5. Versatility
When you have guys that have large wingspans, they often tend to be able to guard multiple positions. This is where the Lakers’ biggest advantage on the defensive end will come, as they have a plethora of players at their disposal that they can switch on screens and not have to fight through all of them and burn energy.
The Lakers lineups will vary each night, but James, Davis, Green, Rondo, Bradley, Kuzma and KCP can all defend multiple positions and allow the Lakers to switch on a variety of screens without creating a huge mismatch for the opponent. Howard and McGee figure to share time at the center position and even though both of them are not in their primes anymore, they’re both equipped and experienced enough to handle a few PnR actions throughout a game.
The game becomes much easier and you can become elite on the defensive end when a screen hits you, a switch is made and you don’t have to worry about a mismatch that could occur. Versatility is a big bonus to have in this league and the Lakers have plenty of it. It will be a huge advantage to them as they navigate through this season and then get to the playoffs when they have to play teams such as the Warriors, Rockets, Clippers and Jazz.
Green and Bradley will help this team tremendously in that area as each of them have been all-defensive guys and have each guarded some of the best players on the planet. Each of them is smart enough to play on bigger guys and each of them is strong enough to overpower smaller guys.
Instincts will conquer over athleticism if used right and the Lakers went out and got some high IQ basketball players that will turn out to be great signings.