L.A. Lakers Game in Palm Dessert

Question

Hello @all,

I am doing an Roadtrip in September/October through California & some other States and my roadtrip ends as i have a couple of days in Los Angeles.

I have already picked one NFL Game to watch, and I want also an NBA match. The only one which is in the time i am in Los Angeles is the game L.A. Lakers against Phoenix at October 3rd in Palm Dessert, so i have a couple of questions:

1) This is a preseason game - I don't watch often NBA, probably mostly the finals, as in Europe it's too late for me, but can I expect in this game all the best players from both team to play, as it is a preseason game?

2) How is the parking situation in Palm Dessert? Any recommendations?

3) How is the traffic the way back from Los Angeles to L.A. at this time (I have a hotel in Manhattan Beach)

Thanks.

Answer

Attending an NBA preseason game, such as the Lakers vs. Phoenix in Palm Desert, can be a fun experience, but there are some differences compared to a regular-season or playoff game that you should be aware of.

1) Player lineups: In preseason games, teams typically do not play their full regular-season rotations. Starters may play limited minutes, and some may sit out entirely, depending on rest and preparation schedules. The game is often used to test younger or fringe players, evaluate new signings, and experiment with strategies. While you may see some top players, don’t expect all stars to play full games or necessarily be on the court together for extended periods.

2) Parking in Palm Desert: The parking situation is generally manageable but depends on the venue. Most stadiums or arenas in the area offer structured parking or surface lots. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot and avoid long lines, especially if it’s a popular matchup. Some tips:

Check the venue’s official website for parking maps, pricing, and recommended arrival times.
Consider pre-purchasing a parking pass if available to guarantee a space.
Arrive at least 60–90 minutes before tip-off to allow time for walking from the lot, security, and finding your seat comfortably.

3) Traffic back to Manhattan Beach: The drive from Palm Desert to the Los Angeles area can take around 2 to 3 hours under normal conditions. During evenings, especially on a weekend or after an event, you may encounter heavy traffic on I-10 approaching the LA metro area. Consider:

Leaving the game slightly early to avoid peak congestion.
Using a navigation app like Google Maps or Waze to monitor real-time traffic and find alternate routes if there are slowdowns.
Being prepared for slower travel once you get closer to the Westside and Manhattan Beach, particularly on I-10 and connecting freeways.

Overall, the preseason game offers a fun, relaxed atmosphere, potentially with less crowd pressure than a regular-season game. While you may not see every star playing extensive minutes, it’s still a great way to enjoy NBA action live. Planning your arrival and departure with traffic and parking in mind will make your experience smoother.