Lakers Aim to Avoid Fate of Other Rare 30-Year Clubs

L.A. squad joins exclusive group of teams with winning record, negative point differential at All-Star break

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Despite a 33-21 record at the All-Star break, the 2025-26 Los Angeles Lakers have been outscored by a point this season, making them just the third team in NBA history with a winning percentage of 60% or better and a negative point differential at the midway point. The Lakers are hoping to avoid the fate of the other two teams in this exclusive club - the 2021 Portland Trail Blazers and 1997 Charlotte Hornets - who both lost in the first round of the playoffs despite their solid regular season records.

Why it matters

The Lakers' unusual statistical profile raises questions about the sustainability of their success and whether they can avoid an early playoff exit like the other teams in this rare club. As one of the NBA's marquee franchises, the Lakers' postseason performance is closely watched, and their ability to overcome their point differential issues could determine how far they advance.

The details

Through 54 games, the Lakers have a 33-21 record, good for a .611 winning percentage. However, they have been outscored by a total of 1 point on the season. This puts them in rare company, as only the 2021 Portland Trail Blazers and 1997 Charlotte Hornets have previously achieved a 60%+ winning percentage while being outscored at the All-Star break. Both of those teams then lost in the first round of the playoffs despite their solid regular season records.

  • The Lakers are 33-21 at the 2026 NBA All-Star break.
  • The Lakers return to action on Friday, February 21, 2026 against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The players

LeBron James

The Lakers' superstar forward who has missed almost the entire first month of the season due to injury.

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' star guard who was sidelined with a hamstring injury for the final four games before the All-Star break.

Austin Reaves

The Lakers' guard who had been out for over a month until recently.

Jake LaRavia

The only Lakers player who has played in every game this season.

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What they’re saying

“The other two aren't exactly teams the Lakers want to emulate.”

— Law Murray, Writer (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Lakers return to action on Friday, February 21, 2026 against the Los Angeles Clippers before hosting the Boston Celtics on Sunday. The team will look to overcome their point differential issues and avoid an early playoff exit like the other teams in this rare club.

The takeaway

The Lakers' unusual statistical profile this season highlights the challenges of sustaining success in the NBA, even for a marquee franchise. Their ability to overcome their point differential issues and avoid the fate of other teams in this exclusive club could determine how far they advance in the playoffs.