The fans dislike the Lakers' request for Rui Hachimura, which could lead to his departure

In a surprising move from the Lakers, the team could be interested in adding another center to their roster despite having Mo Bamba, Wenyen Gabriel, Tristan Thompson, and the just-signed two-way contract Colin Coleston.

After what happened in the Western Conference Finals against the now NBA champions Denver Nuggets, especially after facing Nikola Jokic, coach Ham is looking for a reliable center.

Because of that, Gabriel and Bamba don't have a spot guaranteed, but the actual "sacrificed" would be Rui Hachimura, as a middle-ground Lakers offseason scenario could be using cap room to keep Rui at 10-12 million instead of the 15-18 he wants.

This leaves 18 million in space to have the return of the center, Brook Lopez, and Colin Coleston as the backup. Plus, Anthony Davis could be returning to his PF position. The problem is the Lakers could risk Hachimura's continuity as he could find a better offer in free agency. Without a doubt, this would be a move that the fans would dislike.

The Lakers have a plan B if Reaves leaves the team in free agency

It has been reported that the Lakers picked in the 2023 NBA Draft Jalen Hood-Schifino in case Austin Reaves leaves the team in free agency if he signs another team.