Analyzing the Lakers' ideal path out of the Western Conference Playoffs

The version of the Los Angeles Lakers from this 2024-25 NBA season that was led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis felt like a fringe contender in the Western Conference. Swapping out Davis and Max Christie for Luka Doncic has given optimism towards legitimate championship contention in Los Angeles. Lakers fans, it might be time to get a little obnoxious.

Despite some obvious flaws with the roster, JJ Redick has done a fantastic job scheming around the roster's deficiencies. In moments like those is where the reassurance of contention in 2024-25 has been found. Although, James and Doncic will still need to do some heavy lifting to get the Lakers through the usual bloodbath that can be found throughout the Western Conference Playoffs.

All things considered, there are certainly some easier matchups for the Lakers in terms of the path they could take en route to a potential NBA Finals appearance. With how tight the standings are, there are a bunch of avenues open for potential opponents at every level, and a handful which the Lakers should certainly prefer.

First round opponent: Sacramento Kings

The days of being mystified by the chokehold that Domantas Sabonis and the Sacramento Kings had over the Lakers and Davis are over. This version of the Kings really should not strike fear into the hearts of Los Angeles.

The important part that should be mentioned here is that this 'perfect' journey for the Lakers would involve them climbing up to the second seed by season's end. As far as the Kings go, Los Angeles has won the last four meetings against the Sacramento. Their current team, as constructed, lacks a strong reason for concern.

One could argue the Minnesota Timberwolves or Dallas Mavericks here. However, there are reasons to believe one of those teams could prove a touch more challenging. In particular, an emotionally-fueled series against the Mavericks would be a dangerous prospect.

Second round opponent: Memphis Grizzlies

This ideal scenario where the Lakers finish second in the conference would also have the Memphis Grizzlies locking up the third seed.

Make no mistake about, the Grizzlies are a good team. However, the Lakers have a strong track record of having their number (7-3 in their last ten regular season games). Plus, a recent playoff series win should inspire confidence in the Los Angeles locker room.

Third round opponent: Oklahoma City Thunder

The toughest call here, by far, is who the Lakers would want to face in the Western Conference Finals. Keeping it within the world of realism, there will not be an easy exit by having an eighth seed surprisingly emerge in this scenario and knock off the other major contenders in the conference.

Ideally, if you are the Lakers, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets both end up on the opposite side of the bracket. In those circumstances, one of them removes the other from the equation, leaving Los Angeles with the need of only overcoming either Oklahoma City or Denver, not both.

It is difficult to pick between those two potential matchups. Both could be unfavorable for their own reasons. Despite the most recent win against the Nuggets, there is just too much bad history there for the Lakers to feel truly comfortable with seeing them once the third round comes around. That is still true even when considering the alternative is facing the Thunder, who have a nine-game lead on the rest of the West in the standings.

Los Angeles is 7-3 against Oklahoma City in their last 10 regular season matchups. Shannon Sharpe may have put it best.