It's kind of amazing if you think about it...

[Donkeybong]

Lakers brought their C game for this year's regular season and still managed to get 2nd in the West.

[Giuseppe]

The world shrinks now for us. Only have to worry about 4 teams total and we'll have prep time for each and every one in turn.

[Venti Quattro]

Lakers brought their C game for this year's regular season and still managed to get 2nd in the West.
Coasting game

[VBM]

The Pacific division as a whole bringing its F game helps

[TampaDude]

Lakers play in a soft division. They always have it easy.