Cleveland has always become a bad team everytime Lebron left the team, they were not able to prepare this scenario. I think they should get a real superstar like invest what the Nets have done last season to eventually be in the playoffs again. They were only a little better when Irving took over, but it's still not enough, they need to be a playoff contender and have to bring a proven NBA star player, not the one that is prone to injury and is aging.
Well remembered, when LeBron left the Cavs in 2010, Irving was drafted, brought some hope to Cleveland, after LeBron James second exit in 2018 (I think), the team level dropped dramatically and Cleveland guided to bring in followed by Collin Sexton (he's a good player and has a bright future), but unfortunately the Cavaliers aren't a competitive playoff team these days.
Well, Lebron is 36, Melo is 37, Gasol is 36, Ariza is 35, Westbrook is 32, Rondo is 35 years old, Howard is 35 years old. This is the main core of Lakers and they are all quite old, old as in the age some players even retired back in the day and I understand that today's technology allows players to train better and eat better to last a little longer but I doubt that everyone in this team could stay healthy, we are going to see a bunch of injuries.
AD is just 28, but he is also known for injuries as well so I am not too hopeful about him neither. When you look at the roster it looks like they are filled with stars, with 100% health and 100% given to the game I do not think that there is any team that even gets close to Lakers with this roster. However that 100% health is a very very risky thing and I am pretty sure it will not happen.
You're right, the Lakers' top players are over 30 years old.
But LeBron James despite his age, he's still playing VERY well, I even think that's insane as LJ's performance isn't decreasing (not drastically), he can still score well, get lots of rebounds and get many assists and he will complete 37 years in this year. This is insane!!
About Melo, I believe that as he will play with several players who are his friends, this will stimulate him and have chances for him to improve his performance (of course not like in his prime).
I still think Gasol could be a good reserve AD and Westbrook is still playing well (he still has his explosion and speed that are his hallmarks) and Rondo could be another player to help with the Lakers rotation.
By the way, in this team, LeBron James can play easily SG, SF and PF without any problem!