Spectrum SportsNet has been the home of Los Angeles Lakers television coverage since its launch in 2012. With the 2026-27 season just around the corner, the network announced its broadcast and programming schedule, which included some changes and additions.
Longtime color commentator Stu Lantz, who is entering his 41st season with the team, will now be calling only home games alongside play-by-play man Bill MacDonald. With Lantz now 80 years old and having dealt with a medical procedure prior to the start of last season, it is likely that he preferred to lessen the traveling and overall workload. Nonetheless, it is great to have Lantz, who is synonymous with this Lakers franchise, back for another season.
For road contests, it will be Danny Green serving as the primary color commentator, while others could also serve in that role at times throughout the season as well. Green will also continue to contribute to Spectrum SportsNet’s studio coverage.
That studio coverage will have plenty of familiar faces with Chris McGee remaining the host and Hall of Famer and Lakers legend James Worthy a primary analyst with both serving in their roles since 2012. There will also be a rotating group of analysts which will include familiar faces such as Green, Derek Fisher and Robert Horry, but also a new face in Sasha Vujacic, who won championships with the Lakers in 2009 and 2010.
Vujacic was an important role player on those championship teams and became a very trusted teammate of the legendary Kobe Bryant. He also famously subbed in the final seconds of Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals to knock down the series-icing free throws to ensure that championship. Vujacic is also a fellow Slovenian like superstar guard Luka Doncic and perhaps could give a bit more insight on things that others would be unable to.
Mike Trudell will also be returning for his 16th season as the Lakers’ sideline reporter, but he will be joined in that role by Roqui Theus, the daughter of former NBA All-Star Reggie Theus, who spent 13 years in the NBA making two All-Star teams.
Lakers insider Mike Bresnahan and host Allie Clifton will also contribute to Lakers studio programming throughout the season, including the “Lakeshow Podcast.”
Backstage: Lakers returning for 15th season
Additionally, the Emmy award-winning Backstage: Lakers returns for its 15th season, offering fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the off-the-court experiences of Lakers players, coaches and executives. The season premiere will air Friday, Oct. 23 at 10:30 p.m. PT, following the Access SportsNet: Lakers postgame show.
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