Sometimes basketball arguments do not revolve around the numbers. They revolve around the vibes. And right now, the Los Angeles Lakers’ starting lineup vibe has quietly improved the moment Jake LaRavia stepped into it.
How Rui Hachimura’s injury opened an unexpected door
Rui Hachimura’s calf injury obviously is not something anyone wanted, but it cracked open an opportunity the Lakers probably did not realize they needed. With more minutes and real responsibility, LaRavia has not just filled a space, he has filled gaps and has been proving that he should be one of the team's five starters.
This season so far Hachimura has been averaging 12.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and just under one assist as a starter in 27 games. LaRavia’s starter numbers sit at 11.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. Close? Sure. Identical? Not even a little.
The difference shows up between possessions, not during them. LaRavia moves like someone who knows he can’t waste a second. He cuts hard, runs the floor, fights for rebounds, and actually enjoys doing the little things that end up mattering late down the stretch.
On a Lakers team that has struggled with rebounding and consistent effort all season, that matters way more than a couple extra points.
Off the ball, LaRavia is constantly creating problems for defenses. He does not just stand in the corner hoping the ball swings his way. He cuts, relocates, sets hard screens, and keeps the defense uncomfortable. Hachimura, by contrast, is often used as a spot-up shooter in the starting group.
While Hachimura has been excellent at that role, shooting an outstanding 44.5 percent from three on just over four attempts a game, that role limits him. When LeBron, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves are running the offense, there just are not many chances for Rui to post up or get into a rhythm.
That is why the bench makes sense for him. Not as a demotion, but as a weapon. Let Hachimura come in and score. Let him attack mismatches and be a reliable bucket when the offense stalls. Let him provide some real value to the team.
LaRavia, meanwhile, feels built for the starting group. He does not need as many touches. He needs tasks. Head coach JJ Redick likely saw this when the Lakers brought LaRavia in during the offseason. It was at the time a low-key move in hopes he can turn into something special. Well as of right now, that move is starting to look pretty smart.
LaRavia does not try to be the star. He just makes the lineup make sense. And right now, that might be exactly why he should stay right where he is, in the starting five.