I've been saying, the Rockets were already very shallow in playmaking, everyone was praising their off season, but they "forgot" to strengthen a glaring issue now they lose VanVleet and they have nothing. Lakers were already ahead IMO, now it's not close.
I wouldn't say incredible summer. They improved but I think they still didn't address a glaring problem they had last season, playmaking. VanVleet is getting up there in age and his averages are dropping every year, they also don't have a playable backup PG. There's also a chance their defense is not as good this season, without Brooks.