The drawback is the return flight....if you are returning through LAX from SYD....and they haven't changed it since last Nov.
Arrival is of course through Immigration, then baggage, then customs and finally bag recheck.
Then you are effectively dropped out of the terminal.
As in walk to your departing terminal, go through security as if you were just dropped off at the airport.
Re-check to see that you don't have any left over water in your water bottle you kept from the long haul...or TSA will treat you like an idiot. (Not done it, but have seen it)