Fantasy Basketball Week 13 Start/Sit: Lakers' five-game week puts Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia in the spotlight
Fantasy basketball is often a game of simple math, and as the league rolls into Week 13, the equation has shifted heavily in favor of the Los Angeles Lakers. In a rare scheduling quirk, the Lakers are slated for a massive five-game week, providing a significant volume advantage for managers savvy enough to capitalize on their rotation players. While the superstars are obvious starts, this schedule density thrusts two unexpected names into the must-start conversation: Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia.
Marcus Smart, who has quietly carved out a consistent starting role in Los Angeles over the past month, becomes an elite streaming option simply based on opportunity. While his shooting percentages remain a rollercoaster experience, his contributions in "hustle" categories are stabilizing. Over his last six games, Smart is averaging 1.7 steals and 3.7 assists in roughly 32 minutes a night. In a standard week, those numbers might be borderline, but multiplied across five contests, Smart offers a realistic ceiling of 20 assists and nearly double-digit steals. For category leagues, that specific defensive production is gold, making him a priority start regardless of his scoring output.
The more intriguing, albeit riskier, play is Jake LaRavia. The forward has been a revelation for the Lakers recently, averaging 15 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.5 three-pointers over his last six starts. He has flirted with top-30 value during this stretch, providing the floor-spacing and versatility the Lakers desperately needed. However, managers must monitor the status of Rui Hachimura, whose imminent return could squeeze LaRavia’s minutes.
Despite the rotation risk, the volume argument wins out. Even if LaRavia slides back to the bench or sees his usage dip, the sheer number of games gives him a high floor for accumulating counting stats. In weekly formats, a player with five games is often worth more than a superior talent playing only two or three. For Week 13, the strategy is clear: prioritize the Lakers' role players. Smart and LaRavia aren't just waiver wire fodder this week; they are legitimate difference-makers who could swing close matchups on volume alone.
Marcus Smart, who has quietly carved out a consistent starting role in Los Angeles over the past month, becomes an elite streaming option simply based on opportunity. While his shooting percentages remain a rollercoaster experience, his contributions in "hustle" categories are stabilizing. Over his last six games, Smart is averaging 1.7 steals and 3.7 assists in roughly 32 minutes a night. In a standard week, those numbers might be borderline, but multiplied across five contests, Smart offers a realistic ceiling of 20 assists and nearly double-digit steals. For category leagues, that specific defensive production is gold, making him a priority start regardless of his scoring output.
The more intriguing, albeit riskier, play is Jake LaRavia. The forward has been a revelation for the Lakers recently, averaging 15 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.5 three-pointers over his last six starts. He has flirted with top-30 value during this stretch, providing the floor-spacing and versatility the Lakers desperately needed. However, managers must monitor the status of Rui Hachimura, whose imminent return could squeeze LaRavia’s minutes.
Despite the rotation risk, the volume argument wins out. Even if LaRavia slides back to the bench or sees his usage dip, the sheer number of games gives him a high floor for accumulating counting stats. In weekly formats, a player with five games is often worth more than a superior talent playing only two or three. For Week 13, the strategy is clear: prioritize the Lakers' role players. Smart and LaRavia aren't just waiver wire fodder this week; they are legitimate difference-makers who could swing close matchups on volume alone.
