The LA Lakers surprised everybody with their first move of free agency, by not signing a center.
The first night of free agency came and went without a splash from the LA Lakers. Amid high hopes the team would sign a center, it simply did not happen.
Clint Capela signed with the Houston Rockets, Brook Lopez joined the LA Clippers, and to add to the disaster, the Lakers lost Dorian Finney-Smith to the Rockets.
The Lakers did make one move, signing former Sacramento Kings player Jake LaRavia.
Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty ImagesJake LaRavia on what motivated him
Speaking ahead of free agency, Jake LaRavia told HoopsHype what he was looking for from his new team.
LaRavia said he was motivated by a chance to win, and not the money.
He said: “Scratch the money part, I want what everyone else wants, which is being on a team that’s really competing for a championship or a young up-and-coming team that’s ready to win.
“I love to compete. It’s one of the biggest reasons I enjoy playing basketball.”
Whether the Lakers can actually compete next season is yet to be determined, but with LeBron James and Luka Doncic, they automatically have a chance to be competitive.
He explained: “Being on a team that is competing for a championship and that needs a guy like me, a wing that plays both sides of the ball.
“I’m a defender who can shoot the three and can make plays. I do a little bit of everything. I’d love to see my role expand as I get more and more years in the league.”
The Lakers had to act to replace Dorian Finney-Smith to at least stand still, and with LaRavia, they have signed a much younger player, at 23.
How much Jake LaRavia will earn
Jake LaRavia has signed a two-year $12 million deal with the LA Lakers, where he will look to continue his improvement.
LaRavia began last season on the Grizzlies before being traded to the Kings as part of a multi-team deal that sent Alex Len to Washington.
Len was later cut and ended up signing as a free agent with the Lakers, an ultimately disastrous move as he was unable to win over JJ Redick. He will not be re-signed this offseason by the team.