The first-round playoff matchups:
These are the two teams that I think will round-up the playoff picture in the Western Conference and are the most likely teams that the Los Angeles Lakers will play in the first round. For the purpose of getting a correct prediction, all teams are ranked 2-8 (Lakers being 1).
8. New Orleans Pelicans
This is the first-round playoff matchup that is the most intriguing and it is not even close. LeBron James and Anthony Davis vs. the Lakers old young core plus Zion Williamson, who did not play much last season.
The Pelicans will naturally get better from (hopefully) getting a full season of Zion. Brandon Ingram should continue to blossom and Steven Adams fills the hole at the center position.
Ironically enough, I think trading Jrue Holiday might help the Pelicans more than it will hurt them. It opens the door for Ball to have a bigger role as the team’s traditional point guard while adding a more complementary role player around the young core in Eric Bledsoe.
7. Phoenix Suns
Yep, I like what the Phoenix Suns did this offseason. Adding Chris Paul does not make them legitimate NBA Finals contenders but it is a move that will result in the team’s first playoff birth since 2010.
Paul overachieved with a young core in OKC and there is no reason why he won’t do so here as well. I actually really like the tandem of CP3 and Devin Booker and first overall pick Deandre Ayton should only get better.
Jae Crowder is a sneaky good pickup as well as a veteran wing who provides the team a nice three and D option.