Reports: LA Lakers confident of 'taking down' Memphis Grizzlies and Denver Nuggets in playoffs
Even though they are sitting in the play-in tournament right now, the LA Lakers are feeling confident heading into the postseason. After a rocky start to the year, the new-look roster likes their chances against two of the top teams in the Western Conference right now.
During a recent episode of "This League #Uncut," NBA insider Chris Haynes shed some light on the current situation of the LA Lakers. It was there that he stated that the team thought they could take down the Memphis Grizzlies and Denver Nuggets in a seven-game series.
“They believe they got a legitimate shot to take down Denver.
“They believe they got a legitimate shot to take down Memphis. I don’t know about Phoenix when K.D. is healthy — I haven’t asked around on that front — but there’s no fear at all.”
LeBron James has missed the past 11 games for the Lakers, but the team has managed to stay afloat. They are 6-4 over their last 10 and are in the thick of the playoff race in the West. LA finds itself tied for ninth place with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but they are only two-and-a-half games out of sixth place.
Could the LA Lakers take down the Memphis Grizzlies or Denver Nuggets in a playoff series?
If they are fully healthy heading into the playoffs, the LA Lakers should like their chances against teams like the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies. While they've dominated the regular season, they are two teams with minimal playoff success in recent years.
When LeBron James and Anthony Davis are healthy, they are still one of the top duos in the NBA. With the new-look supporting cast around them, they once again have complementing role players to elevate their game. This should come in handy if they manage to hold onto a playoff spot.
Anthony Davis has had dominant stretches this year, which should help the Lakers if they get matched up against Denver. He has the defensive prowess to slow down Nikola Jokic and can make him work on the defensive end of the floor. Not having home court advantage hurts LA, but it is something it could potentially overcome with a player like LeBron.
As far as the Grizzlies go, their off-the-court drama could derail their postseason chances. Ja Morant is still yet to return and there is no telling what shape he will be in. Having that cloud hanging over them could hurt them when it's time to focus on the postseason.