LeBron James and the Lakers haven't won a playoff series since the 2020 NBA Finals. If they want to change that this spring, it's going to start Sunday in Memphis.
The Lakers secured a date with the Grizzlies with their overtime win over Minnesota in the play-in tournament. The victory wasn't Los Angeles' smoothest performance by any means, but it's tough to underestimate James in the playoffs.
The Grizzlies' season has been rocky at times, with Ja Morant serving a brief suspension for flashing a gun on an Instagram Live video, plus both Brandon Clarke and Steven Adams going down with season-ending injuries. Still, Memphis just kept winning and earned the No. 2 seed in the West for the second consecutive year.
This series brings together two of the NBA's most exciting players in James and Morant, drafted 16 years apart. Morant's play was enough to lift the Grizzlies past a gritty Timberwolves team in the first round last season. Will it be enough to withstand the duo of James and Anthony Davis?
MORE: Dates, TV schedule, brackets for 2023 NBA Playoffs
The series tips off at FedEx Forum on Sunday as Memphis looks to defend its home court.
Here's what you need to know to watch Game 1 of the NBA playoff series between the Lakers and Grizzlies, including start time and channel.
What channel is Lakers vs. Grizzlies on?
- TV channel: ABC
- Live stream: Sling TV
Game 1 between the Lakers and Grizzlies will air on ABC. Viewers can also live stream the game on Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA's biggest playoff games 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.
SIGN UP FOR SLING: English | Spanish
What time is Lakers vs. Grizzlies?
- Date: Sunday, April 16
- Time: 3 p.m. ET (2 p.m. CT)
- Location: FedEx Forum, Memphis, Tenn.
Lakers vs. Grizzlies will tip off at 3 p.m. ET (2 p.m. local time) on Sunday from FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn.
Lakers vs. Grizzlies series schedule, TV channels
Game 1 of the seven-game series between the Lakers and Grizzlies will take place on Sunday, April 16. The series will shift to Los Angeles for Games 3 and 4 and return to Memphis for Game 5 if necessary.
Below is a full schedule for the Lakers vs. Grizzlies playoff series.
| Date | Game | Location | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| April 16 | Game 1 | FedEx Forum | 3 p.m. | ABC |
| April 19 | Game 2 | FedEx Forum | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| April 22 | Game 3 | Crypto.com Arena | 10 p.m. | ESPN |
| April 24 | Game 4 | Crypto.com Arena | TBD | TBD |
| April 26 | Game 5* | FedEx Forum | TBD | TBD |
| April 28 | Game 6* | Crypto.com Arena | TBD | TBD |
| April 30 | Game 7* | FedEx Forum | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary