As the 2024-25 NBA playoffs approach, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a competitive Western Conference landscape, and we have the three best and worst playoff matchups for them.
With a 46-29 record, the Los Angeles Lakers currently hold the fourth seed in the Western Conference. The blockbuster trade acquiring Luka Doncic (27.8 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 7.8 APG) has bolstered their roster, pairing him with LeBron James (24.5 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 8.5 APG) to form a formidable duo.
The rise of Austin Reaves as a third option has been critical as well, because the shooting guard is posting a career-high 20.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. No doubt, Lakers fans will feel their team can handle any opposition right now when it comes to the playoff seeding.
However, analyzing potential matchups becomes essential for the Purple and Gold to prepare for a deep postseason run. We have an idea of the three best and three worst playoff matchups for the Lakers in 2024-25, based on a number of factors, including positional opponents and even off-court factors. Let’s go through them
The Memphis Grizzlies have been a formidable force in the Western Conference, boasting a 44-31 record and holding the fifth seed. Their athleticism and confidence have been evident throughout the season, making them a challenging opponent for any team. However, the recent firing of head coach Taylor Jenkins on March 28, 2025, has introduced uncertainty just weeks before the playoffs. Assistant coach Tuomas Iisalo has stepped in as the interim head coach.
With this coaching change, the Grizzlies’ roster is strong but might experience problems building chemistry as each postseason game passes by. Ja Morant continues to lead the team with his dynamic playmaking, while Desmond Bane and Santi Aldama provide significant contributions on both ends of the court. Aldama, in particular, is having the best season of his career, averaging notable points, rebounds, and assists. Still, the Lakers have consistency and the two best players on the floor, so they have the advantage.
The cross-town rivalry could favor the Lakers this postseason. The Clippers, currently holding a 43-32 record, have struggled with consistency and injuries (to Kawhi Leonard mainly) throughout the season. James Harden (22.5 PPG, 8.6 APG) and Norman Powell (22.6 PPG) are elite offensive players, and Ty Lue is an exceptional coach, but the Lakers have a better top-heavy roster and probably a better all-around roster as it pertains to the playoffs.
This season, the Lakers have dominated the season series, winning 3 out of 4 games against the Clippers. With LeBron and Luka’s synergy peaking, the Lakers’ offensive firepower could overpower the Clippers’ defense, especially considering the Clippers’ lack of depth in the frontcourt. If Kawhi Leonard is fully healthy and at his peak, we might revisit this, but based on what we have seen this season, that isn’t the case, and the Lakers have the edge.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, with a 43-32 record, present a favorable matchup for the Lakers. Minnesota’s reliance on their star players, mainly Anthony Edwards, has been a double-edged sword, as their bench production ranks among the lowest in the league. They are averaging 24.8 bench PPG, which is only 19th in the NBA.
Additionally, the Timberwolves’ defense has struggled against versatile forwards, providing an advantage for LeBron and Luka to dominate offensively. Edwards (27.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.6 APG) is capable and talented enough to take on James and Doncic in terms of star power, but we aren’t sold on Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert as second and third options, and that means all eyes will be on Naz Reid to deliver. The Lakers will have more talent entering this matchup now that Karl-Anthony Towns is in New York.
The Nuggets, boasting a 47-28 record, have been a thorn in the Lakers’ side this season. Denver’s dynamic offense, led by their MVP-caliber center Nikola Jokic, has challenged the Lakers’ interior defense. The season series is tied at 2-2, indicating a closely contested matchup.
Denver’s altitude advantage and depth could pose significant challenges for the Lakers in a prolonged series when the Purple and Gold go away from home. Of course, Jokic is the best player in the world (and the series) so the Lakers won’t be able to simply “out-talent” Denver. The Nuggets also have championship experience and they have handled the Lakers easily in the playoffs over the last few seasons, so it won’t be favorable for L.A. if both teams fall to the 4th and 5th seeds at the end of the season.
Despite a 41-30 record, the Golden State Warriors remain a formidable opponent. Their recent 148-106 victory over the Spurs showcased their offensive prowess, even as they navigate injuries like Jonathan Kuminga’s ankle sprain. Jimmy Butler III was a genius acquisition by the Warriors because their defensive identity has returned, except that the star provides added toughness.
This matchup would be great for the fans, but not necessarily for the Lakers. The Warriors have an excellent depth chart, and Steve Kerr has been there and done that many times over as it pertains to the postseason. Even if the Lakers have handled the season series with the Warriors, that was before Butler arrived. Golden State’s experience and perimeter shooting make them a dangerous adversary in the postseason.
The Houston Rockets have emerged as a powerhouse with a 49-27 record. Their balanced attack and defensive tenacity have propelled them to the upper echelons of the conference. The Lakers could not defeat Houston this season, losing 115-119. The reasons? Houston is arguably the most athletic team in the NBA, and they simply don’t stop on both ends of the court.
With the Rockets’ recent dismantling of the Suns 148-109, it’s evident that their high-octane offense could exploit any defensive lapses by the Lakers. They are young, hungry, and have size. Alperen Sengun will have his way with Jaxson Hayes, and Amen Thompson and Dillon Brooks will do their best on James and Luka. The Lakers would be better off with older teams like the Clippers instead of the up-and-coming Rockets.
