Los Angeles Lakers: Which play-in team poses the biggest threat?

Several teams could soon compete for the Western Conference’s final playoff spot, but which one poses the biggest threat to the Los Angeles Lakers?

The Los Angeles Lakers were atop the Western Conference and undoubtedly among the NBA’s title favorites before the season halted in March. After having remained in the dark for months on the potential of canceling the remainder of the season, the league has gained traction in recent weeks on a potential return. However, how to precisely do so has remained in question.

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor reported that approximately 75 percent of general managers voted for a play-in tournament to determine the final postseason spots. While several other options have gotten discussed, this one has appeared to be the most popular.

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While nothing has been set in stone yet, this idea could include the Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, and Sacramento Kings potentially battling it out for that final spot in the Western Conference. If this indeed is the route the league chooses to go, which of these teams could pose the biggest threat to the top-seeded Los Angeles Lakers?

Each organization certainly had a case, whether it is because of rookie phenoms, an unreal streak of postseason appearances spanning over two decades, or an ascending young roster, but one stands far above the rest.  While none of these teams necessarily should invoke fear into the Los Angeles Lakers, the one that could pose the most significant threat is undoubtedly the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Blazers finished with a lackluster 29-37 record at the time the NBA suspended play, good enough for the 9-seed in the Western Conference. However, injuries played a significant part in this subpar season, as the team could not catch a break with several key players having gone down.

Rodney Hood played in just 21 games before he suffered a torn left Achilles tendon in December, and big man Zach Collins played in only three games before having undergone shoulder surgery to repair his left labrum. Arguably the most significant variable of them all, center Jusuf Nurkic has not played a game this season due to a horrific leg injury suffered last year.

While Rodney Hood will not make his return to the court anytime soon, Blazers’ guard Damian Lillard recently shared optimism for his other two teammates. Having appeared on ESPN’s Jalen and Jacoby, Lillard assured that the tandem of Collins and Nurkic would be returning soon, transcribed by Isaiah De los Santos of Blazers Edge.

"Jacoby: Do you expect those two to be available if you do head into a bubble environment?Lillard: I’m 100 percent positive they will [be available]. Right before all of this happened, I know Nurk was coming back the following week. And Zach was maybe a month, month and a half out — so we was like, even if we get him back, it’ll be end of the season, last couple games. And we passed that point by a long shot now, so I feel like we’ll definitely have both of those guys back."

The return of both Collins and Nurkic would likely not elevate the Blazers to immediate title contenders, but it would certainly boost their chances. Although their record did now show it, this Portland team had a very well constructed roster on paper this year, arguably better than last season when they were the Western Conference’s 3-seed.

Another advantage Portland would have over the other teams is Damian Lillard. As good as Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, or any other player from this group is, none have the superstar stature of Lillard. One of the best guards in the league for years now, Lillard has always performed his best in dire situations, such as the one he and the Portland Trail Blazers could soon face.

With a dynamic backcourt comprised of Lillard and CJ McCollum, along with seasoned veterans Trevor Ariza, Hassan Whiteside, and a rejuvenated Carmelo Anthony, Portland has several substantial pieces. Adding two more solidified rotational players into the mix with Collins and Nurkic would only bolster this team’s chances of contending.

Also stacked all-around experience, particularly in the starting lineup, Portland could have another advantage over these younger teams. While the rosters of the Grizzlies, Pelicans, Kings, and Spurs are relatively inexperienced in the playoffs, most of Portland’s is not. When playing a juggernaut such as Los Angeles, that genuine experience would likely play a significant role.

Stacked with widespread talent and experience, the Blazers could be an intriguing matchup versus the Lakers. Los Angeles would undoubtedly be the favorites over any of these teams in the postseason, but Portland could be the team most likely to put them to the test.

Los Angeles took the season series against Portland 2-1, but the postseason is an entirely different scenario.