With the NBA trade deadline right around the corner (Feb 09), teams around the league are picking up their phones and trading away assets to improve their roster for one final push before the postseason. Similarly, the Los Angeles Lakers recently made a shocking trade that caught many fans and analysts off guard. However, the polarizing nature of Hollywood’s team and other factors also at play have marred their recent acquisition.

Moreover, fans are also debating whether it was the right choice after all, with a loud section of LA fans vehemently advocating for an alternative option from the East Coast.

Los Angeles Lakers traded for Rui Hachimura of the Wizards

With increasing pressure from the fan base and not much to show for, Rob Pelinka and the Lakers management finally pulled the trigger and traded away some assets to acquire fresh talent. The Lakers finalized a deal with the Washington Wizards on Monday to onboard Rui Hachimura in exchange for Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks. The blockbuster trade ensued a social media storm with mixed reactions from all sides. Though the overall reaction was positive among fans, the choice of the trade was heavily criticized. However, at this point, the Lakers will need all the help they can get.

Despite LeBron James performing at an MVP level at 38 years old, the Lakers have failed to capitalize on his productivity. They currently sit towards the bottom of the Western Conference as the 12th seed with an underwhelming record of 22-25. The addition of Hachimura from the Wizards will add much-needed size and versatility to the roster. Moreover, he also has the following of an entire nation, being one of the most successful Japanese players in history.

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However, his popularity with the 125 million-strong nation has also forced fans to question the Lakers’ move. Moreover, the trade witnessed major criticism after NBA correspondent Marc Stein reported, “The Lakers likely could have traded for the Knicks’ Cam Reddish for a similar package that they sent to Washington but opted for Hachimura, who was drafted ninth overall by the Wizards in 2019.” 

Fans destroy Lakers for Cam Reddish snub

Many Lakers fans were not happy with Hachimura’s pick over Cam Reddish. Though both forwards were drafted in 2019, Reddish has had an impressive career so far. Moreover, he had a stellar showing in the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals. However, he was traded to the New York Knicks following salary cap complications with the Atlanta Hawks.

But many fans, after heeding Stein’s report, were enraged to find out that Pelinka and Co picked Hachimura over Reddish. Some fans even went to the length tracing ulterior motives on part of the Lakers.

Here are some fan reactions on Twitter:

Though most fans advocated for bringing Reddish on board, some fans were more reticent in criticizing the deal. Rui Hachimura currently earns $6 Million annually, whereas Reddish brings home a very similar $5.9 Million.

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Whom would you pick between the two? Let us know in the comments below.