Lakers' late-season surge lifts team's hierarchy and belief

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves lead Lakers' turnaround in final stretch

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:53pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a Lakers basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in the team's official colors of purple and gold, capturing the dynamic energy and shifting momentum of the team's late-season turnaround.The Lakers' late-season surge has transformed the team's hierarchy and boosted their belief, setting the stage for a potentially exciting playoff run.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Lakers have experienced a remarkable late-season surge, climbing up the standings and transforming their team hierarchy and belief. Over a 33-day stretch from late February to early April, the Lakers were one of the hottest teams in the NBA, fueled by the standout performances of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Why it matters

The Lakers' turnaround has been crucial for the team's playoff positioning and has boosted the confidence and leadership of young stars like Doncic and Reaves. This could have significant implications for the Lakers' future, as they look to build on this momentum and make a deep postseason run.

The details

The Lakers' hot streak saw them win 12 of 15 games, vaulting them up the standings and back into contention for a top seed in the Western Conference. Doncic, the team's superstar acquisition, has been leading the charge, putting up MVP-caliber numbers and elevating the play of his teammates. Undrafted rookie Austin Reaves has also emerged as a key contributor, providing valuable two-way production and earning the trust of the coaching staff.

  • The Lakers' surge began in late February and lasted through the first week of April.
  • Over a 33-day stretch, the Lakers won 12 of 15 games.

The players

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' superstar acquisition, who has been putting up MVP-caliber numbers and leading the team's late-season surge.

Austin Reaves

An undrafted rookie who has emerged as a key contributor for the Lakers, providing valuable two-way production and earning the trust of the coaching staff.

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What they’re saying

“We got to just keep playing.”

— Luka Doncic, Lakers Superstar

What’s next

The Lakers will look to continue their strong play and secure a high seed in the Western Conference playoffs, where they will aim to make a deep postseason run.

The takeaway

The Lakers' late-season turnaround has been a testament to the team's resilience and the emergence of young stars like Doncic and Reaves. This surge has not only lifted the Lakers in the standings but also transformed their hierarchy and boosted their belief, setting the stage for a potentially exciting playoff run.