4. Length
The Lakers will be among the league leaders in deflections and blocks because of their length that they will possess on the defensive end. When you have guys with large wingspans and quick hands, you’re bound to make plays on defense and there is no better offensive starter then getting active on defense and letting that lead you out to breaks.
In terms of wingspans, the Lakers possess some very large numbers with James checking in at 84 inches, Davis is at 90 inches, Green at 82 inches, Rondo at 81 inches, Howard at 89 inches, McGee at 90 inches, Kuzma at 84 inches and Bradley at 79 inches. Each of those guys will use their length to disrupt passing lanes and be able to deflect passes and turn them into turnovers that will help get the offense ignited each night.
The Lakers also have three guys in McGee, Howard and Davis who have all been elite shot blockers in the past. Davis has led the league three times in blocks and Howard has led it twice. Howard’s post defense has slipped in recent years but on a team like the Lakers, he has a lot to prove and could pick his production back up.
McGee proved last season that he is still an elite rim protector all season long. He averaged two blocks a game and even had some highlight blocks, such this one on Jerami Grant, who had a very nice season last year and is an above the rim player.
Not many teams have the length to compare to the Lakers, and when you add that with guys who have quick hands and play very smart on the defensive end such as Green, Rondo and Bradley, the Lakers will be a matchup nightmare every game. They won’t be the most athletic team, but when you’re disciplined and know how to play on the ball and communicate with teammates, those instincts will outweigh pure athleticism.
The Lakers do have athletic players, but not to the point where they will beat teams solely on it. They will use their array of coaches on the bench to help exploit their matchups every night and having experienced coaches will help create a defensive game plan for them to succeed in.