The Los Angeles Lakers may have finally discovered the missing piece to their starting lineup puzzle in Jake LaRavia. During a critical home matchup against Memphis—a contest the Lakers desperately needed to win—LaRavia showcased exactly why he deserves consideration as the team's fifth starter.
With just over seven minutes remaining and the Lakers trailing by two points, LeBron James executed his signature skip pass from a high ball screen to the weak-side corner. Typically, Rui Hachimura occupies that spot, but a calf injury opened the door for LaRavia. Without hesitation, he attacked the closeout and finished strong at the rim over a shot blocker. Moments later, he demonstrated his defensive prowess, using his impressive 6'9" wingspan to generate a steal and convert it into transition points.
This sequence encapsulated LaRavia's potential value to a Lakers starting unit that has struggled to find cohesion throughout the season.
The Search for the Right Fit
NBA teams spend 82 games searching for optimal lineup combinations. The goal isn't simply assembling the five most talented players, but rather finding a group whose skills complement each other seamlessly. For the Lakers, four positions appear settled: Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton form the core.
The fifth spot, however, has remained problematic. The current configuration featuring Hachimura alongside those four stars has produced a concerning -19.9 net rating, indicating significant defensive and offensive inefficiencies. This underperformance has created urgency for coach JJ Redick to explore alternatives.
LaRavia's emergence comes at a pivotal moment. Following his 21-point performance against Memphis, he articulated his adaptable approach: "This is kind of when I talk about roles and the amount of hats that I can wear with this team. 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."
This self-awareness and versatility could be exactly what the Lakers need.
Offensive Quickness and Decision-Making
One of LaRavia's most valuable attributes is his rapid decision-making. In today's NBA, hesitation kills offensive flow. Coach Redick has emphasized this principle throughout the season, implementing a "0.5-second decision-making" philosophy that demands immediate action upon receiving the ball.
Quick decision-making separates good role players from great ones. LaRavia excels at attacking closeouts without pause, keeping the defense in rotation and creating advantages for his teammates. When LeBron posts up and draws double teams, LaRavia understands how to relocate to open spaces, ready to either shoot or drive.
His shooting numbers support his growing confidence. After a slow start to the season, LaRavia has connected on 38% of his three-point attempts over his last ten games while leading the team in catch-and-shoot opportunities. This perimeter threat is non-negotiable when playing alongside Dončić, LeBron, and Reaves—all of whom require spacing to operate effectively.
Beyond spot-up shooting, LaRavia has developed into the team's most efficient cutter, generating 1.59 points per possession on those plays—a figure that places him in the 90th percentile league-wide. He possesses an innate sense of timing, sliding along the baseline when the Lakers' stars command attention in the post. This off-ball intelligence creates easy scoring opportunities without disrupting the primary offensive actions.
The Importance of Dirty Work
Perhaps LaRavia's most crucial attribute is his willingness to embrace the unglamorous aspects of winning basketball. Modern NBA stars handle the bulk of shot creation and offensive responsibility. The fifth starter must contribute through energy, defense, and intangibles.
"Shots aren't going to fall every game, but I can control the effort," LaRavia noted, capturing the mindset of a player who understands his role.
This selfless mentality manifests in multiple ways: setting solid screens, crashing the offensive glass, making the extra pass, and defending multiple positions. His 6'9" frame and active hands allow him to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots effectively. These contributions don't always appear in traditional box scores but significantly impact winning.
The Lakers' championship aspirations depend on finding players who sacrifice individual glory for collective success. LaRavia's approach suggests he prioritizes team outcomes over personal statistics—a quality that championship contenders desperately need.
Defensive Versatility
While offensive fit receives significant attention, defensive compatibility ultimately determines lineup viability. LaRavia's length and lateral quickness enable him to guard wings and forwards, providing flexibility in defensive schemes.
His steal against Memphis wasn't an isolated incident. LaRavia consistently positions himself in passing lanes and demonstrates active hands without gambling excessively. This defensive discipline allows the Lakers to maintain their structural integrity while creating transition opportunities.
In a Western Conference loaded with perimeter talent, having another versatile defender becomes invaluable. LaRavia can switch onto multiple positions, reducing the defensive burden on LeBron and allowing Dončić to conserve energy for offensive production.
The Path Forward
The Lakers face a critical decision. Hachimura's shooting ability and playoff experience offer proven value, but the starting lineup's disastrous net rating demands change. LaRavia's recent performances present a compelling case for a permanent promotion.
Coach Redick must weigh several factors: chemistry development, playoff rotation clarity, and the risk of disrupting second-unit cohesion. However, the potential reward—finding a fifth starter who complements the stars while embracing a flexible role—outweighs these concerns.
LaRavia's development trajectory suggests continued improvement. His shooting has stabilized, his cutting has become a weapon, and his defensive impact grows more consistent. These trends indicate he could provide long-term stability to a rotation that has lacked it.
The Lakers' championship window won't remain open indefinitely. LeBron's age, Dončić's contract situation, and the competitive Western Conference landscape create urgency. Every game matters, and lineup decisions carry heightened significance.
Conclusion
Jake LaRavia represents more than just a temporary fill-in. He embodies the modern NBA role player: versatile, selfless, and adaptable. His ability to shoot, cut, defend, and make quick decisions addresses the specific weaknesses plaguing the Lakers' starting unit.
The -19.9 net rating of the current starting lineup screams for change. LaRavia's +21 point performance against Memphis whispers a potential solution. While one game doesn't guarantee success, the skill set and mentality he displayed align perfectly with what championship contenders need from their fifth starter.
As the Lakers navigate the remainder of their season, LaRavia's emergence provides hope. In a league where marginal improvements often separate contenders from pretenders, finding the right fifth starter could be the difference between an early playoff exit and a deep championship run.
The answer to the Lakers' lineup puzzle might have been on their roster all along.