Lakers vs Nuggets live stream: How to watch NBA Playoffs game 1 right now, start time, channel

(L, R) LeBron James and Nikola Jokic will clash in the Lakers vs Nuggets live stream
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It's time to see if Los Angeles has momentum, with the Lakers vs. Nuggets live stream. LeBron James' No. 7-seeded squad made it into the playoffs through the play-in tournament, and now their next NBA Playoff live stream is against the No. 1-seeded Denver.

Lakers vs. Nuggets live stream cheat sheet

Date: Today (Tuesday, May 16)
Time:
8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT / 1:30 a.m. BST / 11:30  a.m. AEDT
Watch in the U.S.:
ESPN on Sling TV
Watch from anywhere: with ExpressVPN.

James, of course, isn't getting any younger. And, fortunately for him, Denver doesn't have any defensive weapons at the caliber of those he faced in previous rounds. As long as James stays healthy, he can be the x-factor his team needs.

Opposite him, though, the Nuggets' Nikola Jokic carries a lot of pressure to lead, and to stop Anthony Davis. That said, Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, who delivers when it comes to offense, was listed as questionable for Game 1. He's said to have a non-Covid illness.

DraftKings, at the time of publication, still has the Nuggets (-245) as favorites, and Lakers (+205) as the underdogs. So, betting $245 on the winning Nuggets would earn you $100, and a $100 bet on the winning Lakers would net you $205.  

Here's everything you need to know to watch the Lakers vs. Nuggets live stream online.

How to watch Lakers vs. Nuggets live streams from anywhere on Earth with a VPN

Having trouble actually getting ESPN? Even if you can't watch the Lakers vs. Nuggets live streams on cable, you're not out of luck. With a virtual private network, or VPN, you can appear to be surfing the web from your home town (or somewhere that blackouts won't hit), and access the same streaming services you already paid for. 

Not sure which VPN is right for you? We've tested many different services and our pick for the best VPN overall is ExpressVPN. It offers superb speeds and excellent customer service. But you've got other VPN options as well. Here are our top picks.

ExpressVPN

We think speed, security and simplicity make ExpressVPN second to none. During our tests, we saw fast connection times, and we're impressed by the service's ability to access more than 3,000 services spread out across 160 locations in 94 countries. 

Lakers vs. Nuggets live streams around the world

Lakers vs. Nuggets live streams in the U.S.

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The Lakers vs. Nuggets live stream is on ESPN at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT today (May 16).

If you've already cut the cord and don't have a cable package? With the right pick from our best cable TV alternatives, you'll be able to watch it and all of the NBA playoff games. But for as much as we like FuboTV, it doesn't have TNT — which has the entire Celtics vs. Heat series for the Eastern Conference Finals.

Instead, you consider Sling TV, one of the best streaming services, which has TNT. For future NBA playoff live streams, ABC games will simulcast on ESPN3, which is available through Sling Orange. ABC is also available in select markets for Sling Blue. Those markets are Chicago (WLS), Fresno (KFSN), Houston (KTRK), Los Angeles (KABC), New York (WABC), Philadelphia (WPVI), Raleigh-Durham (WTVD) and San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose (KGO).  All but Fresno, Houston and Raleigh will pay $5 more per month for ABC in either Sling Blue or Sling Orange & Blue.

Sling is 50% off for the first month making it a perfect place to watch all of the NBA playoffs. Sling Orange also gets you ESPN, and its Sports Extra pack gets you NBA TV.

Of course, you can also watch the games on the more expensive services, such as YouTube TV ($73 per month), Hulu + Live TV ($70 per month) and DirecTV Stream ($75 per month).

ABC can be pulled down with one of the best TV antennas.

Sling TV:50% on your first month!

Sling TV: You can get ESPN and TNT in the Sling Orange package. The 30-plus channels in the lineup include AMC, CNN, Food Network, AMC, Comedy Central, HGTV and many more. And you can save 50% on your first month!

How to watch Lakers vs. Nuggets live streams in the UK

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NBA fans in the U.K. will watch the Lakers vs Nuggets live stream on Sky Sports Arena.

If you already have a Sky subscription that doesn't include Sports, you'll need to pay £24/month to add those channels. You'll also gain access to coverage in 4K and HDR, so long as you also have an HDR-ready Sky Q box and HLG-compatible TV.

If you don't want to shell out for a full Sky sub, you could also consider its Now Sports streaming service. Pricing starts at £11.98 for day & mobile month membership, with month-long access for £34.99.

Not in the U.K. right now? You may need a little help from a service such as ExpressVPN.

Lakers vs Nuggets live streams in Canada

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Hoops fans in Canada can catch the Lakers vs Nuggets live stream on TSN. It's airing on TSN at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Can you watch Lakers vs Nuggets live streams in Australia?

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Probably. Aussies can watch the 2023 Playoff live streams on Kayo Sports, a major destination for NBA action. ESPN Australia, if you get it, is another means, but it's unclear if either will host the Lakers vs Nuggets live stream.

Kayo offers a 14-day free trial for both its Basic and Premium plans, more than enough time to confirm they're actually showing the games. The Kayo One package costs $25 per month thereafter, and Kayo Basic is $30.

The $35 per month Premium Kayo plan gives you all the same things as the normal plan, but it offers three simultaneous streams. The Basic plan gives you two streams at the same time. 

Not in Australia but usually a Kayo subscriber? You may need a little help from a service such as ExpressVPN.

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Henry T. Casey
Managing Editor (Entertainment, Streaming)

Henry is a managing editor at Tom’s Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past seven years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's also covered the wild world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.