There's still work to be done if the Los Angeles Lakers are to not miss the postseason for the second year in a row. However, they are confident in their chances against the potential top seeds should they make the playoffs.

The Lakers hold a 35-37 record and currently occupy the final play-in spot in the Western Conference at 10th. That said, a couple of results going their way could see them rise as high as sixth.

For now, it looks like a play-in spot is the ceiling and even that is impressive considering how Darvin Ham's side started the regular season. If that is the case and the Lakers make the playoffs, it's likely they will face one of the Denver Nuggets or the Memphis Grizzlies.

And despite being likely underdogs against both teams, there is a belief within the Lakers camp that they have a “legitimate shot” at beating both sides.

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“They believe they got a legitimate shot to take down Denver,” NBA insider Chris Haynes said on his podcast (via Lakers Daily). “They believe they got a legitimate shot to take down Memphis. I don’t know about Phoenix when K.D. (Kevin Durant) is healthy — I haven’t asked around on that front — but there’s no fear at all.”

Many would certainly beg to differ, even with a fully fit LeBron James. The Nuggets hold a 48-24 record thanks in part to MVP candidate Nikola Jokic's performances. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, are third with a 43-27 record — the same as the second-placed Sacramento Kings.

While Memphis have had their own problems with the Ja Morant saga, they have still been performing well for the most part. One thing is for sure — both teams would provide an exciting and tough series for the 17-time champions.