The Los Angeles Lakers have made waves in the NBA offseason by officially signing 23-year-old forward Jake LaRavia, a move that has sparked intrigue among fans and analysts. Despite his modest career averages of 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, the Lakers’ front office believes LaRavia could be the missing piece to propel them toward an NBA championship.
OFFICIAL: Jake LaRavia — Laker. pic.twitter.com/leAhyXuijG
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 7, 2025
In the 2024-25 season, LaRavia showcased his versatility across 66 games for the Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies, posting an impressive 47.5% field goal percentage and a standout 42.3% from three-point range. Selected 19th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Wake Forest, LaRavia has spent three seasons in the league, developing into a reliable two-way player.
Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka praised LaRavia’s fit within the team’s system. “Jake is a high-IQ two-way player with ideal skills for JJ Redick’s basketball system,” Pelinka said via Lakers.com. “He’s a disruptive defender, leveraging his size and athleticism to generate steals. Offensively, he can score at all three levels and has a knack for creating space for himself and his teammates. At just 23, we believe Jake has significant upside, which will be carefully honed in our Lakers basketball development program.”
The signing, finalized on Sunday, is part of the Lakers’ strategic offseason moves. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, LaRavia’s contract is valued at $6 million, splitting the non-taxpayer mid-level exception with Deandre Ayton ($8.1 million). The Lakers also secured Jaxson Hayes on a non-tradeable contract worth 120% of the six-year minimum ($3.45 million) and have Shake Milton’s $3 million deal guaranteed by July 20. With 13 guaranteed contracts and two partial/non-guaranteed deals, the Lakers are carefully managing their roster for flexibility and depth.
Updated Lakers offseason
*⃣Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia split the non-tax ML ($8.1M and $6M)
*⃣ Jaxson Hayes was signed with non-bird rights. 120% of the 6 year minimum ($3.45M)
*⃣ 13 guaranteed contracts | 2 partial/non
*⃣ The $3M Shake Milton contract is GTY on 7/20 pic.twitter.com/BJBd96cXjN
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 7, 2025
Coming off a strong 2024-25 season, where they finished as the third seed in the Western Conference with a 52-30 record, the Lakers faced disappointment in the playoffs, falling to Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. Despite this setback, the addition of LaRavia signals the Lakers’ commitment to building a roster capable of competing at the highest level.
While LaRavia’s stats may not scream superstar, his versatility, defensive tenacity, and shooting efficiency make him a compelling addition to a team with championship aspirations. Could this under-the-radar signing be the final piece to unlock the Lakers’ title potential? Only time will tell.