Lakers record proves why the NBA has never been more competitive

As of April 5, 19 teams in the NBA have a .500 or better record. If the Rockets (38-38) can remain .500 or better over the next few weeks, we can officially deem the 2023-24 season the most competitive in history.

That's because since the expansion in 2004-05, there have been a few instances of 18 teams finishing .500 or better — including the previous two seasons — but never before have 19 teams reached the threshold. 

To put things in perspective, even the 2009-10 season — which saw a record eight teams out West finish with 50-plus wins — did not produce a total of 19 teams with a .500 or better record.

In short, there's never been more parity in the NBA.

At least one team is feeling the pinch of the heightened competition — the Lakers. LeBron James' squad is in a midseason resurgence, winning 14 of its 21 games since the All-Star break and 19 of its 27 since Feb. 1. Yet, the Lakers haven't been able to move up in the standings.