NBA Playoffs 2023: What happens if Los Angeles Lakers lose to Memphis Grizzlies?

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies have given the fans an exciting first round series in the 2023 NBA Playoffs. Though Ja Morant and his team looked like favorites being the No.2 seed in the West, LeBron James has responded in a spectacular way.

The matchup has all the ingredients to become an instant classic. Dillon Brooks’ controversy with James and the emergence of many players in clutch time such as Anthony Davis, Desmond Bane,Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell or Rui Hachimura.

So, the Lakersarrive to the playoffs with a great chance of winning another NBA title. Read here to find out what happens if Los Angeles lose to the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round.

NBA playoffs: What happens if the Lakers lose against the Grizzlies in the first round?

If the Lakers lose to the Grizzlies in Game 5 of the first roundinthe NBA playoffs, theywill be twodefeatsaway of beingeliminated.The series wouldbe 3-2for Los Angeles. It’s a best-of-seven format and Game 6 is on Friday, April 28 at Crypto.com Arena.

If Los Angeles cannot hold to the advantage in the series, then, as the No.2 seed in the West, Memphis would advance to the Conference semifinals and their next rival would be the Kings or the Warriors.

In case the Grizzlies beat the Lakersin the series, there’s no other scenario for Memphis. They would have to face the winner of what’s been an amazing matchup between De’Aaron Fox and Stephen Curry.

Considering the Grizzlies are the No.2 seed in the Western Conference, theywould have home-field advantage in the next round. It doesn’t matter the rival, Sacramento or Golden State, Memphis will receive four of seven games in the semifinals (if necessary).