The Lakers signed Jake LaRavia for his versatile 6'7" wing play, strong shooting efficiency, and energy. They expect him to provide valuable depth and toughness off the bench while growing into a reliable scorer and defender.
The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to a two-year, $12 million deal with free agent forward Jake LaRavia, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
Jake LaRavia
Jake LaRavia
Jake LaRavia
MIN: 20.44
PTS: 6.94 (52.65%)
REB: 3.92
As: 2.39
ST: 0.94
BL: 0.35
TO: 1.3
GM: 66
Dan Woike of The Athletic confirmed the news and added that LaRavia's contract will be fully guaranteed. He also called LaRavia the team's "top wing target" after Dorian Finney-Smith signed with Houston.
A two-year deal at the full value of the taxpayer mid-level exception would be worth about $11.7 million, so it's possible LaRavia's contract is structured that way.
However, the LA Lakers still need to find a center in free agency, so LaRavia's deal could come from the non-taxpayer mid-level exception instead. If that's the case, the Lakers would have roughly $8.3 million remaining on that exception.
At 6'7", LaRavia is one of the most underrated young players in the league. The 23-year-old averaged 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.9 steals in 20.4 minutes per game last season, split between the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings.
He shot 47.5% from the field and 42.3% from the three-point range and is a 75.1% career free-throw shooter.
LaRavia could be a significant difference-maker if he can maintain or improve those stats with more playing time.
Playing alongside Luka Doncic, who excels at creating opportunities for shooters by drawing defenses into the paint, could boost LaRavia's efficiency. Last season, LaRavia shot 43.9% on catch-and-shoot attempts and 45.5% on wide-open three-pointers.
Though he's only started six games in his three-year NBA career, LaRavia has proven to be a reliable contributor off the bench.
After the trade to Sacramento, he averaged 6.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists, while shooting 38.5% from three. More than just the numbers, LaRavia is known for his energy and toughness on the court.
NBA insider Chris Haynes noted that the Kings wanted to re-sign LaRavia, but something fell through at the last minute, leading to his deal with the Lakers.
All in all, the Lakers landed an above-average player for just $6 million per year over the next two seasons.
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