2. The Memphis Grizzlies need to beat the Golden State Warriors
The second step that needs to take place is that the Lakers need the Memphis Grizzlies to beat the Golden State Warriors in a potential 2-7 first-round playoff matchup. Assuming that the Lakers would beat the Kings in their first-round matchup (which is not a foregone conclusion by any means), the last thing they would want to see in the conference semifinals is a Warriors team that is beginning to hit their stride.
And if Golden State does make it out of the first round, that’s exactly what would be transpiring. I have this weird feeling about the Warriors that they’re either going to lose in the first round of the playoffs (or even in the Play-In Tournament), or they’re going to make a run to the conference finals or even the NBA Finals. No in-between. Even if the Lakers get by the Kings, I don’t believe it would bode well for them against an emerging Warriors team.
I’m not saying that the Lakers would handle the Grizzlies easily; not what I’m saying at all. But, with all due respect to the Grizzlies, the defending champs when they’re playing at their best are at an entirely different level.