The Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a two-year $12 million bargain with Jake LaRavia on the opening night of free agency, but the addition of Marcus Smart will limit his minutes and production. They need a strong point of attack defender, and Smart will be asked to fill that role. There will be plenty of regret, including being forced to play the veteran over the blossoming young forward.
Smart is not the Defensive Player of the Year fans remember from his day in Boston. His lack of games has covered for his decline. He struggles defending at the point of attack and is an inconsistent shooter. The 6’3 guard’s biggest offensive impact is as a ball-handler and creator. The Lakers certainly don’t need that with Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves on their roster. If Smart can’t guard lead ball-handlers, this partnership could backfire quickly.
The veteran guard got less money than LaRavia, but Smart is still being paid by the Wizards. After Luka Doncic recruited him, Lakers fans know the former DPOY will get minutes. Those will likely come at the expense of playing the younger and more versatile forward.
Lakers ruined the Jake LaRavia signing by adding Marcus Smart
Head coach JJ Redick has one difficult decision to make in his starting five. Luka, LeBron, Reaves, and Deandre Ayton will be in the group. Redick must decide if Smart or incumbent Rui Hachimura gets the final spot. Things get complicated beyond that if all six average 30-plus minutes each night.
The Lakers may only have 40-50 minutes of playing time to give out to the rest of their roster. Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Maxi Kleber or Jaxson Hayes will all be part of the rotation. Even if LaRavia is the seventh man, it is difficult to imagine him getting more than 20 minutes per game.
The 6’8 forward averaged 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.9 steals in 20.4 minutes each night last season, split between Memphis and Sacramento. He shot 47.5 percent from the field and 42.3 percent on his threes. The 23-year-old has untapped potential on both ends of the floor and could instantly breakout in the right situation.
It seemed like the Lakers were ready to give him that shot. They let Dorian Finney-Smith walk in free agency and quickly signed LaRavia. Now, Smart is there to muddy the rotation. Without a significant bounce back and better health, the guard’s minutes could be problematic. Even more reason to play LaRavia and see what he can do in a larger role.
The Los Angeles Lakers ruined the Jake LaRavia signing with the addition of Marcus Smart. They hope both can be key rotation pieces on a contending roster, but there are no guarantees. Smart is on the decline, and LaRavia is unproven. The Lakers need both to step up. Do not be surprised to see the forward quickly look like a steal. Hopefully, that is enough for coach Redick to give him more run. Fingers crossed.