The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a crossroads with the need to build a competitive roster. The Lakers, who have been a beacon of success in the league’s history, have been grappling in recent seasons. But The Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, has been making moves to ensure the team’s continued success. The fans, who are accustomed to the franchise’s winning strategies, have always been vocal about their concerns and expectations. Amidst this backdrop, the Lakers have made a significant move that has sparked a flurry of reactions from the fanbase. 

Lakers fans witnessed a championship win in 2020, followed by disappointing performances in the subsequent years. While they exceeded expectations this year, they were thoroughly outclassed by the eventual champions Denver Nuggets in the WCF. The Lakers will look to close that gap between themselves and the champions.

The Lakers’ Latest Move: Extending Qualifying Offers to two unsung stars

In a move that has sent ripples through the Lakers’ fan community, the team has officially extended qualifying offers to stars of their latest playoff run, Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves.

This decision effectively makes both players restricted free agents, giving the Lakers the right to match any offer that other teams might make for them even if it means offering as high as $100 M for four years. The Lakers won’t budge. 

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Hachimura, a versatile 6’8 forward, had some stunning performances in the postseason which definitely raised his stock. On the other hand, the 25-year-old Reaves has transformed himself from a bench warmer to a starter in a span of two years. He is loved by the city of LA and the Lakers want to make sure both of the stars of the playoffs return next season. 

“This was the wrong move” claim fans

The decision to extend qualifying offers to them has been met with mixed reactions from the fans and many have expressed concerns about the team’s strategy. One fan expressed disappointment with harsh criticism by saying, “man y’all are some idiots I swear.”

“Lakers will be missing the playoffs for the third year in a row. LOL!” one fan commented, expressing skepticism about the team’s chances in the upcoming season.

Another fan, identifying as an honest Lakers supporter, voiced their disagreement with the move, stating, “this was the wrong move.”

while another noted only, “Lebron keeping his Year alive.”

However, not all reactions were negative. Some fans expressed optimism about the team’s future. “Congratulations let’s go win a championship,” one fan commented, 

One fan affirmed Laker’s move by saying “sign. them at all cost. ” 

While this decision has been met with criticism from the fans, the Lakers are confident that these players have a valuable addition to any team. As the offseason unfolds, fans eagerly await further developments and roster additions that will shape the Lakers’ prospects for the upcoming season.

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