The Los Angeles Lakers made a quiet but potentially impactful addition by signing 6-foot-8 forward Jake LaRavia to a two-year deal. While the move didn’t dominate headlines or ignite heated debate across social media, those who understand the intricacies of team building in the NBA will recognize its significance. LaRavia might not bring star power or highlight-reel plays to the Lakers roster, but what he does bring could prove invaluable over the grind of an 82-game season and into a hopeful postseason run. In a league increasingly obsessed with versatility, three-point shooting, and switchable defenders, LaRavia checks boxes that many coaches covet but fans often overlook.
Jake LaRavia’s NBA journey began when he was drafted 19th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2022 NBA Draft before being traded on draft night to the Memphis Grizzlies. That draft status alone was a nod to his skills, particularly his polished offensive game, basketball IQ, and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. Despite his potential, LaRavia didn’t get a consistent opportunity to showcase his game during his time in Memphis. Injuries and a crowded wing rotation prevented him from carving out a reliable role. However, what little time he did get on the floor showed glimpses of the kind of player he could become: a strong positional defender with an improving perimeter jumper, smart off-ball movement, and a willingness to make hustle plays.
For a team like the Lakers, who are dealing with questions of roster balance, aging superstars, and the need for players who can make winning plays without needing the ball in their hands, Jake LaRavia is a fit that could pay off big in subtle ways. At 6-foot-8, he has the size and frame to guard multiple positions, especially in small-ball lineups that have become increasingly common. He’s agile enough to stay in front of guards on switches and strong enough to battle inside with wings and smaller bigs. His defensive instincts, though not flashy, are sound. He reads passing lanes, knows when to help, and closes out effectively on shooters without fouling. That kind of attention to detail is often the difference between a win and a loss when the margins get tight in the postseason.
LaRavia’s offensive game is still developing, but the foundation is there. His three-point shooting in the NBA hasn’t yet caught fire—he’s hovered around 33% from deep in limited attempts—but he has a clean shooting motion and the kind of repeatable mechanics that coaches love to work with. More importantly, he doesn’t force the issue. He knows where to be, when to cut, and how to space the floor in a way that keeps the offense flowing. Playing alongside dominant ball-handlers like LeBron James and Austin Reaves means LaRavia won’t be asked to create much off the dribble. What he will need to do is hit open shots, make smart reads, and not be a liability on either end. That’s well within his capability.
There’s also the matter of his mindset. One of the most undervalued traits in young NBA players is understanding your role and embracing it. LaRavia has shown that he’s willing to do the little things that don’t show up on stat sheets. Dive for loose balls. Fight through screens. Box out bigger players. Rotate on defense even when it’s not his assignment. That kind of hustle is infectious and often leads to more minutes, especially on veteran-heavy squads where stars expect effort and accountability from their younger teammates. The Lakers have several high-profile personalities, but they’ve always had room for blue-collar guys who earn their keep. Think of past role players like Alex Caruso, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, or Jared Dudley—guys who didn’t wow you with box score numbers but made an impact through grit and intelligence. LaRavia could find himself in that mold.
From a salary cap perspective, the move is low-risk. A two-year deal likely means the Lakers got him at a team-friendly price, providing roster flexibility for potential trades or signings later in the season. It also gives the coaching staff a longer runway to develop him without the pressure of immediate returns. This is a calculated bet on a young player who hasn’t yet gotten a fair shake, and for a front office that’s been under pressure to deliver championship-caliber results every year, it’s a smart and measured approach. They’re not swinging for the fences with this signing; they’re looking for depth, reliability, and upside.
Depth has been one of the Lakers’ biggest weaknesses in recent years. Injuries to key players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis have routinely exposed how thin the bench can be. When stars sit, the supporting cast must keep the team afloat. That’s where players like LaRavia come in. You can’t replace a superstar’s production, but you can keep the defense tight, move the ball, and keep the energy high. That keeps games close and gives your stars a chance to close it out in crunch time. With LaRavia in the mix, the Lakers have another option to plug into various lineups without sacrificing too much on either end of the floor.
Another element worth considering is how LaRavia fits into the Lakers’ evolving team identity. Under head coach Darvin Ham, the Lakers have emphasized defense, effort, and toughness. While offensive efficiency is always a priority, Ham’s schemes rely heavily on players who can communicate, switch assignments seamlessly, and play unselfishly. LaRavia, despite being young, has shown flashes of all three. His college career at Wake Forest showcased his high basketball IQ and willingness to be coached. Those are traits that translate well, particularly in a system like Ham’s that values execution over flair.
From a locker room standpoint, LaRavia is not the kind of player who demands attention or creates distractions. He’s quiet, focused, and professional—exactly the kind of personality that thrives in a veteran-led environment. That kind of demeanor can be a stabilizing force during the highs and lows of a season. For a team with championship aspirations, keeping internal drama to a minimum is a real competitive advantage. Players like LaRavia don’t rock the boat; they steady it.
There’s also a developmental component to this signing. The Lakers have shown an increasing interest in finding value in young players who might’ve been overlooked or underutilized elsewhere. Their player development staff has done commendable work in recent years with players like Austin Reaves and Max Christie. If LaRavia gets the same level of attention, he could make a leap that turns this quiet acquisition into one of the most effective under-the-radar moves of the offseason. At just 22 years old, he has time to grow and room to improve. The Lakers are betting on potential—and for good reason.
The NBA has long proven that championship teams aren’t built solely on stars. They’re built on depth, chemistry, and players who understand their roles. Think back to the Warriors dynasty, the Spurs years, or even the 2020 Lakers championship. Each of those teams featured players who stepped up in the margins. Maybe they didn’t dominate the narrative, but they contributed meaningfully to winning. Jake LaRavia has the tools and mentality to be one of those guys. He may never become a starter or average double digits in points, but if he can give the Lakers 10-15 quality minutes a night, knock down open threes, and guard multiple positions, he’ll more than earn his contract.
The Lakers front office deserves some credit for seeing value where others might not. In a summer where the basketball world is focused on blockbuster trades, high-profile free agency moves, and who’s teaming up with whom, the LaRavia signing is a refreshing reminder that championships are also built through smart, subtle decisions. It’s not always about adding another All-Star. Sometimes, it’s about adding someone who knows how to win his minutes and make others around him better.
Ultimately, how LaRavia performs in Los Angeles remains to be seen. The opportunity is there, and the environment seems conducive to growth. If he takes full advantage, this could be the start of a new chapter not just for him but for a Lakers team searching for the right mix of talent, energy, and resilience. Quiet additions don’t always stay quiet for long. If Jake LaRavia does what he’s capable of, fans and analysts alike might soon be talking about him in louder tones.
