Basketball obsessed daughter

[macNZ]

Hi Everyone
We are visiting the US from New Zealand 14 Sept-4 Oct. We are arriving in LA for two days then driving up to San Francisco for 4 nights, then down the coast to LA for the rest of the trip.
My 10 year old daughter is obsessed with basketball (Although it is played in New Zealand, it isn't a main sport). She wants to see an NBA game. I believe we are visiting before the season begins.
Are there pre-season games? How do you find info on them?
Any suggested places to visit?
Any good places to buy basketball merchandise? She has quite a few team jerseys but would like t-shirts and other clothing (even if it isn't a particular team - just basketball related).

Thank you

 

[StageTek]

You can find games on nba.com. In Los Angeles you can find Lakers schedules here http://www.nba.com/lakers/schedule

For general basketball merchandise you can go to any Sports Chalet https://www.sportchalet.com/store-locator

 

[Luckymommatoo]

Here's a good write-up of Staples Center (where the Lakers play), and what you can find around it. It's quite the entertainment complex:
http://www.stadiumjourney.com/stadiums/staples-center-s120/

 

[SMD]

There's a WNBA team in LA and their regular season ends 9/18. You might be able to catch a home game if the schedule works out.