3 Teams Lakers Don't Want to Face in Postseason This Year

The Lakers would feel a lot better about their chances of winning a title if they don't have to face these teams in the playoffs.

Mar 17, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and guard Austin Reaves (15) react against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers believe that they are a contender to win the NBA championship now that they have Luka Doncic. They believe that his offensive play raises their ceiling in a way they didn't have with Anthony Davis on the roster.

If Doncic and LeBron James are able to be healthy for a playoff run, they feel really good about their chances to make the NBA Finals.

Still, it would be easier for them if they didn't have to face these three teams in the playoffs. These three matchups would give them the most trouble in the postseason.

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1. Denver Nuggets

For the last few years, it seems that the Nuggets have had the Lakers' number. Los Angeles hasn't been able to beat them in the playoffs.

In fact, the Nuggets have knocked the Lakers out of the playoffs in each of the last two years, ending their season both times. It's clearly a nightmare matchup.

Not having Anthony Davis to defend Nikola Jokic would only make it harder to defend him in the post. He's the best player in the NBA for a reason.

2. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors have been a much better team since they brought in Jimmy Butler. He gives them a small forward who can do whatever is necessary to win games.

Anytime you are in a series with Steph Curry on the other sidelines, it is scary, too. He can get hot at any given moment and carry the team to victory.

Although the Lakers have the defensive personnel to handle both Curry and Butler in a series, they are still a headace to deal with.

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3. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder are considered the best team in the NBA. They just have so many guys that can hurt you at any given time that they are impossible to defend.

They would likely pick on Doncic on defense, getting him switched into action with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as much as possible. That's a nightmare scenario for the Lakers.

Playing the Thunder would be really tough, which is why the Lakers are working so hard to get the second seed in the West.

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