If staying near LAX, it doesn't have to be a horrible, 2-hour drive.
With 4 people, the OP has access to HOV lanes on the 105, 605, and 91 freeways (I'd avoid the 405/22 or 105/605/5 options).
For a 7pm puck drop, perhaps leaving mid-afternoon and heading out towards Anaheim is not a bad idea. Time for leisurely dinner without the traffic stress might be OK.
After the game, it'll be late enough that there shouldn't be any traffic back to the LAX area.