Basketball in Los Angeles

L.A.'s pro basketball teams play at the Staples Center (1111 S. Figueroa St., Downtown 213/742-7340 box office www.staplescenter.com).

Los Angeles Lakers. It's not easy to get tickets, but if you can don't miss the chance to see this championship-winning team. 310/426-6000. www.nba.com/lakers.

Clippers. L.A.'s "other" team, the much-maligned but newly revitalized Clippers, sells tickets that are sometimes cheaper and easier to get than those for Lakers games. 888/895-8662. www.nba.com/clippers.

Los Angeles Sparks. After the 2010 retirement of WNBA superstar Lisa Leslie, the Los Angeles Sparks have put the spotlight on forward Candace Parker. 310/426-6031. www.wnba.com/sparks.

University of Southern California. The Trojans of the University of Southern California play at Galen Center.) 213/740-4672. usctrojans.cstv.com.

University of California at Los Angeles. The University of California at Los Angeles Bruins play at Pauley Pavilion on the UCLA campus. 310/825-2101. uclabruins.collegesports.com.

These schools go head-to-head in Pac 10 competition.