Lakers News: Mike Greenberg Advocates LA Throw Play-In Game vs New Orleans

The Los Angeles Lakers' regular season ended on a high note, clinching the 8th seed in the Western Conference playoffs. They will now be tasked with playing in the Play-In Tournament but will be given at least two tries to reach the official playoff bracket. Their first matchup is a rematch from their game on Sunday, as they will take on the New Orleans Pelicans for the right to officially earn the 7th seed.

With a win, the Lakers would then be scheduled to take on another familiar opponent, the Denver Nuggets. Los Angeles hasn't fared very well against the Nuggets in recent attempts, including getting swept in the Western Conference Finals a year ago. Since the team clinched a spot in the 7/8 game, there have been those who believe they should intentionally lose this game to New Orleans to avoid Denver. They would then be in a win-or-go-home situation against either the Sacramento Kings or Golden State Warriors, with the winner facing Oklahoma City.

One of those advocates is ESPN's Mike Greenberg, who said Los Angeles should rest their starters for better odds against the Thunder.

However, the Lakers can't afford to do this plan. They should do whatever it takes to beat the Pelicans on Tuesday, even if it means having to play Denver. This is the postseason and there is no ducking anyone. The Nuggets are the defending champions, so the road to the NBA Finals was always going to be through them. It's better to face them early on in the postseason rather than later anyway.

Additionally, if the Lakers did rest their starters for better odds in the second game, there is no guarantee they would win. This team has been incredibly inconsistent all season long and they haven't played well against the two potential opponents. They were swept by the Kings and went 1-3 against Golden State.

The Lakers believe that they can take on any opponent, no matter how hard it may be. While playing Denver would be tough, they first need to get past the Pelicans and they will want to win this game themselves. Los Angeles is better off taking down New Orleans and getting themselves into the official bracket as soon as they can.