If you thought your last trip to the grocery store was pricey, try taking a family of four to a Lakers playoff game. A new analysis from The Action Network reveals that a family of four paid a staggering $2,615.01 to attend Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals between the Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. That jaw-dropping total covers four tickets, parking, food, drinks, and merchandise—making it one of the NBA's most expensive postseason experiences, second only to the New York Knicks.
For context, the average cost for a family of four to catch a regular-season Lakers game is about $677.64. So, playoff pricing isn't just a jump—it's a leap into another tax bracket. The inflated prices might be fueled by fans willing to pay a premium for what could potentially be LeBron James's last game in a Lakers uniform, adding an emotional premium to an already sky-high bill.
Unfortunately for those who splurged, the night didn't end with a victory lap. The Thunder completed a sweep with a thrilling 115-110 win, sending the Lakers into a long offseason full of questions about LeBron, Austin Reaves, and the future of basketball's most glamorous franchise. Talk about a tough way to say goodbye to your hard-earned cash.
Meanwhile, families in Oklahoma City attending Games 1 and 2 at Paycom Center paid $1,796.09—nearly $1,000 less than their Los Angeles counterparts. That's a significant savings, but it still doesn't beat the most affordable postseason experience in the league. The Cleveland Cavaliers offered the best bang for your buck, with tickets that wouldn't require a second mortgage.
On the flip side, the most expensive playoff tickets belong to the New York Knicks. A family of four attending Games 1 and 2 at Madison Square Garden against the 76ers paid a whopping $3,611.73. That's the price of a used car and a bucket of popcorn in most cities. But hey, if you're going to watch playoff basketball in the world's most famous arena, you might as well be prepared to pay for the privilege.
Whether you're a Lakers fan mourning a sweep or a Knicks fan celebrating a deep run, one thing is clear: playoff basketball is a luxury experience. And for families looking to catch the action, it pays to plan ahead—and maybe start saving now.