(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The NBA playoffs are right around the corner as first-round matchups are starting to shape up, with some intriguing scenarios potentially coming to fruition.
One team that has gotten a lot of attention over the last few weeks has been the Los Angeles Lakers, with the storied franchise starting to turn things around as the squad has gotten healthy and ready to make a run in the playoffs.
However, the Lakers have lacked consistency this season, with some believing it could be an early exit in the playoffs for LeBron James and company.
Nick Wright of Fox Sports believes the Lakers should do everything possible to avoid a first-round matchup with the division rival Phoenix Suns, who could be the team to beat in the postseason.
“The only seed the Lakers don’t want is the 5-seed. Phoenix right now looms large over the entirety of the West. … The Lakers getting the 6 or 7-seed is better than the 5.”
— @getnickwright breaks down the Lakers playoff scenarios: pic.twitter.com/YVyCVeCR8D
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) April 6, 2023
The Lakers have two regular-season games left and could rise to a higher seed in the Western Conference standings as a result of the outcomes of these two games.
The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers currently sit ahead of the Lakers in the West, with only one game separating these teams.
Darvin Ham’s squad would face the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round if the playoffs started today.
Obviously, every matchup in the playoffs provides its fair share of problems for the Lakers, as they’ve had trouble containing Ja Morant this season.
However, the matchup with the Suns would arguably be the toughest matchup for the Lakers.
The three-headed monster of Kevin Durant, Chris Paul and Devin Booker is a scary sight for any opponent.
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