Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has seemingly come to terms with the fact that the rotation he favored wasn't getting the job done. The Lakers are in a good spot at 24-14 as they approach the midway point of the regular season, but putrid defensive results were becoming impossible to ignore.
Despite the divided response to Redick's decision to move Rui Hachimura to the second unit and start Jake LaRavia, the Lakers have already proven wise for the decision.
Hachimura started each of his first 27 appearances with the Lakers in 2025-26, as well as 57 of his 59 games played in 2024-25. With 84 starts in 86 tries under Redick, it seemed as though he was a lock for the starting lineup, particularly with unrestricted free agency looming.
Despite the potential ramifications that moving Hachimura to the bench may have on his future with the franchise, the Lakers made the necessary decision to embrace change.
LaRavia started over Hachimura during Los Angeles' Jan. 13 encounter with the Atlanta Hawks. It proved to be a brilliant decision, as LaRavia tormented Hawks franchise player Jalen Johnson with his defense and erupted for a stellar showing on the offensive end of the floor.
One game can only prove so much, but this is the latest in a long line of strong performances with LaRavia in a featured role.
Jake LaRavia outplays Jalen Johnson in debut as full-time Lakers starter
The most important result was that Los Angeles destroyed Atlanta, running away with a 141-116 home victory. The win snapped a three-game losing streak and helped provide the Lakers with early confirmation that starting LaRavia was a wise decision.
From an individual perspective, LaRavia rewarded Redick's faith with 17 points, four rebounds, three assists, and a steal while shooting 6-of-10 from the field and 3-of-4 from beyond the arc.
In addition to producing an efficient and well-rounded night on offense, LaRavia helped set the tone with his defense. Johnson shot just 2-of-8 from the field when LaRavia was the primary defender and rarely got to the spots he so consistently manages to.
Compounded by the fact that LaRavia played a team-high 36 minutes, the Lakers were given early evidence that starting their prized offseason addition was a wise decision.
As for Hachimura, he turned in a solid performance with seven points and two rebounds in just 18 minutes. It is, of course, essential to note that he's still recovering from a calf injury and is playing on a minutes restriction, but evidence is beginning to mount that the new arrangement is the most ideal structure to stick with.
If the current trend continues, then the Lakers will have every reason to start LaRavia and feature Hachimura as the team's sixth man.