5 Reasons the Lakers are Better Equipped for This Year's Playoffs

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers · Mar 27, 2026 · 36m

The Lakers had all sorts of momentum heading into last year's playoffs, seemingly at least, and plenty of pundits who thought they'd beat Minnesota in the first round -- your hosts here included -- and potentially make a legit deep run.

Well, we know how that turned out.

In the end, some of their shortcomings -- no viable centers, a lack of point of attack defense, spotty outside shooting -- were bigger issues than anticipated. This year, the Lakers have played dominant ball over the last few weeks, and once again look poised to enter the postseason on a high note. So are they actually better…