The Los Angeles Lakers signed Jake LaRavia to a two-year, $10 million deal over the summer.
The Los Angeles Lakers signed Jake LaRavia shortly after losing Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets in NBA Free Agency.
LaRavia will be joining Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves. He and Reaves so happen to be good friends and share the same agent.
LaRavia is widely expected to be a significant part of the Lakers rotation for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty ImagesJake LaRavia says he ‘didn’t get more athletic’ with the Los Angeles Lakers
LaRavia spent last season with the Memphis Grizzlies, before he was traded to the Sacramento Kings to close out the year.
The 23-year-old averaged 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 66 games last season.
LaRavia talked about the aspects of his game that he’s going to be bringing to the Lakers, including his athleticism, which hasn’t changed.
“Aspects of the game, of my game for the most part I’m going to be doing the same thing here, as far as shooting the three ball, finishing, being that connector, play making a little bit.
“I think I’ll elevate every year. I think I’ll get better every year, obviously, as you’re supposed to.
“But as far as something completely different, I didn’t get more athletic, I’m not jumping out the gym any more than I was any other year.”
Jake LaRavia’s role with the Los Angeles Lakers
LaRavia has a chance to step into JJ Redick’s rotation and seize the opportunity.
LaRavia improved as a three-point shooter last season and he will be able to attack off the dribble, finish at the rim, pass and be a connector in the second unit.
On defense, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst described him as a player who “can defend multiple positions…and will pick up full court.”
LaRavia should be able to give the Lakers a dependable option from off the bench each night, which is something they didn’t have last season.