If you looked at an energy level diagram for higher n orbitals (paying close attention to 6s, 5d, and 4f), you will see that the orbitals are extremely close in energy. So there is some ambiguity when it comes to writing electron configurations for elements like Lanthanum.
I am no expert on Lanthanide chemistry, but my guess is that Lanthanum's chemical properties are close to that of the Lanthanides and therefore it seems appropriate to study it along with the rest of the other elements in that series.