Bars set up TV's outside for fans to watch Lakers, Clippers NBA game

Sports bars taking TV screens outdoors

Basketball has made a return in 2020 and despite physical distancing orders some local bars are taking their TVs outdoors for customers to enjoy the game and feel safe.

LOS ANGELES - Bars across SoCal set up TV's outside of their establishments to provide fans with a place to watch the NBA Lakers vs. Clippers game Thursday evening.

The Nickel Mine in West LA had multiple TV's outside with tables six feet apart for fans. The restaurant will offer the same setup for every Lakers game this season.

"I know this place [The Nickel Mine]. I've been here a lot so I knew how they did it, and felt safe so I know how they clean up and are doing what they can. It's nice after being just bored inside all day. It's nice to be outside and I just don't feel bad about being here in the sunlight and watching the game," said Scott Ivers who is a Lakers fan.

Pat, a restaurant patron, also commended the set up.

"I think the setup is pretty great. They're doing what they can and you gotta support your local businesses," he said.

Twenty-two teams are participating in the NBA's restarted season. The games will actually count in the standings inside the "bubble" at Walt Disney World.