Would Lakers-Warriors play-in matchup actually be good for the NBA?

Would it actually be good for the NBA if the Lakers and Warriors were to square off in the play-in tournament?

The NBA regular season is winding down and the Los Angeles Lakers have fallen down into the realm of the play-in tournament. Heading into Sunday evening’s game against the Phoenix Suns, the Lakers are in the No. 7 spot in the West and the Golden State Warriors are at No. 8.

This creates the possibility of both teams squaring off in the play-in tournament, either in the first game or in an elimination game. So is that good news for the NBA?

Good and bad from a Lakers-Warriors play-in matchup

Let’s start with the good. This would be a huge ratings draw for the NBA in a tournament that has some controversy surrounding it. Also, it is much more high-profile than what will take place with the teams in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament.

The players, most notably LeBron James, will not be thrilled about having to take part. However, these are the new rules, and no one will have sympathy for any team that drops out of the playoffs so early.

The only potential bad here is either the Lakers or Warriors missing the true postseason. If one is the No. 7 seed and the other is No. 8, only for one team to lose two play-in games and fall out of the postseason altogether, fans will be upset. But once again, good teams should be able to capture a must-win game, especially with two cracks at it.

The NBA wants some extra drama, along with revenue in 2021. This is also a great opportunity for teams on the fringe to play meaningful games before likely getting destroyed in the first round of the playoffs. That description may even apply to the Lakers and Warriors this season. So why not create some early drama with a must-win game?

The format of the play-in tournament sees a No. 7 vs. No. 8 matchup, alongside a No. 9 vs. No. 10 matchup. The winner of the former gets the No. 7 seed, while the loser of the latter is out. Then the loser of the 7-8 matchup faces the winner of the 9-10 matchup for the No. 8 seed.

At this point, it is possible the Lakers stick at No. 7 and the Warriors stay at No. 8. However, the Warriors are also close to ending up as the No. 9 seed, as they’re only 0.5 games ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Sticking with the ideal scenario here, a Lakers-Warriors play-in matchup is an overall good thing for the league itself. If the players complain, that is something for the union to take up at a later date.