Lazy loading is a crucial web optimization technique where resources, such as images and scripts, are not loaded until they are actually needed by the user. Its primary goal is to improve page load times and conserve bandwidth by deferring the loading of non-critical assets. For images, this typically means they will only load when a user scrolls them into the viewport, preventing the browser from downloading content that isn't immediately visible. Similarly, scripts might be loaded only when a user interacts with a specific UI element or after the initial page rendering is complete, rather than on initial page load. This approach significantly reduces the initial page weight, contributing to a faster and more responsive user experience, and optimizes resource utilization and bandwidth, especially on devices with limited connectivity.