3. How Quickly Will the Players Mesh Together?
As mentioned at the outset, the Lakers have only six returning players. It will take time to form cohesion on the new roster in many ways.
Obviously, LBJ will be the centerpiece of the team. But even he will have to make adjustments. Throughout his career, he has been the focal point of virtually every offensive possession. Last year with Cleveland, once the ball crossed halfcourt, it almost always ended up in the hands of LeBron, who took his time surveying the defense as the shot clock winded down.
The Lakers want to play “with pace”, as Walton calls it, and use their athleticism to create early offensive opportunities. James has verbally supported the concept, but it won’t come naturally to him. How willing he is to allow others to make plays will go a long way to determining the Lakers success this season as well as the development of the young studs longer term.
Of course, players such as Ball and Rondo are accustomed to being the primary ballhandlers and playmakers. Each will have to alter the way they play, which won’t happen overnight.
But it is likely the defense that will take the longest to emerge. The best defensive teams are usually those that have played together for years and can instinctively cover for one another. The Lakers will take time to learn their coverages and will try to master them on the fly.