A data lake in data storage is a centralized repository that allows organizations to store vast amounts of raw data in its native format until needed. Unlike traditional data warehouses, which require structured data, data lakes can accommodate structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data. This flexibility enables data scientists and analysts to perform advanced analytics, machine learning, and big data processing without the constraints of predefined schemas. Data lakes thus provide agility and scalability, allowing businesses to extract insights and drive decision-making from diverse data sources.