Things feel much differently around the Los Angeles Lakers than they did a year ago.
Back then, they had a roster that appeared perhaps broken beyond repair. However, a busy NBA trade deadline helped correct a lot of those issues, and the franchise seemingly took further steps in the right direction this summer.
The formula they found late last season feels sound and sustainable. They won 18 of their final 27 games, then turned a play-in tournament invite into consecutive playoff series victories.
The Lakers, who had a single playoff trip and no series wins to show for the two previous seasons, have forced their way into the top tier of title contenders. This could be a special season in Hollywood.