How to watch NBA Playoffs: What channel is Lakers vs. Suns Game 1 on?

The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of their NBA Playoffs series on Sunday. How should fans watch the game?

The defending champion Lakers are arguably favored to win, despite the simple fact that they’re the lower-seeded team. The Phoenix Suns have every right to feel disrespected given the body of work they put together this season, with the dynamic backcourt of Chris Paul and Devin Booker leading them to 51 victories and the two-seed out West.

However, the prize for finishing just one game back of the No. 1 seed Utah Jazz is the Lakers, who despite struggling down the stretch, do possess a healthy-ish LeBron James and Anthony Davis rounding into form.

James-led teams have frequently stated how little the regular season matters to them, as long as they make the postseason. Well, this year puts that method to the test. At No. 7 in the standings, the Lakers will have to face the best the West has to offer.

NBA Playoffs: Plenty is on the line as the Lakers face the Suns in Game 1

The Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns will tip off at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC. The national broadcast will be the only one. ABC is available via a FUBO subscription, as well as ESPN plus.

To make a case against Phoenix, the Lakers need far more out of the likes of Kyle Kuzma, who at his best is a legitimate third scorer on a team that could use some semblance of a supporting cast.

Meanwhile, LeBron himself was in hot water for allegedly going to a photoshoot with Drake and Michael B. Jordan for his tequila brand just days before the Lakers play-in matchup with the Warriors. The NBA issued James a warning, but did not suspend him.

Given the magnitude of the moment and (let’s be honest) the player, it’s not shocking Adam Silver chose not to act.