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.
Despite all that winning, the Lakers could drop to the tenth seed if they fail to stave off the momentum of the Warriors, who are on a six-game winning streak and have one of the easiest schedules left.
This season has proven that there are no more off nights or "gimme games" in the NBA. Every night is a dogfight. What a time to be a basketball fan.
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