The Los Angeles Lakers have been playing their most focused, intense, and winning basketball since returning from the All-Star break.
The Lakers are 15-5 since then, and keeping that focus is crucial heading into the playoffs. But that may be easier said than done. In a recent edition of the Stein Line, NBA insider Marc Stein once again touched on the rumors that LeBron James could leave Hollywood for Golden State this summer, saying the idea "has some legs."
Whether this rumor has any validity or not, all the signs point to this being LBJ's last season in Los Angeles. Because of that, the Lakers have to embrace a unique mindset.
Similar to the 1998 Chicago Bulls, the Lakers have to embrace a last-dance mindset. The Bulls had no clue whether Jordan would retire, whether Phil Jackson would be fired, or what would happen to any of the other 14 players on that roster. What they did know was that things were probably not going to be the same next season, so why not make the most of the small championship window they had?
Lakers must focus on now and let the future be the future
It's also important to note that LeBron isn't the only player on this team who could be gone from LA next season—Luke Kennard, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes are all set to hit free agency. Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, and Deandre Ayton all have player options they are likely to opt out of.
Aside from Luka Doncic, those seven players are likely the team's most impactful pieces, and the idea of them leaving after this season should only add to this group's motivation in the playoffs.
This team, at one point in the season, was a hamburger at a backyard BBQ, solid but nothing groundbreaking. Now they are butter-basted filet mignon, and it's time to get the most out of it, because this could be the last one for a while.
This team has it all: a potential league MVP, an elite second scoring option, arguably the greatest player of all time bought in on a new winning role, defensive role players, a former first overall pick, and floor spacers. Oh, and one of the brightest young coaching minds in the game: JJ Redick.
Everything is clicking with this team right now, and it can't become a wasted opportunity. Luka is regularly having 40-point nights, LeBron looks the best he's looked all season, Reaves is stepping up defensively, and all the role players are playing their roles.
If the Lakers don't want to disappoint this postseason, they have to embrace that last-dance mentality and let the future take care of itself.