“Let’s say the issue for me now is that they have completely remade this identity, where this was one of the biggest and toughest and most physical teams in the league that would just overwhelm you with their front-court size. Now, they’re a bit smaller,” said Buha on The Herd with Colin Cowherd.

“I think right now they have the taxpayer mid-level exception available, which is worth about $6 million. So you’re not like I think Rui Hachimura would be a great fit for them. You start at four. They could protect him defensively with McDaniels and Gobert.”

Even ESPN’s Dave McMenamin suggests that Hachimura could become the “odd man out” if the Lakers prioritize other roster moves before addressing his contract.

Plus, if the Lakers stay below the first apron, they can exercise the $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception. Otherwise, that $9.4 room MLE instead.

Add Reaves’ new $185 million deal, and the scenario of LeBron coming back. Slowly, the dollars start disappearing. Plus, there was the promise to Luka Doncic that needs to be fulfilled. So, reports have consistently linked Rui Hachimura to a future away from the Lakers.

Who are the Lakers targeting instead of Rui Hachimura?

Robert Williams III, Walker Kessler, Mitchell Robinson, and Myles Turner remain some of the bigs that the Lakers are targeting. They have also shown interest in the 6’9 forward, Naz Reid, who was recently traded to the Hornets.

“Naz Reid is a big man the Lakers have strong interest in,” Brett Siegel reported. “But the Charlotte Hornets have not expressed to teams that they will make him available after being involved in the LaMelo Ball trade.”

This is consistent with Shams Charania’s report, which suggested that the Hornets have received multiple trade calls for Reid. But for now, the plan is to keep the former Wolves star, though he was ultimately traded. The Lakers’ pursuit also makes sense, since the now-Charlotte star was a skilled frontcourt piece who could stretch the floor, attack mismatches, and fit alongside different lineup combinations.

The 26-year-old has become a fan favorite in Minnesota and averaged 13.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 55.4% from two-point range and 36.6% from beyond the arc. He’s a capable shot blocker, averaging around 1 block per game in recent seasons.

He can be a good secondary rim protector, especially alongside another strong defender. Unlike Rui Hacimira, Reid provides enough defensive versatility that teams don’t have to hide him.