Scoring Lakers tickets is hard enough — but getting courtside seats when the game is already sold out? That sounds impossible. And yet, some fans are proving it’s not just possible — it’s totally doable. We tracked down some of the most determined, creative, and downright lucky Lakers fans to share their stories of how they turned ticket desperation into front-row dreams.
????️ 1. The Craigslist Come-Up
Fan: Jason M., 29, from Long Beach
Game: Lakers vs. Warriors, February 2024
How He Did It:
“I refreshed Craigslist every 5 minutes the morning of the game. A guy bailed on his clients last minute and posted two courtside tickets for face value just to get something back. I drove 40 minutes with cash in hand and met him outside a Starbucks. Verified the tickets through Ticketmaster, and boom — courtside."
Pro Tip: “People flake all the time. Don’t be afraid to look the day of, especially on less conventional platforms.”
???? 2. The Twitter Flash Deal
Fan: Alyssa T., 24, from Pasadena
Game: Lakers vs. Suns, March 2023
How She Did It:
“I follow a bunch of resale bots and ticket deal accounts on Twitter. One random night, a bot tweeted about two courtside seats for $1,000 each — still crazy expensive, but like half the usual price. I split with my cousin and bought instantly.”
Pro Tip: “Set alerts on Twitter for accounts like @TickPickDeals or @SeatGeekPromos — they post secret discounts and flash deals you won’t find on major sites.”
???? 3. The Points Redemption Jackpot
Fan: Chris L., 35, from Burbank
Game: Lakers vs. Celtics, December 2022
How He Did It:
“I saved up credit card points for 2 years. Amex had a limited-time reward for VIP sports experiences. I cashed in for a courtside experience that included a meet-and-greet and dinner. It felt like winning a contest.”
Pro Tip: “If you’ve got a rewards card, check their ‘experiences’ section. Courtside might cost a ton of points, but it’s worth every single one.”
⏰ 4. The 10-Minute Window Trick
Fan: Natalie S., 31, from Santa Monica
Game: Lakers vs. Clippers, April 2023
How She Did It:
“I always check the official Lakers site 30 minutes before tip-off. One night, I saw two tickets — front row, baseline — pop up for release. I later learned some sponsors don’t claim all their tickets and they’re released last minute.”
Pro Tip: “Refresh constantly before game time. Seats that were held all day sometimes get dropped minutes before the game.”
???? 5. The Networking Miracle
Fan: David R., 40, from Beverly Hills
Game: Lakers vs. Bucks, January 2024
How He Did It:
“My friend works in PR and had a client cancel. She texted me an hour before the game: ‘Want to sit courtside?’ I was in my car in 3 minutes.”
Pro Tip: “Let people know you’re always down to take an extra ticket. You never know who might have a connection.”
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Be Rich — Just Ready
Courtside seats may seem like a dream reserved for celebrities and billionaires, but real fans are proving otherwise. Whether it’s luck, hustle, or being in the right place at the right time, there’s always a shot to upgrade your view of the Lake Show.
So next time you think it’s too late or too expensive? Remember these stories — and keep refreshing.
Want more insider tips? Check out ShowtimeInvestors.com for the latest guides, deals, and fan hacks.