Unbelievable Transformation: Which Lakers Star Is Set to Shock the NBA This Season?

So here we are, staring down the barrel of a Los Angeles Lakers season without LeBron James for at least a few weeks—thanks to that pesky sciatica acting up on his right side. It’s the kind of news that hits like a sucker punch, right when you least expect it. But hey, every cloud’s got its silver lining, and this time it might just be Jake LaRavia stepping out of the shadows and into a much bigger spotlight. Could this 23-year-old newcomer be on the cusp of a breakout season, seizing the chance to fill the gaping void left by one of the game’s all-time greats? As the Lakers look to navigate this tricky stretch—with Luka Doncic at the helm and eyes on the prize—LaRavia’s rise might give us a glimpse of a future nobody saw coming. So, who’s ready to see if the kid’s got what it takes to not just survive but thrive under the bright lights?

Los Angeles Lakers Media Day — (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers learned horrible news on Thursday, when it was announced that LeBron James would miss at least three to four weeks because of sciatica on his right side.

Thankfully, they now have a backup who could fill some of the void left by James.

Jake Weinbach believes that newcomer Jake LaRavia will earn more responsibilities now that James is out, and he could make the most of them.

“The Lakers are going to lean on Jake LaRavia a lot more than initially expected. LaRavia could potentially start at small forward in LeBron’s absence and should be a strong candidate to have a breakout year at just 23 years old, especially with an increased role right away,” Weinbach posted on X.

The Lakers are going to lean on Jake LaRavia a lot more than initially expected.

LaRavia could potentially start at small forward in LeBron’s absence and should be a strong candidate to have a breakout year at just 23 years old, especially with an increased role right away. https://t.co/ha9ZIYfR4H

— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) October 9, 2025

LaRavia was the first pickup of the offseason for the Lakers, and most fans expected to see him coming off the bench.

Last season, he produced 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists on 46.5 percent from the field and 42.3 percent from the three-point line between his time with the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings.

LaRavia should prepare for a lot more time on the court in the new season, especially if James’ recovery moves slowly.

His shooting will come in handy, even if he doesn’t put up as many points as James.

These first few weeks will be a test for the Lakers, a chance to see what they can do without James and with Luka Doncic running the show.

In many ways, it could be a glimpse into the future.

If the team is able to remain competitive and score important wins, LaRavia could earn a spot in the starting lineup.

The post Key Lakers Player Could Be Poised For Breakout Year appeared first on The Cold Wire.