4. They added one of the best players of all-time in free agency
Anytime a team adds the best player in the league, they instantly get thrust into the championship conversation, because the NBA is a star-driven league. Especially when that star is LeBron James, he has been to the last 8 finals and even in a weak Eastern Conference that is a feat that is almost incomprehensible.
Even though last season was his 15th season in the league, he still put up one of the best statistical seasons of his career. He set career highs in rebounds with 8.6 and assists with 9.1. James also proved that he can carry his team in the playoffs as well, doing pretty much everything for the Cavs on their way to the Eastern Conference crown.
Both times LeBron switched teams in the past, the team that he joined enjoyed a substantial increase in regular season victories, and went to the NBA finals his first season with the team.
In the 2010-11 season following his controversial move to the Miami Heat, their win total increased by 11 games and they went from 5th to 2nd in the Eastern Conference. In 2013-15 the Cleveland Cavaliers record improved by a whopping 20 wins and they went from a lottery team to the 2nd best team in the East.
James will have a much more difficult time willing his team to the finals this time around, but he could add close to 15 wins to the regular season record from last season. That would put the Lakers at 50 wins, and that would have made them the three seed in the west last season. If the Lakers accomplished that feat next season, they will have surprised a good portion of the league already.
The other Lakers free agent signings should not be slept on as well. Both Rajon Rondo and JaVale McGee have played in multiple finals and will add veteran leadership. Stephenson and Beasley will also add experience and a certain toughness that this team was missing last season.