LOS ANGELES — The Lakers have found early rhythm and identity. At 5-2, the energy in Los Angeles feels revived. Their recent 130–120 win over the Miami Heat extended their winning streak to three — their longest since March. Beyond Austin Reaves‘ brillance and Luka Dončić’s leadership, the emergence of offseason additions Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia has shifted the Lakers’ outlook. Their production has been so impactful that general manager Rob Pelinka now faces a $22.5 million decision about how to build around this fast-improving roster.
Lakers’ Rob Pelinka To Make $22.5 Million Decision With Emergence Of Marcus Smart And Jake LaRavia
Smart and LaRavia Change the Lakers’ Equation
Signing Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia has become a symbol of calculated risk paying off. When Dorian Finney-Smith joined Houston, Pelinka pivoted aggressively to secure Smart and LaRavia. Both came with baggage. Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, had missed 110 games across two seasons and appeared to be fading from relevance. LaRavia had yet to establish a consistent role during his stints in Memphis and Sacramento. Yet, both have silenced doubts through effort, fit, and timing.
Smart has rediscovered his defensive bite and on-court leadership. He’s averaging 9.2 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while ranking first on the team in plus/minus (+56). More importantly, he’s stayed healthy, appearing in five of the Lakers’ seven games. His defensive pressure and secondary playmaking give the bench unit a newfound structure.
LaRavia’s rise has been even more surprising. After a quiet start, his confidence has grown with each game. He’s averaging 12.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.4 steals while shooting 60 percent from the field and 50 percent from deep. His 15.0 percent usage rate shows efficiency and restraint — a sign he understands his role perfectly. The Lakers have long needed a true 3-and-D forward, and LaRavia’s poise and spacing have made him look like one of the offseason’s biggest steals.
Pelinka’s Optionality Strategy Nears Its First Test
Pelinka has never hidden his fascination with flexibility. “I think the key is, I like the word optionality better,” he told reporters back in September. “That optionality could be now. It could be if there is a move to be made, we have the optionality to look at it, study it, and decide if it helps our team.”
His patience has been rewarded. Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia have given the Lakers more leverage to pursue a trade. With Reaves’ player option likely to be declined, the Lakers hold over $111 million in potential expiring contracts. Among them, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber’s combined $22.5 million expiring deals stand out as key trade chips.
The front office’s clarity is improving as the 20-game mark approaches. The Lakers know they need one more versatile 3-and-D wing to tighten their rotation. Herb Jones remains a potential target, while other front offices expect Pelinka to explore larger trade opportunities if a star becomes available.
A Defining Decision Approaches
Whatever direction the Lakers front office takes, it will stem from the rise of Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia. Their combined 20.1 points per game have added stability, versatility, and a newfound sense of purpose to this team. Pelinka’s next move could define the Lakers’ ceiling — whether that means consolidating depth for another elite wing or swinging for a franchise-altering piece.
The Lakers’ optionality is no longer theoretical. It’s tangible, built on production, chemistry, and two players who have quietly rewritten the team’s narrative.
Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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