NBA Playoffs: 9 bold but completely reasonable predictions

Phoenix Suns Kevin Durant (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Phoenix Suns Kevin Durant (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

The Los Angeles Lakers will make the Western Conference Finals

Since the NBA Trade Deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers have absolutely been an entirely different team. Since that point, they have had the best record in the Western Conference. And considering this team is relatively healthy heading into the NBA Playoffs, you have to like their chances to potentially make some noise. And I predict that they will. Not only will they beat the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round but they will also beat the Sacramento Kings in the conference semifinals.

Heading into the NBA Playoffs, there’s a lot to like about the Lakers. They have a great defense and two superstars that can take control of a game (and series) on any given night. Plus, they also have an emerging supporting cast that is continuing to get better and better with every passing day.

Another thing that the Lakers have going for them is that they’re on the favorable side of the Western Conference bracket. The Lakers won’t have to play the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, or LA Clippers until the conference finals. And if the Lakers also manage to avoid the Warriors, the road to the conference finals isn’t that far-fetched for this team.