The 3 players the Lakers are missing as the team has lost vs. Houston

Eight games into the season, the Lakers have fallen short of the lofty expectations set during the last playoffs and an ostensibly strong offseason. The re-signings of key players like D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura, coupled with the acquisitions of Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes, and Christian Wood, raised hopes for a formidable team. 

However, injuries and a lack of cohesion have left fans disappointed with the team's current 3-5 record, including a significant blowout loss to the Houston Rockets.

The team's high expectations were emphasized by their own projections, making the current performance even more disheartening. Fans are beginning to reminisce about former Lakers players, particularly lamenting the departure of Alex Caruso in 2020, whose energy, game, and defense are noticeably absent. 

Additionally, the absence of players like Dennis Schroder and Lonnie Walker from last season, who made impactful contributions, has left a void in the team's dynamics.

Coach Darvin Ham has been a major disappointment

Coach Darvin Ham is facing substantial criticism, not only due to the team's injury-ridden lineup, but also for a perceived lack of strategy and effective decision-making. Despite winning three games, the team's performance under Ham has failed to convince the fanbase, further adding to the disappointment surrounding the Lakers' early-season struggles.