1. Los Angeles Lakers
Since the NBA All-Star break, there hasn’t been a team in the Western Conference that has been as consistent as the Los Angeles Lakers. They’ve played superb defense over that stretch and appear to be as healthy as they’ll ever be with both LeBron James and Anthony Davis ready for the NBA postseason stretch. The Lakers may not have gotten the most favorable of first-round matchups with the Memphis Grizzlies but this is a team that could very well end up making noise in the West bracket.
The Grizzlies are a worthy opponent. Over the stretch of the entire season, the Grizzlies were one of the most consistent teams in the West. They have a rising superstar in Ja Morant and a strong supporting cast. Still, beating a LeBron James and Anthony Davis-led playoff team will be easier said than done.
And that’s where you have to like LA’s chances. Looking from a traditional point of view, the Grizzlies should win this series. They’re the 2nd seed and the Lakers are 7th. However, I’ll take my chances with any team that has a healthy LeBron and AD on it over a seven-game stretch.
The Lakers are dangerous and if they can stay healthy, will have a strong chance to make a dark horse run in the West playoffs.