The Los Angeles Lakers started Jake LaRavia for the fifth straight game, but saw why Ziaire Williams should go back into the opening group. Williams is a better and more willing shooter. The Lakers need that with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves on the floor. LaRavia brings energy, defense, and versatility, which is needed off the bench when one of the star is resting. Head coach JJ Redick had it right to start the season and needs to go back to it.
Williams started the first four games before missing three contests with a foot injury. He returned on Monday night against the Miami Heat, but only played 15.2 minutes off the bench. Williams didn’t miss a beat in his first contest back. He was defending hard and sinking open shots. That is exactly what Los Angeles needs in the starting five.
Redick stuck LaRavia, but foul trouble forced Williams to play more in the win over the Sacramento Kings. LaRavia picked up his fourth foul in the second quarter. That meant an extended stretch on the bench. The Lakers even put Williams on the floor to start the second half, and he was again a seamless fit.
Ziaire Williams is the 3-and-D wing Luka Doncic maximizes
Williams is comfortable spacing the floor, defending on the ball, and playing his role. He isn’t going to try to do too much. The 6’9 forward will fire when open. More importantly, he can guard the opposition’s lead ball-handler or best scorer. That versatility is exactly what the Lakers need in their opening group.
Matisse Thybulle is starting and playing a 3-and-D role. The Lakers know Doncic wants a rim-rolling big man and shooters around him. Thybulle and Williams are the two most willing shooters when open. Doncic creates a ton of open looks. LA needs someone to knock them down.
The open starting forward spot should be filled by someone who can defend at the point of attack and space the floor. LaRavia is making his threes this season, but he is taking just 2.1 per game. That means he is passing up open looks. Williams is suited to start, and LaRavia fits better coming off the bench.
Jake LaRavia’s skill set is better suited for a reserve role
LaRavia is an energy player. He goes all out and often outworks the other player on the floor. It is difficult to do that in the starting five. Those players are used to playing heavy minutes and are more skilled.
LaRavia can wreak havoc against tired starters or reserves whenever he comes off the bench. The 6’7 forward was averaging 6.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 block coming into the win over the Kings. The Lakers need a more willing shooter in the starting five, but that isn’t all.
LaRavia is better suited guarding frontcourt players over guards. The Lakers will stick Luka on the opposition’s weakest offensive player. Thybulle is comfortable guarding a top option. LA would be better with Williams taking on the elite scorers than Austin Reaves in the starting five.
JJ Redick had the Lakers' starting five right on opening night
The Kings game underscored why coach Redick had it right on opening night. Los Angeles won Williams 23 minutes by 12 points. He took four 3-pointers and had two steals. LaRavia was plus-three in his 21 minutes of action with just two triples attempted. It wasn’t just the foul trouble. Williams fits better with the starters, and LaRavia is best suited to come off the bench.
Ziaire missed a week of action with a foot injury. The Lakers are likely just being cautious as he ramps back up. They need the 6’9 forward when the games matter most, so it is wise to be smart this early in the season.
Coach Redick can play LaRavia more minutes than Williams if he has a restriction. It still makes more sense to use Ziaire with the starters. He is the 3-and-D capable of guarding on the ball that group needs.
The Los Angeles Lakers need to bench Jake LaRavia and put Ziaire Williams back into the starting five. This is a new-look roster with nine players in their first year with the franchise. JJ Redick is still figuring things out. The win over the Sacramento Kings further proved Williams should start, and it is time to make this move. Have faith that coach Redick will figure things out before the playoffs. He just needs a bit more time.
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