buzzes with energy and special events.
4. Lakers Team Store
Downtown Los Angeles, California
Located in downtown LA near Crypto.com Arena, this flagship store stocks current and vintage Lakers merchandise, apparel, and memorabilia spanning decades. Fans can find everything from classic Showtime-era gear to modern player jerseys, commemorating the team's championship wins and iconic players. The store provides an immersive shopping experience celebrating the Lakers' iconic purple and gold branding and rich history. Positioned in the heart of DTLA's sports district, it's an essential stop for collecting tangible pieces of Lakers history and connecting with the broader sports culture of downtown Los Angeles.
Fun fact: Lakers purple and gold colors date back to the Minneapolis Lakers era (pre-1960), making them among the longest-used colors in professional sports and a symbol recognized worldwide.
Tip: The team store is open year-round, with extended hours during the NBA season (October–April). Prices range widely from $20 for basic apparel to $300+ for authentic game-worn jerseys. Parking nearby costs $10–$20; arrive mid-week for shorter crowds in downtown Los Angeles. Check their website for special events and seasonal releases.
5. South Los Angeles Basketball Culture and Community Courts
South Los Angeles and Compton, California
While not traditional tourist attractions, the public basketball courts and community centers throughout South LA and Compton represent the grassroots basketball culture that feeds elite talent into the Lakers organization and NBA. Many young players in Los Angeles develop their skills on courts like these before reaching professional levels. The broader South and Central LA neighborhoods have produced countless basketball talents who went on to NBA careers, making them essential to understanding the Lakers' talent pipeline. Street basketball culture remains vibrant in these communities, reflecting the deep sports heritage of Los Angeles beyond the arena walls.
Fun fact: Los Angeles youth basketball programs and public courts in neighborhoods like South LA and Compton have developed some of the most talented NBA players in recent decades, including multiple Lakers draft picks and free agent signings.
Tip: This is not a formal tour site, but basketball fans interested in LA's basketball ecosystem can explore local community centers and public courts in South Los Angeles and Compton during daytime hours. Respect posted hours at public facilities and visit with local awareness. Many community centers offer programs and welcome visitors; call ahead to confirm access. This experience connects visitors to the authentic roots of Lakers talent.
Plan your Los Angeles sports pilgrimage around these iconic Lakers destinations and experience the arenas, memorabilia shops, and neighborhoods that built one of basketball's greatest legacies. From downtown LA's modern venues to Inglewood's historic halls, your California trip can celebrate the Lakers' impact on American sports culture.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Los Angeles for Lakers games and history sites?
The NBA season runs October through April, offering the best chance to catch live games at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles. Playoff games extend into spring (May–June) and offer high-energy atmospheres. Summer months are ideal for exploring venues like The Forum in Inglewood without crowds, and occasional summer league games provide alternative basketball events. Plan weekend trips during the season for maximum game availability.
What's the difference between visiting Crypto.com Arena and The Forum in Inglewood?
Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles is the current Lakers home, hosting live games, exhibits, and championship displays. The Forum in Inglewood is a historic venue that hosted the Lakers from 1967–1999 and now hosts concerts and special events. Visiting both offers a journey through Lakers eras: The Forum represents the Showtime dynasty, while Crypto.com Arena showcases modern championships. Both are accessible as day trips or weekend excursions from anywhere in Southern California.
How can I experience Lakers history without attending a game?
Explore the plaza and exterior displays at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles year-round. Visit the Lakers Team Store for memorabilia and vintage gear. Tour The Forum in Inglewood (check availability) to see the historic Showtime-era venue. For grassroots basketball culture, visit public courts in South Los Angeles and Compton. Occasional public arena tours ($15–$25) offer behind-the-scenes access when games aren't scheduled. These options make Lakers history accessible for weekend trips or casual visits.