Heading into the season, there were a lot of talk about Lakers being contenders. People were even putting them into the inner circle with Denver and Phoenix. The main reasons as far as I can discern is that it's usual Lakers hype and the notion that they upgraded the roster. I have no idea how you can say that based on their moves.
From their playoff rotation last year, they retained Reaves and Rui. Reaves should get better and be the third option for them. Fine, that's cool. His contract is a steal. But Rui had 2 months of outlier performance. His contract is pretty big for someone who is as unproven as he is. It's still worth it, but expecting him to play like he did in the playoffs is a massive assumption. They replaced Schroder with Vincent. Which is a clear downgrade. I might be in the minority, but I think Dennis is a better player. There isn't significant difference between them in defense, shooting or their floor. But Schroder has a much higher ceiling and a more extensive track record. To me they got worse at that position.
Prince is an upgrade over Walker, but with some caveats. I think Lonnie has more of a potential to keep improving. He also could get points in bunches to swing a game. Also wings have a tendency to just one day become unplayable. That doesn't look to be the case with Prince, he is a great fit for them. But it's not a major upgrade. That's basically it. Reddish is a downgrade from Beasley, not that he will play when it matters. Hayes was a good punt, but again, the spacing will get dicey with him on the floor, so he won't play. Wood will get All-Star hype from Lakers fans before they start calling for Ham's head for not playing him as the season goes on. Happens to every fanbase.
This is all without mentioning the health concerns of their two stars. So what an I missing? What was it about the Lakers that got them this much hype? I always thought they would be fighting for 6 seed with about 8 other WC teams. The start of the season only reinforces that notion.