After hitting rock bottom two years ago, the Lakers are now in their second year of dramatic improvement.
That might not have seemed true during their nine-game losing streak, but nearly a month removed from it, the Lakers are playing as well as they have in years and showing promise as the All-Star break approaches.
The Lakers are 21-31, a win total they did not reach until March 24 last season, and four wins better than they finished the 2015-16 season.
That 10-4 Lakers run includes wins over possible playoff teams — Indiana, Boston, San Antonio and Oklahoma City.