5. JaVale McGee, Dallas Mavericks
A Los Angeles Lakers-Dallas Mavericks play-in game would probably record the best ratings of any play-in game thus far for the NBA. Unfortunately, it is not because JaVale McGee is playing his former team, it would be because of the star power involved and the spectacle of it all.
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving vs LeBron James and Anthony Davis is an extremely fun do-or-die matchup, especially because of the fallout that would likely happen if the Lakers were to eliminate the Mavericks.
McGee does not play that big of a factor in all of this as he is just a depth center for the Mavericks but he is not the only former Laker that has ties to the 2020 title team. Former player Jared Dudley is an assistant coach under Jason Kidd, who was the head assistant in 2020 for the Lake Show.
How the Lakers can play the Mavericks in the NBA Playoffs:
This would likely have to be in the play-in. There is a chance that either of these teams could climb out of the play-in and then it would ultimately boil down to the seeding and where everyone fell.
But with Dallas being the 11th seed in the West right now, it would likely come in the play-in. If Dallas and LA are the 10th and 11th seed then they would play in a do-or-die game that would note even guarantee a playoff berth. If LA can climb to the seventh or eighth seed then Dallas might have to win a game first and have the Lakers lose to play them.