L.A. Lakers: Do They Want the Hornets or Blazers in the First Round?

As the playoffs draw closer, it appears as though the Lakers' two likeliest opponents in the first round of the playoffs will be either the New Orleans Hornets or the Portland Trail Blazers.

While the Lakers would more than likely beat either team in a seven game series, the Trail Blazers would be a more formidable opponent.

Here are six reasons why the Lakers would prefer to play the Hornets instead of the Blazers in the first round of the playoffs.

6. Andrew Bynum Is Better Than Emeka Okafor

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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 01: Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers turns to the basket in front of Emeka Okafor #50 of the New Orleans Hornets at Staples Center on December 1, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOT

With David West sidelined, Emeka Okafor is the only frontcourt presence the Hornets have.

However, with the way Andrew Bynum has been playing since the All-Star break, the battle of the two centers could potentially be a one-sided affair.

5. The Lakers and Blazers Have Playoff History

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30 Oct 2001: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives the ball around Damon Stoudamire #3 of the Portland Trailblazers during their game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 98-87. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Adam P

Obviously, past playoff showdowns are no indication of how competitive a potential series this year would be.

After all, the Blazers and Lakers have not met in the playoffs since the 2002 season.

However, there is no love lost between the two franchises. The Lakers and Blazers have had plenty of hotly contested, physical playoff series in the past.

Don't expect that to be any different if the two teams face each other this year.

4. The Lakers and Blazers Have Been Competitive This Season

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 20: Andre Miller #24 of the Portland Trail Blazers and Ron Artest #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers chase a loose ball at the Staples Center on March 20, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and

As a lifelong NBA fan, I know it would be naive to try and predict playoff outcomes based on regular season results.

However, the two meetings between the Lakers and Blazers since the All-Star game were hotly contested nail biters.

The last two games have been decided by a combined nine points (both Lakers victories). The two teams meet for the final time Friday in Portland.

Likewise, the Lakers beat the Hornets four times this season by an average of 11 points.

3. David West Is Sidelined

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CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 07: David West #30 of the New Orleans Hornets moves against Taj Gibson #22 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on March 7, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Hornets 85-77. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges

Here is the most obvious answer to the question: The Hornets would be without perennial All-Star David West.

The Lakers would have a major advantage in frontcourt with West in the lineup.

Without him, the Hornets would be hanging on for dear life.

2. The Lakers Struggle to Win in Portland

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 20: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the Portland Trail Blazers goes in for a layup in front of Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center on March 20, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ackn

The Lakers have only won two times at the Rose Garden since the middle of the 2005 season. One of those two victories came this season in overtime.

The Lakers would feel more pressure to win their home games playing against the Blazers to avoid having to win games at the dreaded Rose Garden.

1. Brandon Roy

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 20: Brandon Roy #7 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles as he is defended by Matt Barnes #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center on March 20, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges

There is no question that Portland has the personnel to give the Lakers problems in a seven game series. Portland's eight man rotation has the athleticism and versatility to create mismatches.

However, what would ultimately decide the length/competitivness of the series is the health of Brandon Roy.

If Roy was anywhere close to being at full strength after recovering from double knee surgery earlier in the season, the series could be a seven game classic.