In a surprising turn of events, the Los Angeles Lakers have found their fifth starter in Jake LaRavia, a player whose versatility and adaptability are proving to be invaluable to the team's success. LaRavia's recent performances have solidified his role in the starting lineup, bringing a new dynamic to the Lakers' game plan.
The Rise of Jake LaRavia
LaRavia stepped into the starting lineup due to Rui Hachimura's absence, and he hasn't looked back. In a crucial game against Memphis, where the Lakers couldn't afford to lose, LaRavia showcased his all-around skills, scoring 21 points and making a significant impact on both ends of the court. His ability to fill multiple roles has been a game-changer for the team.
“This is kind of when I just talk about roles and the amount of hats that I can wear with this team,” LaRavia said following the game. “Where some nights this is what happens, other nights, I’m that defender, connector, crasher, like all that kind of stuff. So, just continuing to play confidently throughout, but also understanding what my role is going to be each game.”
Adapting to the Starting Lineup
The Lakers' starting lineup, which includes LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton, had been underperforming with a -19.9 net rating. LaRavia's inclusion has brought a new level of energy and efficiency to the group.
One of LaRavia's standout attributes is his ability to make quick reads on the offensive end. He keeps the wheel moving by attacking closeouts and finding open spaces. His 0.5-second decision-making, as coached by head coach J.J. Redick, has been a key factor in his success. LaRavia has also shown that he can be a reliable shooter, leading the team in catch-and-shoot attempts and shooting 38% from three in his last ten games.
Efficiency on the Court
LaRavia's efficiency is another highlight of his game. He is the most efficient cutter on the team, scoring 1.59 points per possession, which ranks him in the 90th percentile. His ability to find spots to roam the baseline when Dončić and James operate out of the post has been crucial for the team's offensive strategy.
The Importance of Energy and Effort
While LaRavia's offensive contributions are significant, his defensive efforts are equally impressive. “Shots aren’t going to fall every game, but I can control the effort that I bring to the game,” LaRavia said. “They talk about offensive [rebounding] crash rate. I’m just trying to do that every night and just bringing energy to this team.”
LaRavia's crash rate has led him to be third on the team in offensive rebounds per game, behind only Ayton and Jarred Vanderbilt. His ability to fly in from the corner and either create second-chance opportunities or finish himself has been a valuable asset for the Lakers.
Defensive Prowess
On the defensive end, LaRavia leads the team in deflections at 3.4 per game and is third in steals. While he may lack some lateral quickness to stay with the quickest guards, his commitment to the team's defensive strategy has been praised by former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart. “I know he doesn’t get a lot of credit for his defense, but he’s a really good defender,” Smart said. “We just got to continue to feed his confidence on that end because we definitely are going to need him.”
Impact on Team Performance
Over the last ten games, lineups with LaRavia next to LeBron and Luka have a +9.9 net rating, showcasing the impact he has on the team's performance. His ability to oscillate between different roles and positions has made him an indispensable part of the Lakers' starting lineup.
As the Lakers continue their journey through the NBA season, LaRavia's versatility and adaptability will be key factors in their quest for success. His ability to wear multiple hats and contribute in various ways makes him a perfect fit for a team that needs all-around players to complement its stars.
Conclusion
Jake LaRavia's emergence as the Lakers' fifth starter is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and ability to adapt to the team's needs. His contributions on both ends of the court have been invaluable, and he is quickly becoming one of the most reliable players in the league. As the Lakers look to improve their performance, LaRavia's role will only continue to grow, making him a player to watch in the coming seasons.
