He keeps putting up the work this offseason, the competition for the starting role for Hachimura isn't Vanderbilt

The Lakers player that is creating the most expectations ahead of the next season is the Japanese wing Rui Hachimura, especially after what he showed is capable of in the past postseason run.

Hachimura was one of the best players in the offseason, which make him earn a spot in coach Ham's lineups, signed an extension and according to reports by The Athletic's Jovan Buha is considered a starter in Darvin's lineups.

But there's a player that could be taking his place and is not Jarred Vanderbilt but Jaxson Hayes, the young center that was recently signed by Pelinka.

The GM recently revealed that the Lakers want to bring back the strategy of playing with two bigs, so coach Ham could be starting Hayes alongside Anthony Davis and Rui would become the 'sacrificed' that will once again have a coming-off-the-bench role.

The Lakers are still looking to add another big to their roster

The roster for the next season is almost completely built, but there's one more spot available that is destined for a center according to Pelinka. Their top two options are Christian Wood and Bismack Biyombo, but in the NBA everything can happen.