A late-season surge has flipped the mood around one of the NBA‘s most scrutinized teams.

The Los Angeles Lakers have won seven straight games, climbing to third in the Western Conference, and even longtime critic Stephen A. Smith is now calling them a legitimate playoff threat.

Are the Lakers suddenly real contenders in the West?

The Lakers‘ recent run has dramatically reshaped their season. After months of inconsistency, the team has found rhythm on both ends of the floor, stringing together seven consecutive wins and positioning themselves firmly in the playoff picture.

Their rise in the standings has been fueled by improved offensive cohesion and defensive intensity. Key performances, including a statement win over the Denver Nuggets, have reinforced the idea that this is not just a temporary uptick in form.

At the center of it all is LeBron James, who continues to redefine expectations deep into his career. In a recent performance, he recorded 30 points on 13-of-14 shooting, narrowly missing a historic perfect scoring night for a player over 40.

James has also adapted his role, at times playing center and focusing more on facilitating teammates and anchoring defensive efforts. This shift has allowed players like Luka Doni and Austin Reaves to thrive offensively, while contributions from Marcus Smart have strengthened the team defensively.

The Lakers‘ resurgence is not just about wins, it’s about timing. With the playoffs approaching, teams that find form late in the season often carry that momentum into deep postseason runs. This shift has also changed the narrative around the team. Earlier in the season, doubts centered on inconsistency and past failures. Now, the focus is on versatility, experience, and adaptability.

Smith, who has frequently criticized the Lakers in recent years, acknowledged this transformation. “If it comes down to LeBron James, he’ll figure it out,” he said on First Take, emphasizing James‘ experience and track record, including 10 NBA Finals appearances and four championships.

Smith also highlighted that evaluating James during the regular season can be misleading, given his ability to elevate performance when it matters most.

Not everyone is convinced. Charles Barkley has remained skeptical, warning against overreacting to the winning streak. “My worst nightmare is the Lakers winning… and I have to listen to all the talk about how they’re contenders,” Barkley said after an earlier victory.

Smith quickly pushed back, defending the Lakers‘ credentials and pointing to tangible improvements. “A top-three seed in a conference is a contender. You know this,” he said, dismissing the skepticism.

The debate reflects a broader split among analysts. Some see a team peaking at the right time, while others fear another false dawn after inconsistent seasons in recent years.

The Lakers now face the challenge of sustaining this level of play as the postseason approaches. Matchups against top Western teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, will serve as key tests.

If their current form holds, they could enter the playoffs as one of the most dangerous teams outside the top tier – a potential wildcard capable of upsetting higher seeds. For now, the combination of momentum, experience, and evolving roles has turned skepticism into cautious belief, and in Smith‘s case, a complete reversal.