Ranking LA Lakers’ Most Dangerous 1st-Round Matchups

Thanks to a solid stretch of play since the All-Star break and the near total collapse of the Utah Jazz, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers look like they're a pretty safe bet to make the playoffs. Though that's a notable accomplishment in itself considering how bleak L.A.'s postseason hopes looked just a few weeks ago, the toughest task is still ahead.

Because virtually every current seed in the Western Conference is subject to change, the Lakers don't yet know whom they'll be facing in a first-round series. They do know one thing, though: Whichever matchup they draw, it'll be a Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
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