It is typical for total lactate, acid and base lumped together and considered a useful parameter. When we consider the term oversimplification and the problem it creates, this is a good example. Lactate and lactic acid are not the same. They have the opposite effect on the level of acidity, that is the pH. Considering total lactate as an independent value or parameter makes it easy but also obscures the important nature of acid base balance.
It is not productive or enlightening to contrive an indicator of disease with two opposites combined together. Rising total lactate, acid and base together is considered an independent predictor of illnesses such as sepsis. This does not consider the effect of proliferate misunderstanding in the physiology of acid base chemistry.
Simplistically we do not need to consider the ratio of acid to base, only the total. This creates confusion not understanding. The cost of oversimplifying the situation is not worth the misunderstanding that this approach creates.
There will always be a ratio of lactic acid to lactate as a base. The more lactic acid predominates the worse the situation is. The total lactate should always be considered with the pH which determines the ratio of lactate to lactic acid. The more lactate is pared with an inert cation such as sodium there is the more pH will go up. The more lactic acid there is the more the pH will go down. The important characteristic is how they affect hydrogen ion concentration, that is pH, each in the opposite direction.
Sometimes explaining a topic so people will understand is only to explain it so people will think they understand. The way lactate is generally explained is not really true but serves an intent. This approach is a poor choice.