The Los Angeles Lakers missed out on Jonathan Kuminga and a few other offseason targets in hopes of landing a new power forward to fill out the starting lineup. Despite multiple efforts, the Lakers failed to land a wing option they felt would round out the starting five, leaving them with a big hole to fill before the 2026-27 season begins.
But though Los Angeles missed out on several top targets, the franchise still has a few players to choose from to play in the starting power forward position. None of them might be as strong candidates as Kuminga, Peyton Watson, or the other names atop the team’s trade board, but heading into the new season, Jake LaRavia could be the exact type of player the Lakers are looking for to play in the starting lineup alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Quentin Grimes, and Walker Kessler.
He showed some upside in his first season in the Purple and Gold last year, and while there are some clear limitations, LaRavia offers a skill set that could mesh with the team’s top contributors.
Jake LaRavia Tabbed For Bigger Role Next Season, On One Condition
Writing for LakeShowLife.com, Svyatoslav Rovenchuk explained how if LaRavia can find a solid shooting rhythm this season, he could be the Lakers’ missing piece at the power forward position in the starting lineup.
“Jake LaRavia could secure that (starting lineup) gig quickly if his jumper can come back around,” he wrote. “They are just asking for a player who can prioritize the defensive end and finish scoring opportunities when they come. LaRavia has half the equation down.”
LaRavia’s defensive upside was on full display last year. He averaged 1.3 steals in just 25 minutes per game, and was consistently matched up with opposing stars on that end of the floor, holding his own well on most occasions.
“The defensive end was a strong point for him in 2025-26. When it comes to guarding his matchups, LaRavia can stay in front of his man with solid effectiveness. His energy on that side of the court is easy to spot. The Lakers forward fits what the team is looking for.”
But as Rovenchuk mentioned, it’s his three-point shot that will need to develop for the 24-year-old to be put in a bigger role next year now that LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and the Lakers other power forwards are now gone. He only shot 32.1% from outside last season, a bit lower than his career average of 35.1% three-point shooting across his five NBA seasons.
“If the young forward can level out the percentages and shoot a mark around league average, there is a solid case for him to be the starter among a forward group that carries plenty of question marks,” he added.
If the Lakers don’t make any other offseason moves, LaRavia will have the chance to fill out the starting lineup, but if he can’t hit his open shots, there’s no guarantee he stays in that role for long.
Other Lakers Starting Lineup Options
Assuming this current Los Angeles roster is the one that begins the season, the team still has a few other options to be put in the starting power forward position by opening night.
Alongside LaRavia, the Lakers have Mattise Thybulle, Jarred Vanderbilt, Ziaire Williams, and Sandro Mamukelashvili on the depth chart, all of whom could fill the open spot.
Thybulle is a proven defensive monster, but staying healthy remains his biggest concern.
“Thybulle would be the ideal starter for the Lakers as a 3-and-D forward who can match up against players at multiple positions,” Maxwell Ogden wrote. “Thybulle started his career as an inefficient shooter, but he’s quietly developed into a reliable source of spacing.”
The Lakers don’t expect to put Vanderbilt in a bigger role next season, as they’ve been trying to trade his contract all summer. Williams is relatively unproven, while Mamukelashvili might also be better suited to play in smaller bursts.
Additionally, Collin Sexton could be an option for the starting lineup. The Lakers started point guard Marcus Smart a ton last season, but considering what the team lost this summer, it’s more likely they go with size instead of putting another guard next to Doncic and Reaves, which could create some massive defensive issues compared to using another wing in the starting lineup.
Los Angeles has options on the current roster to fill the power forward position in the starting lineup. If they are looking for someone who knows his role behind the stars, LaRavia could be the best option. But if he’s not hitting his shots, the Lakers have a few other players to choose from as they look to compete for a title with a new roster around franchise superstar Doncic.
Lakers Tabbed For Big Jake LaRavia Decision Amid Starting Lineup Concerns