ESPN Los Angeles 710 AM and the Los Angeles Lakers have extended their radio rights agreement, continuing a partnership that began in 2009. All Lakers regular-season games, in addition to preseason and playoff games will be broadcast on ESPN LA 710 AM.
John Ireland will continue as the Lakers’ radio play-by-play voice, a role he’s held for 11 seasons. Mychal Thompson will provide analysis. The former Lakers player is in his 19th season as color commentator on the team’s radio broadcasts.
Ireland also co-hosts Mason and Ireland with Steve Mason on ESPN LA 710 AM, which airs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. PT. Another ESPN LA on-air host, Allen Silwa, hosts the Lakers pregame, halftime, and postgame coverage, in addition to the weekly Lakers Talk show on Mondays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. PT. Silwa co-hosts Travis and Silwa with Travis Rodgers from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. PT.
“We are excited to extend our partnership with the Lakers and look forward to building our relationship with such an iconic brand,” said Sam Pines, senior VP of Good Karma Brands and ESPN LA market manager. “The Lakers are a best-in-class organization and brand, and we are thrilled to bring our fans Lakers basketball for years to come.”
Good Karma Brands acquired ESPN LA 710 AM last December.
“We are delighted to further our long-standing radio partnership with ESPN LA and welcome Good Karma Brands to the Lakers family,” said Lakers president of business operations Tim Harris. “Lakers fans will continue to receive a first-class broadcast experience for every game throughout the season with their favorite duo behind the mic.”
Ian Casselberry is a sports media columnist for BSM. He has previously written and edited for Awful Announcing, The Comeback, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo Sports, MLive, Bleacher Report, and SB Nation. You can find him on Twitter @iancass or reach him by email at iancass@gmail.com.
