Jake LaRavia has had some great performances recently as he’s been implemented into the starting lineup with Rui Hachimura out.
LaRavia scored 26 points and 21 points in back-to-back wins against the Grizzlies,
helping LA begin 2026 undefeated.
While the offensive production has been applauded, it’s the defensive display on a team that struggles on that side of the ball that has stood out.
Smart discussed how LaRavia has been a defensive disruptor after the team’s most recent win against Memphis.
“It’s been huge,” Smart said. “I mean, we talk every day, but me and Jake coming from Memphis together, having that, that connection that we built over there, to bring it over here…He doesn’t get a lot of credit for his defense, but he’s a really good defender, and we just got to continue to feed his confidence on that end because we’re definitely gonna need him…We’re so gifted and talented on the offensive end that we, on the defensive end, have to do some things to kind of balance that out for us and that starts with us to come out and bring that energy.”
LaRavia is averaging 1.4 steals per game for the Lakers, making him the second-best swiper on the team, right behind Luka Dončić. In the hustle stats, his defensive activity also stands out.
LaRavia has registered 106 deflections, far and away the most on the team. The next closest player is Marcus Smart with 77. He is also tied with Luka for the most defensive loose balls recovered and is second on the team in loose balls recovered with 22.
The fact that LaRavia is near the top of many defensive metrics for the Lakers while averaging the seventh most minutes shows that he’s really made a defensive impact wherever he’s been on the floor.
With the Lakers being a defensivley weak team, any players who give a full effort and are effective on that end are necessary. LaRavia’s play has made him an essential part of the rotation and an impactful player on this team.
And if LaRavia remains a willing shooter, he could even make a case to be a permanent starter for the Lakers even when everyone returns. For now, LaRavia is doing everything the Lakers are asking for, including raising the defensive floor on this team every time he steps onto the court.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
