In a critical matchup last night against Memphis, the Los Angeles Lakers found themselves down by two with just over seven minutes left on the clock. With the game hanging in the balance, LeBron James executed one of his signature plays: coming off a high ball screen and delivering a quick skip pass to the corner. Typically, this spot is occupied by reliable shooter Rui Hachimura, but he was sidelined due to a calf strain. Jake LaRavia stepped up to fill the gap, showcasing his skill set by attacking the closeout and finishing strong at the rim.
LaRavia’s performance didn’t stop there; he also utilized his impressive 6’9″ wingspan to secure a steal and convert it into points. Reflecting on his adaptability, LaRavia noted how he thrives in various roles within the team structure. “This is kind of when I just talk about roles and the amount of hats that I can wear with this team,” he said after scoring 21 points. His ability to read plays quickly and contribute in multiple ways has been vital for a Lakers lineup that has struggled at times.
The Lakers appear to have locked in four solid positions in their starting five, featuring Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton. However, their fifth spot has been up for debate, and LaRavia has emerged as a strong candidate to fill it. Head coach J.J. Redick emphasized the importance of LaRavia’s quick decision-making and catch-and-shoot readiness, essentials for an effective non-center starter.
After a slow start to the season, LaRavia has found his rhythm, recently shooting 38% from three-point range over the last ten games while leading the team in catch-and-shoot attempts. His efficiency as a cutter is noteworthy; he ranks in the 90th percentile, averaging 1.59 points per possession. This has allowed him to capitalize on opportunities when superstars like Dončić and LeBron work their magic in the post.
Beyond scoring, LaRavia’s commitment to hustle and energy is commendable. He understands that not every night will result in points on the board, but he can always control his effort. He leads the team in offensive rebounds per game, just behind Ayton and Jarred Vanderbilt, making significant contributions by creating additional scoring chances.
On the defensive end, LaRavia shines as well. He averages 3.4 deflections per game and is third in steals for the team. While he may struggle with the quickest guards in the league, his overall defensive work ethic is recognized by his peers, including former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, who praised his skills.
The statistics speak volumes: lineups that include LaRavia alongside LeBron and Luka boast a +9.9 net rating over the past ten games. This illustrates the impact of having a high-energy wing who can score and defend effectively, potentially allowing Hachimura to thrive in a bench role.
As Hachimura made his return against the Hawks following an injury, LaRavia continued to impress, scoring 17 points in a game the Lakers dominated. With Reaves still recovering, the full starting lineup may not be tested for a few more weeks. However, LaRavia’s performance has firmly established him as a crucial component of the Lakers, demonstrating that sometimes, opportunities arise from unexpected challenges.