Conclusion
The Lakers have what it takes to be dominant on both ends of the floor as they have had a very nice offseason in terms of signing guys that can play both offense and defense. Granted, some of them are not in their primes anymore, but they still have a very deep roster that gives them many avenues to succeed.
James and Davis are as good as they come in a duo. Davis is one of the best defensive players in basketball as seen by his three all-defensive team selections and as a three-time league leader in blocks. James, although the last few years has digressed on the defensive end to conserve energy, has six all-defensive team selections and when motivated can lock up defensively with the best of them still.
Adding in Bradley, Green and Howard, who have all made defensive teams, has the makings to be a very good team defensively. Howard is a five-time all-defensive member and was Defensive Player of the Year three straight years from 2009-2011. We’re long past those days, but paired with Vogel and Hollins, Howard could be a good defensive piece to interchange with McGee.
Offensively, the Lakers will be about three or four behind at least the Rockets and Clippers and possibly the Bucks. Davis has always had two or three guys on him, and now playing next to James and shooters, he will have the luxury of dominating down low and picking his matchups at times.
The Lakers will be as good as it gets from 3-point range as their corner and wing 3-point shooters have near-elite numbers and will have ample space and time to shoot. James and Rondo will alternate ball-handling and their elite vision of the court and defense will allow them to find those guys.
I would guess that the Lakers finish with the number four defense and the number four offense. I would say the Jazz, Clippers and Bucks are better on defense and then the Clippers, Rockets and Bucks are better on offense.
Things will change with teams as injuries and trades will occur. But the Lakers are set for this season and it will be interesting to see it all come together.