The Lakers had all sorts of momentum heading into last year's playoffs, seemingly at least, and plenty of pundits who thought they'd beat Minnesota in the first round -- your hosts here included -- and potentially make a legit deep run. Well, we know how that turned out. In the end, some of their shortcomings -- no viable centers, a lack of point of attack defense, spotty outside shooting -- were bigger issues than anticipated. This year, the Lakers have played dominant ball over the last few weeks, and once again look poised to enter the postseason on a high note. So are they actually better than last year, or could once again fans be peering at a mirage? Well, on paper at least it seems like the former. The center position is improved, with Deandre Ayton playing well and Jaxson Hayes a significantly better player now than he was last year (and he'll be up against backups, which helps). Luke Kennard provides serious shooting chops, and meaningful gravity. Marcus Smart has done wonders for the D. LeBron James has a role that should suit sustained playoff success, and Luka Dončić is playing better now than he was at this point last year... a season where he started the year hurt and played catchup the rest of the way. That's a lot of reason for optimism. Doesn't mean they're not flawed, but last year's problems at least shouldn't be this year's. Not to the same degree, at least. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are poised to be better in the postseason. SEGMENT 2: Centers! Smart! Kennard! SEGMENT 3: Why improvement at the top is critical, too. Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! TurboTaxThis year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA QuoMake this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba. RobinhoodYou’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm. 5-Hour ENERGYHave your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon. IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. During the tournament FanDuel is offering$300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)