How L.A. Lakers Match Up Against Every Potential Conference Playoff Opponent

Almost there.

The Los Angeles Lakers are three games away from the finish line as they cling desperately to the eighth and final Western Conference playoff spot.

It won't be easy, as L.A. must vanquish three conference foes who have already clinched playoff berths, but the challenge will only get steeper come the postseason.

Round one will see the Lakers take on either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs, depending on which Western power claims the No. 1 seed.

If by some tremendous fortune the Lakers advance past that, they would face the winner of the No. 4-5 matchup. The final seeding is yet to be determined. Any one of the Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies or Los Angeles Clippers could be in that slot.

We could keep going, but let's not go too crazy. Even advancing to the second round would be a big upset for the Purple and Gold.

Here's how the Lakers match up against their potential conference opponents in the first two rounds of the postseason.

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