6 Hidden Advantages for Los Angeles Lakers in the Playoffs

With a playoff berth in hand and a championship journey afoot, the Los Angeles Lakers have shifted their focus to playing playoff-calibur basketball as they close out the regular season.

Currently sitting in the Western Conference's third-pole position, the Lakers are more concerned with chemistry, execution and communication than they are with seeding or their regular-season W-L record.

On any given day, regardless of the home court, the best teams always win. And the Lakers, playing their best team basketball of the season, are looking more and more like serious championship contenders by the day.

What gives them the advantage over most teams? Size, defense and Kobe Bryant.  

But what else can make the Lakers' latest run at a championship a fruitful one?

Here are six hidden advantages the Lakers currently hold as they head into the playoffs.

A Rested Mamba

Kobe Bryant can play through any injury, including the current inflammation in his left shin. This injury, while bothersome, is not preventing his return to the court.

Instead, the Lakers are taking this unique opportunity and making the calculated decision to give Kobe Bryant as much rest as possible before embarking on the NBA's second season and his quest for a sixth ring.

While other superstars are playing, Papa Bear is resting.

This season, the Mamba played game in and game out with significant injuries, be it the broken nose, the right wrist or the regenerated knee, and with little rest.

All he did was lead the NBA in scoring.

Just imagine what two weeks of rest can do for the league's deadliest assassin.

The Rebirth of Metta World Peace

Metta World Peace has turned back the clock and showcased scoring production not seen since he joined the Lakers in 2009.

Noticeably leaner and more active on the offensive end, World Peace has averaged 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.2 three-pointers his last four contests.

The numbers aren't throwback 2005 stats when he averaged 24.6 points per game with the Indiana Pacers, but it's a huge improvement over the seven to eight points per game he's given the Lakers the last two years.

It remains to be seen whether the return of Kobe Bryant will impact Peace's production.

But taking on a leadership role during Mamba's sabbatical has no doubt done wonders for World Peace's overall game.

Sessions in the Fourth Quarter

Having Ramon Sessions on the floor has been a boon to the Lakers' fourth-quarter production.

Per the 82games.com Clutch Statistics model, where clutch time is measured as fourth quarter/overtime with less than five minutes in the game and neither team ahead by more than five points, Sessions has helped his team go 3-1 while on the floor during these crucial moments.

A 75 percent winning record in crunch time.

By comparison, LeBron James (who else to compare?) has a 10-8 record and a 56 percent winning record in these situations during the season. 

Take this for what it's worth, but it's definitely evident to Laker faithful—Don Ramon helps the team win close games.

Add one more closer to the Lakers' backcourt.

Team Chemistry 2 Through 12

Most handicapped the Lakers to maybe a .500 team with Kobe Bryant sitting out games, predicting the Lakers to lose their way without their fearless leader. Even Vegas took note, dropping Laker lines down from their customary seven- to eight-point range.

Quite the opposite has happened, and the Lakers' rotation two through 12 have all benefited from the Mamba's absence.

The Lakers are forming the type of chemistry needed to go the distance in the playoffs. They are playing for each other and playing as a unit.

The family is strong amongst this Lakers locker room, and it's manifesting itself out on the floor at just the right time.

Andrew Goudelock and Devin Ebanks

Mike Brown will likely keep to his nine-man rotation come playoff time. But hidden on the Lakers roster are two young, scrappy scorers who can give the Lakers bench a serious jolt when they need it most.

Not a single team will be game planning for Andrew Goudelock's three-point range or running tear drop, nor will they be ready for Devin Ebank's mid-range jumper. 

Mike Brown has two pieces of artillery at his disposal to catch teams off-guard and surprise attack opponents. These point producers are ready to make contributions when called upon.

Road Tested

The Lakers' road woes through the first half of the season were well known, going 11-14 away from home through the middle of March including gutting losses to Detroit, Washington and Milwaukee.

Since the trade deadline, the Lakers have amassed a 5-2 road record and have been able to manufacture wins in hostile environments—the true characteristic of a playoff team.

With three final road games to close out the schedule, including visits to San Antonio and Oklahoma City, the Lakers have three ideal opportunities to continue their improvement and get tuned up against two possible playoff opponents.

The Lakers are already one of the best home teams in the league with a 25-6 record at Staples Center. Keep the train rolling on the road and the Lakers will surely stampede their way to the Western Conference Finals.

At that point, it's anyone's trophy to win.