I've not actually played a Lakland, they look great though.
In response to the whole for/against Fender debate (again), us Fender players dislike it when others make such broad generalisations and state opinion as fact. It's someone saying yet again that 'X is better than any US Fender ever made!!' That is annoying. It's opinion, not fact. Lots of people say that Fender QC isn't the best, but they must make quite a few more instruments than the next biggest manufacturer. So if the odd one slips through the net, it would be ridiculous to judge the brand on that one poor example.
Offering more options and variations does not equate to better either, I want a P bass, not active EQ or Musicman or tapped coil pickups. That might make something better for you, but not me.