{"id":162357,"date":"2025-10-11T11:54:22","date_gmt":"2025-10-11T15:54:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=162357"},"modified":"2025-10-11T11:54:22","modified_gmt":"2025-10-11T15:54:22","slug":"report-three-lakers-could-replace-lebron-in-starting-lineup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/10\/11\/report-three-lakers-could-replace-lebron-in-starting-lineup\/","title":{"rendered":"Report: Three Lakers Could Replace LeBron in Starting Lineup"},"content":{"rendered":"

With <\/span>LeBron James<\/span><\/a> set to miss the beginning of the season<\/span><\/a> due to sciatica, one insider says three prominent names are prime candidates to replace him in the starting five.<\/span><\/p>\n

Report: Three Lakers Could Replace LeBron in Starting Lineup<\/b><\/h2>\n

According to <\/span>Forbes\u2019 Evan Sidery<\/span><\/a>, the Lakers will decide between <\/span>Marcus Smart<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Jake LaRavia<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Jarred Vanderbilt<\/span><\/a> for LA\u2019s final starting spot. One of them will get the nod to the first unit alongside <\/span>Luka Doncic<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Austin Reaves<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Rui Hachimura<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Deandre Ayton<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marcus Smart<\/b><\/h3>\n

The defensive-minded veteran has heard his name floating around as a starting candidate even with James in the lineup. But this could be an unexpected opportunity for Smart\u2014a former notable starter with the Celtics\u2014to redeem himself after two injury-riddled seasons.<\/span><\/p>\n

Smart appears ready to change the narrative heading into this season, as he\u2019s already made a <\/span>great first impression on his teammates<\/span><\/a> and head coach <\/span>JJ Redick<\/span><\/a>. Reaves and Redick have cited Smart\u2019s defense, communication and leadership as his most impressive attributes to begin training camp\u2014tenets the Lakers will rely on throughout the season.<\/span><\/p>\n

With three offensive-minded players in Doncic, Reaves and Hachimura, Smart could slide right in as a defensive pest who takes pressure off of those three and Ayton, able to guard multiple positions in different situations. That sort of versatility, coupled with his shooting and playmaking, make Smart a solid choice for the Lakers\u2019 starting lineup.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Sep
Sep 29, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) during media day at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Jake LaRavia<\/b><\/h3>\n

Many expect <\/span>LaRavia<\/span><\/a> to have a big year for his hometown team, and what better way to do so than earn a starting spot with the Lakers? The 6\u20198\u201d wing fills a crucial role as a 3-and-D wing, and he has shown off those abilities and more throughout preseason. He most recently recorded <\/span>ten points and three assists<\/span><\/a> in LA\u2019s loss to the Warriors on Sunday, displaying a nice blend of finishing and playmaking with the physicality to boot.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though LaRavia admitted that he\u2019s <\/span>\u201calready pretty comfortable\u201d<\/span><\/a> in his role thus far, the Lakers could push him into the starting five given how his skill set could complement the rest of the team\u2019s key players\u2014not to mention the ample opportunities for growth with high-caliber veterans. Despite his flashes of potential, consistency on both ends will be vital for the fourth-year wing. LaRavia will have plenty of chances to prove himself throughout the year, but opening the season as a starter could be an excellent first step toward a breakout campaign.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Early impressions on Jake LaRavia \ud83d\udc40
A key bench scorer and top 7\u20138 guy who can space the floor, defend, and bring consistency all season \ud83d\udcaa\ud83d\udc9c\ud83d\udc9b
What do you think? \ud83d\udcad pic.twitter.com\/3bNltm97kX<\/a><\/p>\n

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) October 9, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n