Luka Doncic era begins as Lakers home opener prices dip without LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers are becoming more affordable for fans, with ticket prices for their home opener dropping following LeBron James’ departure from the franchise.

A study comparing the cheapest available tickets for NBA home openers found the Lakers had fallen behind the Philadelphia 76ers, with their entry price sitting at $116. The New York Knicks remain the most expensive team to watch, with tickets starting at $1,112.

Despite having Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves on the roster, the Lakers appear to have lost some of their drawing power without one of basketball’s biggest names.

The Lakers have traditionally ranked among the NBA’s most expensive teams to watch alongside the Knicks. However, their home opener now sits behind the Celtics at $160, the 76ers at $145 and the San Antonio Spurs at $124.

There are other factors driving those prices. The Knicks are preparing to raise their first NBA Championship banner in more than five decades, while the Spurs have the appeal of Victor Wembanyama and a meeting with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

LeBron’s departure has also changed the attraction of watching the Lakers in person. With the veteran star approaching the latter stages of his career, fans have been willing to pay a premium for the chance to see him play before retirement.

Doncic remains a major attraction, but he has many years ahead of him in the league, giving supporters more opportunities to watch him in action.

The Slovenian will now have the chance to build his own legacy in Los Angeles, with Reaves also expected to remain an important part of the team’s appeal.

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For Lakers fans, the lower prices could be welcome news. The team’s combination of James, Anthony Davis and later Doncic helped make tickets increasingly expensive, potentially pricing some supporters out of attending games.

Head coach JJ Redick believes the Lakers can win games and contend this season, which could influence ticket demand as the campaign progresses.

Prices for Lakers games on the road have also fallen, giving fans in other cities a potentially cheaper opportunity to watch the franchise.

Doncic now has the chance to establish his own era in Los Angeles, while supporters may benefit from more affordable access to one of the NBA’s most recognisable teams.

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