Lakers vs Nuggets Game 1: Date, time & TV channel for 2023 Western Conference Finals

Kyle Irving

Lakers vs Nuggets Game 1: Date, time & TV channel for 2023 Western Conference Finals image

The Lakers are returning to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2020.

Los Angeles took care of business on its home floor, defeating the Warriors in six games to advance to the next round. LeBron James was masterful in the 21-point win, going for a near-triple-double of 30 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.

Awaiting the Lakers in the Conference Finals are superstar center Nikola Jokic and the No. 1 seed Nuggets, who destroyed the Suns by 25 points in Game 6 of their Semifinals series to punch their ticket.

Wondering when the Western Conference Finals will tip off? The Sporting News has you covered with all the information you need below to tune into Game 1 of Lakers vs. Nuggets.

When is Game 1 of Lakers vs. Nuggets?

  • Date: Tuesday, May 16

Game 1 between the Lakers and Nuggets will be played on Tuesday, May 16. The game will be held at Ball Arena in Denver, CO.

What time is Game 1 of Lakers vs. Nuggets?

  • Time: 8:30 p.m. ET | 5:30 p.m. PT

Game 1 of the Lakers and Nuggets Western Conference Finals series will tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET.

What channel is Lakers vs. Nuggets Game 1 on?

  • TV channel (U.S.): ESPN
  • Live streaming: Sling TV

Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals will be broadcast on ESPN. Viewers can also stream the game on Sling TV.

Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA Playoffs on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all the games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.

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Lakers vs. Nuggets schedule

Here is the complete schedule for the Conference Finals series between Los Angeles and Denver:

Date Game Time (ET) TV channel
Tuesday, May 16 Game 1 8:30 p.m. at DEN ESPN
Thursday, May 18 Game 2 8:30 p.m. at DEN ESPN
Saturday, May 20 Game 3 8:30 p.m. at LAL ABC
Monday, May 22 Game 4 8:30 p.m. at LAL ESPN
Wednesday, May 24 Game 5* 8:30 p.m. at DEN ESPN
Friday, May 26 Game 6* 8:30 p.m. at LAL ESPN
Sunday, May 28 Game 7* 8:30 p.m. at DEN ESPN

*If necessary.

Kyle Irving

Kyle Irving Photo

You read that wrong – not Kyrie Irving. From Boston, graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Sixth season as a content producer for NBA.com's Global editions. Covering the NBA Draft has become his annual "dream come true" moment on the job. Irving has a soft spot for pass-first point guards, with Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash being two of his favorite players of all time.