**Jake LaRavia Emerging as Lakers’ Crucial Fifth Starter**
Key Takeaways:
- Jake LaRavia has stepped into a starting role for the Los Angeles Lakers with impressive two-way play.
- His offensive efficiency and defensive intensity are helping stabilize an underperforming lineup.
- LaRavia’s recent performances are driving speculation he may permanently replace Rui Hachimura in the starting five.
Los Angeles — Jake LaRavia is trending after stepping into the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers and delivering standout performances against conference rivals, including a 21-point outing against Memphis and a 17-point contribution in a blowout win over Atlanta. With starting forward Rui Hachimura sidelined due to a calf strain, LaRavia has made the most of his opportunity, leading to speculation that the Lakers have found their fifth starter to complete a lineup that includes LeBron James, Luke Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton.
LaRavia Executes in High-Stakes Minutes
In tight games the Lakers couldn’t afford to lose, Jake LaRavia made critical two-way plays, illustrating his value on both ends of the floor. Against the Memphis Grizzlies, he seized defensive opportunities with steals and deflections, while showing offensive chemistry with stars like LeBron and Dončić. LaRavia scored efficiently, attacked closeouts swiftly, and exhibited advanced decision-making—a skill head coach J.J. Redick emphasized has been a focus area for LaRavia. Recent advanced metrics back it up: lineups featuring LaRavia alongside James and Dončić post a +9.9 net rating.
Why the Promotion Came Now
The Lakers’ starting unit that included Hachimura had posted a concerning -19.9 net rating, prompting coaching staff and analytics teams to explore alternatives. LaRavia was available to step in due to Hachimura’s injury and brought a different blend of energy, effort, and unselfishness. In the past 10 games, he has shot 38% from three-point range, leads the team in catch-and-shoot attempts, and ranks in the 90th percentile in cutting efficiency. His reputation as an “effort-first” player is reinforced by ranking third in offensive rebounds per game, trailing only Ayton and Vanderbilt.
Lakers’ Rotation Faces Imminent Shift
With Reaves still out and Hachimura returning slowly from injury, the Lakers have delayed finalizing their rotation. But LaRavia’s recent stats and impact suggest he may hold onto the starting role long-term. His presence not only complements stars but also allows Hachimura to be more offensively involved off the bench. Marcus Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, publicly highlighted LaRavia’s underrated defense, suggesting internal support for his expanded role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is jake laravia trending?
A: Because he’s impressed as the Lakers’ new starter, stepping in for an injured Rui Hachimura and helping stabilize the team’s underperforming starting lineup.
Q: What happens next?
A: LaRavia may stay in the starting five when the full lineup returns; final decisions are expected once Austin Reaves is healthy in the coming weeks.
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