Lakers again lead the NBA in prices

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Let’s say you and three friends or family members are going to a Lakers game.

You buy four average-price tickets, two small draft beers, four small soft drinks, four regular-size hot dogs, parking for one car, two game programs and the two least-expensive, adult-size adjustable caps.

Be prepared to fork over $479.48.

Take the same circumstances and go to a Clippers game.

It will cost you $316.50.

These numbers are courtesy of the Team Marketing Report’s ‘08-’09 Fan Cost Index.

The Lakers for the seventh consecutive year have the highest average ticket price at $93.25 and lead the Fan Cost Index by more than $50 over the second-place New York Knicks ($420.04). The Boston Celtics are third at $389.20, $90 cheaper than the team they defeated for the NBA championship.

How much would the Lakers set you back if they had won the title?

The Clippers are 11th but higher than the NBA average of $291.43.

The cheapest team in the FCI is Memphis at $182.94.

Best bargains (good teams, below-average prices): Detroit Pistons at $284 and Houston Rockets at $279.11.

-- Randy Harvey