After 31 Years, Lakers Leaving 570 AM Radio

Since 1977, AM 570 (through roughly 500 format changes) has been the home of the Los Angeles Lakers. It was home to Magic and Kareem, Shaq and the three-pete, and of course Chick Hearn and his simulcasts.

But no more, starting next season. Everyone (including play-by-play announcer Spero Dedes and color commentator Mychal Thompson) are making the move to 710 AM.

“This is an exciting but somewhat bittersweet announcement for the Lakers organization,” said Jeanie Buss, Executive Vice President of Business Operations.  “KLAC has been a wonderful partner for more than three decades and we greatly respect and appreciate everything they have done. “At the same time, we feel strongly that the time is right for this move to 710 ESPN.”

Things had been changing since Hearn’s death, starting with the splitting of radio and television teams for the 2004 season (when you have a star like Hearn or Vin Scully, you highlight them with simulcasts). And with 570 owned by Clear Channel, it hadn’t for years felt very much like a family with the Lakers or anything else.

Still, it’s just will seem weird to turn on 570 next season and not hear the Lakers.

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