What problem does this solve or what need does it fill?

lazy_static involves macros, takes a bit longer to compile, and once_cell provides more flexible ways on the way to being added to std.

What solution would you like?

Replace all usages of lazy_static with static VAR: Lazy<T>.

One potential drawback is that lazy_static supports spin-waiting on the result, while Lazy doesn't. I don't think any of the crate's usages are perf-bound by this though.

What alternative(s) have you considered?

Leave it as is.