2012 NBA Playoffs: Why Los Angeles Lakers Will Get Bounced in 1st Round

The Los Angeles Lakers will get bounced in the first round of the NBA Playoffs this season.

In 2011, they were able to hold on until the semifinals, where they were embarrassingly swept by the Dallas Mavericks. However, the Lakers are shaping up to have an even earlier playoff exit this season.

One potential first-round matchup is against the Memphis Grizzlies. That would be a highly competitive series for many reasons. With Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph and Rudy Gay, the Grizzlies have arguably the best frontcourt in the the Western Conference. Even though the Lakers can match up the other brother, Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum, they don't have much to stop Gay.

The Lakers' most recent loss to the Grizzlies was on March 25th. Memphis' defense caused every Laker, with the exception of Bynum, to shoot less than 50 percent from the field. They also forced 16 Lakers turnovers.

The Lakers bench is mediocre compared to the Grizzlies. Memphis has more of an interior presence, outscoring the Lakers 52-36 in the paint the last time the two teams met. If the Lakers meet the Grizzlies in the first round, it will do great damage to the team's energy level. 

Another potential matchup is against the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs swept the Lakers last season, but their win won't be as easy this time around. A few key roster changes have made the Mavericks different from the 2011 championship team. Although the Mavericks are 0-3 against the Lakers this season, every team steps up their game in the postseason.

The defending champions are determined to come out strong each game to defend their championship title. They have experience and motivation, and with Lamar Odom gone, a restored team chemistry.

The Lakers could also end up competing against their Los Angeles rivals, the Clippers. It would be both chippy and captivating. The Clippers are more than just highlight reels and top-10 plays on ESPN SportsCenter. They can definitely give an unfocused Lakers team a run for their money.

Not only are other teams in the West capable of beating the Lakers in the first round, the Lakers might possibly beat themselves.

Bynum has recently been under scrutiny for behavioral issues. He was reportedly fined an undisclosed amount for "numerous infractions," including skipping out on a meeting with GM Mitch Kupchak. A couple weeks ago, he was benched after taking a three-pointer against Golden State, but he told reporters after the game he would continue shooting them.

Sometimes, it even seems like the Lakers have lost a sense of urgency. Bynum's antics and players' issues with head coach Mike Brown are not helping the team come together for the postseason. Winning a championship is a team effort. The entire team needs to be on the same page with each other, as well as the coach.

If the playoffs were to start tomorrow, the Lakers would not have the urgency, maturity or overall ability to defeat their potential opponent in a seven-game series.