The Los Angeles Lakers have another gear, and it is exactly what makes them dangerous when the games get tight. Whether they go small with LeBron James and Jake LaRavia or big with Deandre Ayton in the paint, this roster can adapt to nearly any matchup. That flexibility is giving opponents headaches and giving the Lakers options no other team can match.
Lakers can switch gears when the games matter most
When the Lakers want to play faster and space the floor, they now have the pieces to make it work. Sam Vecenie said on the Game Theory Podcast, “You might be able to go to a LeBron, one of Rui [Hachimura] or LaRavia lineup that kind of works… It could work out reasonably well in some minutes.”
With LeBron running the floor alongside Rui Hachimura or LaRavia, the Lakers create spacing, open driving lanes, and maintain defensive versatility, allowing them to play a more dynamic, perimeter-oriented style of basketball.
On the other end, the Lakers can go big when matchups call for it. Deandre Ayton has been a standout, averaging 15.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and over a block per game, all while shooting at over 70 percent efficiency. Jaxson Hayes also provides a tall, athletic option capable of contesting shots and finishing alley-oops, perfect for Luka Doncic’s playmaking style.
And of course, James makes small ball even more effective. Even as the third option behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, LeBron can adapt to nearly any role on the floor, switching positions and finding teammates cutting to the rim. His versatility gives the Lakers an unpredictable edge that few teams can match.
Hachimura also adds size and defensive flexibility, while LaRavia stretches the floor with shooting and off-ball movement. LaRavia is averaging 9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game, quietly adding another dimension to the Lakers‘ lineup. Together, these pieces let the Lakers operate in multiple styles without losing cohesion.
The Lakers already had an unstoppable plan with James and Doncic. When Doncic runs the offense, the game slows to his rhythm, pick-and-rolls dominate, and spacing opens naturally. When LeBron takes over, the ball moves faster, players cut aggressively, and the Lakers attack the rim from every angle. Same roster, different style, same effectiveness.
Now they have another ability to switch lineup sizes, making the Lakers even more uniquely dangerous. When the pressure is highest, they can tap into the right gear for the moment, and teams will struggle to adjust.