Watching an NBA game courtside is an incredible experience that most basketball fans can only dream of. Sitting just feet away from the best players in the world as they battle it out on the hardwood is a one-of-a-kind thrill. For Los Angeles Lakers fans, courtside seats at the iconic Staples Center to see LeBron James and Anthony Davis up close is the ultimate way to watch a game. But such proximity to the action comes at a hefty price. Lakers courtside tickets are some of the most expensive in the NBA, which raises the question – just how much do courtside Lakers tickets cost?
The cost of courtside Lakers tickets
Courtside seats for Lakers games at Staples Center come with a massive price tag. For the 2022-2023 NBA season, the average cost of courtside Lakers tickets is $2,750 per ticket according to data from TicketIQ.
That’s for a single game ticket too. For fans who want courtside season tickets for all 41 Lakers home games, be prepared to pay $112,750 per seat. Of course, the specific location of the courtside seat affects the pricing too. Seats closer to the Lakers bench or center court cost more than the corners.
To put the price into perspective, the average cost of lower bowl Lakers tickets is just $355 and upper bowl tickets average $170 per TicketIQ. So courtside seats come at more than a 700% premium over the lower bowl and more than a 1500% premium over upper bowl ticket prices.
Clearly, the ability to have floor seats just inches from the players commands a huge premium versus any other area of Staples Center.
Why courtside Lakers tickets are so expensive
There are several key reasons why Lakers courtside tickets cost so much:
Exclusive supply
Staples Center has a capacity of 18,997 for basketball games. But there are just a handful of courtside seats available. Most NBA arenas have 80-100 courtside seats. The exclusivity of having one of the very limited seats available makes them a high demand commodity.
Luxury experience
Sitting courtside provides a luxury experience impossible to replicate elsewhere in the arena. Fans can see player faces, hear coaches yelling plays, and may even be able to interact with players on the bench just feet away. Courtside seats include premium amenities like all-inclusive food and beverages. It’s an entirely different watching experience from regular seats.
Celebrity factor
Lakers courtside seats are prime real estate for celebrity sightings. Actors, musicians, and other famous fans of the team often sit courtside. Spotting courtside celebrities is sometimes as entertaining as the game itself for many fans.
Lakers popularity
The Lakers are one of the most popular franchises in American sports. They attract elite superstar players more than any other NBA team. Combine that with the massive global fame of LA itself, and Lakers tickets are always in high demand relative to other teams. This drives up prices, especially for exclusive seats like courtside.
Courtside seat holders
Who actually buys Lakers courtside season tickets given the massive $112,750 per seat price tag? The list of courtside regulars includes:
- Celebrities – Jack Nicholson has sat courtside for decades. Leonardo DiCaprio, David Beckham, and Flea are among other celebrity ticket holders.
- Business executives – Energy tycoon Patrick Soon-Shiong has been courtside since 2010.
- Prominent lawyers – High profile attorneys to the stars like Laura Wasser.
- Legacy holders – Some fans buy the same seats year after year and pass them down through generations.
Wealthy fans that value prestige and status are the typical courtside Lakers ticket buyers. For celebrities, the tickets provide publicity when they are constantly shown on TV at games. Many buyers view the tickets as more of a business investment to entertain clients rather than just for themselves.
Changes in courtside ticket prices over time
Lakers courtside tickets cost a fraction of their massive prices today compared to past decades when factoring for inflation. Here is how prices have progressed over the years:
Year | Average Price Per Ticket | Adjusted for Inflation |
---|---|---|
1990 | $30 | $65 |
2000 | $150 | $250 |
2010 | $2,000 | $2,500 |
2022 | $2,750 | $2,750 |
Inflation-adjusted prices have actually come down slightly compared to previous decades. In the 1990s, courtside tickets were relatively affordable for average fans at around $65 in today’s dollars. The huge increase in prices started in the 2000s as the Lakers became a powerhouse team and celebrity status symbol. Now with stars like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, courtside seats are accessible only to LA’s financial elite.
How Lakers courtside prices compare to other NBA teams
The Lakers have the most expensive courtside tickets in the NBA by a wide margin. The average cost across the league is just $1,815 per seat. Here is how the Lakers compare against other marquee NBA teams:
Team | Average Courtside Ticket Price |
---|---|
Los Angeles Lakers | $2,750 |
Golden State Warriors | $2,000 |
New York Knicks | $1,500 |
Brooklyn Nets | $1,400 |
Boston Celtics | $1,200 |
The demand for Lakers tickets is truly exceptional compared to any other team. Even the next most popular team, the Golden State Warriors, has an average courtside price 25% cheaper. Part of that price difference certainly relates to the massive amount of celebrities, executives, and overall wealth concentrated in the LA market.
Getting discounts on courtside Lakers tickets
Given the extreme prices, are there any ways for fans to land courtside Lakers tickets for less? Here are a few strategies:
Buy on secondary marketplaces
Sites like StubHub frequently have last minute Lakers courtside seats available for 10-20% cheaper than box office prices. Fans may even find unused player ticket allotments.
Splurge on partial season tickets
Full season courtside tickets have massive sticker prices. But fans can lower the per-game cost by purchasing a partial plan. Go with seats for 10-20 games rather than the full 41.
Attend low profile games
Tickets against lesser opponents like the Orlando Magic will be cheaper than in-demand matchups with rivals like the Celtics.
Buy standing room only tickets
Staples Center sells discounted standing room only passes that allow fans to watch from the tunnels behind courtside seats. This provides a courtside perspective for much lower prices.
Conclusion
Sitting courtside for LA Lakers games is one of the most exclusive and expensive fan experiences in sports. With the average cost clocking in at a whopping $2,750 per ticket, the ability to watch LeBron and AD up close does not come cheap. The premium prices are a result of massive demand among celebrities, business executives, and die-hard fans wanting to feel like part of the on-court action. While discounts can help shave off costs, deep pockets are still required to sit courtside at a Lakers game in iconic Staples Center. For the vast majority of fans, the view from the upper decks will remain the most viable option.