TheLos Angeles Lakers radio networks consist of two separate networks for the coverage of theNational Basketball Association (NBA)'sLos Angeles Lakers basketball team. One is anEnglish language network while the other is aSpanish language network. There are 17 total stations in four states (Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico) between the two networks.
Current announcers for the English-language network include John Ireland as the play-by-play announcer since 2011. The color commentator since 2004 is former Lakers player (with the team for their1987 &1988 championships)Mychal Thompson. Thompson, who originally worked with Spero Dedes stayed on as an announcer when the broadcasts moved from KLAC to KSPN at the start of the 2009–2010 season.[1][2]
Former on-air personnel for the network have included legendary play-by-play announcerChick Hearn and former NBA playerStu Lantz as a color commentator.[3]Pat Riley served as a color commentator for the network from 1977 until late 1979 when he became an assistant coach for the team.[4]
The English-language Los Angeles Lakers Radio Network is a three-state, 11-station network withKSPN ("710 ESPN") serving as the flagship.[5] Starting with the 2009–2010 season, KSPN took over the flagship position under a five-year deal, thus ending the Lakers' three-decade relationship withKLAC.[6] KLAC served as the Lakers' flagship station from 1977 to 2009.[7]
