too premature to count the Lakers out of the finals due thinking they can't get by GSW or Houston.
Bron took a craptastic Cavs team to the finals. Houston or GSW could have a key injury the improves the chances they lose to the Lakers in the finals. Also, don't forget the league (and officials) still love Lebron -- biggest media draw in the league. Not stating there will be an outright conspiracy to have Bron take a 3rd franchise to the finals, much less the 2nd-most winningest franchise in terms of titles, but don't be surprised when he gets the continued love from the officials next year in the playoffs.
this won't be the last big move by the Lakers this summer. got to figure Kawhi's arrival in LA is just a matter of time now. SA may be able to clean them out of any decent young player besides Ball but LA will still be in the mix for a title with just Bron and Kawhi on the same team.
hate the idea the Lakers are back into a top team without having suffered a long enough playoffs drought to suit my liking
I mean, barring injuries, which can happen to any team, I definitely don't think it's too early to say that. As constructed, they're probably not even at home court in the playoffs, let alone advancing to the Finals. Right now their starting lineup will be Ball, Ingram/KCP, James, Kuzma, and probably Lopez, who is rumored to come back now. That might even be a borderline playoff team in the West.
Now, of course I expect them to improve before the season starts, probably adding Kawhi at some point. But even then, depending on the trade itself, I don't see that Lakers team better than 3rd in the East, especially if Kawhi comes at the expense of Ingram and Kuzma.