Los Angeles Lakers radio networks explained

The Los Angeles Lakers radio networks consist of two separate networks for the coverage of the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s Los Angeles Lakers basketball team. One is an English language network while the other is a Spanish language network. There are 17 total stations in four states (Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico) between the two networks.

On-air personnel

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 their 1987 & 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 announcer Chick Hearn and former NBA player Stu 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]

English-language network

The English-language Los Angeles Lakers Radio Network is a three-state, 11-station network with KSPN ("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 with KLAC.[6] KLAC served as the Lakers' flagship station from 1977 to 2009.[7]

Network affiliates

California

Callsign Frequency Location
KSPN (Flagship) 710 AM Los Angeles
1490 AM & 98.1 FM Banning/Beaumont
1230 AM & 93.5 FM Barstow
1430 AM Fresno
790 AM Clovis/Fresno
92.7 HD2 & 103.9 FM Palm Springs
760 & 101.5 HD2 San Diego
1280 AM & 101.7 FM San Luis Obispo

New Mexico

Spanish-language network

The Spanish-language network is a two-state, four-station network with KWKW serving as its flagship.[5]

Network affiliates

California

Callsign Frequency Location
1490 AM Bakersfield
1330 AM Los Angeles (network flagship)
1220 AM Pomona
1420 AM San Diego, California/Tijuana, Baja California

Nevada

Former affiliates for either network

California

Callsign Frequency Location
570 AM Los Angeles (network flagship from 1977 to 2009)
1410 AM Bakersfield (2002)[8]
1450 AM Palm Springs (2002)
960 AM Apple Valley (2002)
100.1 FM Tehachapi (2002)
1510 AM Ontario (1998)
KSMA 1240 AM Santa Maria (2002)
1230 AM El Centro (until 2009)
94.1 FM Merced (until 2009)
1600 AM Fresno (until 2009)

Nevada

Callsign Frequency Location
1460 AM Las Vegas (2002)
KPTT 630 AM Reno (2002)

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Mike . Bresnahan . Los Angeles Times . Lakers' Andrew Bynum wants to be in the game at the end . December 12, 2008.
  2. News: Los Angeles Business Journal . Lakers moving radio home to 710 ESPN . December 12, 2008.
  3. News: Tribune Business News . Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Sports Radio Station Lands Lakers Broadcast . August 9, 1998.
  4. News: William C. . Rhoden . Sports of The Times; Riley Finding His Time Is Passing By . The New York Times . May 13, 2000.
  5. Web site: Los Angeles Lakers . Lakers Broadcast Information . December 20, 2009.
  6. News: Los Angeles Times . Lakers set to switch to 710 ESPN next season . December 11, 2008. Debbie. Goffa.
  7. News: Radio Magazine . The NBA Finals on Lakers Radio KLAC . Stephanie . Snyder . September 1, 2004.
  8. Web site: Los Angeles Lakers . Follow the Lakers on Radio . August 7, 2002.