With LeBron James set to miss the beginning of the season due to sciatica, one insider says three prominent names are prime candidates to replace him in the starting five.
Report: Three Lakers Could Replace LeBron in Starting Lineup
According to Forbes’ Evan Sidery, the Lakers will decide between Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt for LA’s final starting spot. One of them will get the nod to the first unit alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton.
Marcus Smart
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—a former notable starter with the Celtics—to redeem himself after two injury-riddled seasons.
Smart appears ready to change the narrative heading into this season, as he’s already made a great first impression on his teammates and head coach JJ Redick. Reaves and Redick have cited Smart’s defense, communication and leadership as his most impressive attributes to begin training camp—tenets the Lakers will rely on throughout the season.
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’ starting lineup.
Jake LaRavia
Many expect LaRavia 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 6’8” 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 ten points and three assists in LA’s loss to the Warriors on Sunday, displaying a nice blend of finishing and playmaking with the physicality to boot.
Though LaRavia admitted that he’s “already pretty comfortable” 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’s key players—not 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.
Early impressions on Jake LaRavia
A key bench scorer and top 7–8 guy who can space the floor, defend, and bring consistency all season
What do you think?pic.twitter.com/3bNltm97kX
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) October 9, 2025
Jarred Vanderbilt
The final candidate is no stranger to Lakers Nation, considering his hard-nosed perimeter defense and willingness to stop opposing stars. Vanderbilt, like Smart, is due for a redemption year after injuries affected his last two seasons.
Redick raved about Vanderbilt’s offseason growth on Sunday, a process that’s included a physical transformation and a smoother three-point shot.
“People are gonna earn minutes. I think that goes for everybody. I’ve been very impressed by just the amount of work that he’s done this summer on his game. And obviously his body is significantly better than this time last year or even when the season ended. He’s moving better, his handle is tighter. I’ve never, ever seen him make a Euro-decel finish. It’s good, he’s been working on his game and the shot is sort of the big thing with him. If he can be a consistent 3-point shooter for us, that unlocks a lot.”
At 6’8”, Vando’s ability to defend all five positions unlocks a major advantage for the Lakers’ starting unit. If he can bring that effort with an improved offensive game—especially being fully healthy—he could very well be the favorite to join LA’s first five.
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