NBA playoff matchup ranking: Lakers vs. Grizzlies or Lakers vs. Pelicans?

Which would be the best first-round NBA playoff matchup: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies or Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans.

This is building up to be one of the most exciting NBA seasons and, hopefully, playoffs, in a long time. From the dominant Milwaukee Bucks to the star-studded Los Angeles teams in the Western Conference, this is setting up to be one of the most historic playoffs in recent history.

Now, at some point, we’re going to witness a legend pass the torch to a younger up-and-coming star. One player that many expect that to be is Zion Williamson, who, interestingly, could be facing off against the Los Angeles Lakers (and LeBron James) in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

At the same rate, another up-and-coming star is Ja Morant who could also see his Memphis Grizzlies face off against the Lakers as well in the first round.

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But, which first-round playoff series would be considered the best possible outcome for the public and, or, fans?

The New Orleans Pelicans as a team, have a fantastic upside. One interesting tidbit is the Pelicans actually have the easiest remaining schedule in the NBA. Conversely, the team that is sitting in the 8th seed in the West, Memphis Grizzlies, has the third-toughest remaining schedule in the NBA.

Also, this Zion kid has been dunking his way in or over his defenders, and shooting the 3-point shot has been exhilarating to watch. Zion is averaging 24 points and seven rebounds on 59 percent shooting from the field and 46 percent from 3-point range.

His running mates Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball have also been tremendous this season. Ingram is having his best season to date, averaging 24 points, six rebounds, and four assists on 47 percent shooting from the field and 39 percent from 3-point range.

Ball has been almost equally magical during the month of March. In the five games, Ball is averaging 21 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists on 54 percent shooting from the field and an absurd 51 percent from 3-point range.

As a team, though, they have lost all four matchups against the Lakers this season. With that said, there are still many people that would love to see a first-round playoff matchup between Zion and LeBron. There’s no question about that. In fact, you can make the case that ESPN wants to see it too.

Even if you believe that the Pelicans would have no chance against the Lakers in a seven-game series, Zion vs. LeBron would be worth the price of a series between the two teams.

On the other hand, you have Ja Morant and the Grizzlies. The team that has actually beaten the Lakers once this season. The Grizzlies are another one of the NBA’s hottest young teams in the league.

Led by Morant, the Grizzlies are exciting and have the fire-power to potentially keep things interesting for a game or two. Even as big of a star that Morant is, he’s likely not going to attract the eyeballs that a Zion vs. LeBron series would.

LeBron James has respect for both of these two young players and teams. He has the vision to see the future of the league. Even though LeBron is still largely considered the best, or second-best, player in the NBA, he still has plenty to prove in the playoffs.

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No matter how the matchup shake out, both the Pelicans and Grizzlies will likely both be swept. Although, which series would be the best for the fans and the NBA as a whole? Lakers vs. Grizzlies or Lakers vs. Pelicans?

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