Lakers think they can take on Suns in playoffs?

If there is one thing that the Los Angeles Lakers have gotten from Russell Westbrook this season, it appears to be his irrational confidence.

Retired Lakers great Shaquille O’Neal had something pretty interesting to say about the team on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” this week. O’Neal said that the Lakers would like to match up with the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs.

“I’ve heard from a powerful source inside the organization, they’re right where they want to be,” said O’Neal of the Lakers. “What I mean, they would rather play Phoenix in the first round than Golden State. Just telling you what I heard.”

If O’Neal’s intel is correct, the Lakers still have a long way to go for them to even get their desired shot at the Suns. They are currently ninth in the West at 26-29, which means that they would have to win two play-in tournament games to even make the playoffs if the standings hold firm. Right now, that would require them to beat the No. 10 New Orleans Pelicans, whom they have yet to play this year, and then beat the loser of the No. 7 Minnesota Timberwolves and No. 8 LA Clippers game. The Lakers are 1-2 against Minnesota this season and 0-2 against the Clippers.

While the Lakers obviously sound confident that they can do so, they may want to be careful what they wish for. Phoenix is the best team in the NBA this season at a blistering 44-10 and eliminated a better Lakers team in the first round last season. The two sides have already met twice this season as well. The Suns won both games in blowout fashion, including one game where they even had the Lakers fighting each other on the bench.

Photo: Dec 9, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) warms-up prior to the game against the Memphis Grizzles at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports