The Los Angeles Lakers sneakily signed Jake LaRavia to a two-year $12 million contract on the opening night of free agency, and the deal looks like an absolute steal. Fans may not have been familiar with his game, but getting a 6’8 forward with two-way potential had massive upside. LaRavia has been better than anyone could have dreamed to start his Lakers tenure.
Following a monster night against the Heat where he scored 25 points on ten of 13 shooting from the field, the 24-year-old is averaging 12.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.4 steals in 28.6 minutes per game. LaRavia has scored 25 or more in two of the last three and is shooting 60 percent from the field on the season.
He won’t stay this hot, but the 6’8 forward has versatility and athleticism this roster desperately needs. LaRavia can defend multiple positions, sink open shots, and make a few plays. The Lakers have stars to handle the ball, but he is becoming the perfect role player to raise this team’s ceiling.
Jake LaRavia has been the absolute steal of the offseason
The 24-year-old has struggled to lock down a consistent role early in his career. The Grizzlies even declined LaRavia’s fourth-year rookie option. It has been impressive to see him improve so much after that setback. The Lakers were happy to get him, and the best is yet to come.
Head coach JJ Redick has praised LaRavia’s feel for the game and know how. He is another high basketball IQ player who raises LA’s ceiling. The 6’8 forward has played a key role in three straight victories. That is even more impressive because he is still getting acclimated to playing for the Lakers and finding his fit on this team.
Credit to Rob Pelinka for recognizing LaRavia’s talent and going to get him. He is playing like a starter and outperforming his contract. The 150th highest-paid player makes $11.5 million this season. LaRavia is making just over half of that salary. It is an absolute steal for the Lakers.
LaRavia is going to keep making winning plays. He shot 42.3 percent from 3-point range last season and rated as an above league average player by win shares per 48 minutes. The 24-year-old is still improving and now has Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves setting him up. Soon, the Lakers will add LeBron James to the mix, and things will get even easier for LaRavia. He is shining in his role and way outperforming his contract.
Anthony Edwards knows who LaRavia is now, and the rest of the NBA universe is quickly finding out.
The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a 5-2 start and wouldn’t be without Jake LaRavia. He stepped up when Luka Doncic missed three games and has kept it going since The Don returned. His versatility and athleticism are musts for this Lakers squad. Expect him to keep playing a key role, and the 24-year-old forward should only get better. In an offseason without a ton of movement, that sounds like the steal of the summer.