The Los Angeles Lakers continue to make bold moves this offseason, and their latest addition is drawing considerable buzz. Jake LaRavia, the promising forward out of Wake Forest, is officially a Laker, and fans in Los Angeles are already excited about the potential impact he can bring to a team with championship ambitions. LaRavia’s arrival not only adds depth and versatility to the Lakers’ roster but also reflects the team’s ongoing commitment to building a roster that balances star power with youthful energy and grit.
Standing at 6-foot-7 with a polished offensive game and a high basketball IQ, LaRavia brings a skill set that can seamlessly integrate into the Lakers’ dynamic system. Known for his ability to shoot from beyond the arc, play solid defense, and move the ball with purpose, LaRavia is the kind of role player every contending team covets. His journey to the NBA, however, wasn’t paved with hype and headlines. It was built through resilience, development, and steady improvement—a perfect match for the grit-and-glamour culture of Lakers basketball.
Originally selected in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies, LaRavia showed flashes of potential during his time in Memphis but faced stiff competition for minutes in a deep and young rotation. Now, with a new opportunity in LA, LaRavia has the chance to showcase what he can do on a much bigger stage, playing alongside seasoned veterans and under the spotlight of one of the most storied franchises in professional sports.
For the Lakers, this move checks a number of important boxes. First and foremost, LaRavia is a player who fits well within head coach Darvin Ham’s system. Ham values two-way players who can stretch the floor and defend multiple positions—traits that align well with LaRavia’s profile. In today’s NBA, positional flexibility is more important than ever, and LaRavia’s ability to guard wings, contribute offensively from the perimeter, and play within the flow of the offense makes him a valuable chess piece for Ham and the Lakers coaching staff.
Additionally, LaRavia is on a team-friendly contract, giving the Lakers some much-needed flexibility as they continue to manage their salary cap situation. With superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis commanding top-tier salaries, the Lakers need to find value in role players who can deliver meaningful contributions without breaking the bank. LaRavia’s affordable deal and upside potential make him an ideal candidate for that role.
The move also signals that the Lakers are serious about developing young talent and building for the future, even as they aim to contend in the present. Bringing in a 22-year-old with LaRavia’s work ethic and basketball IQ allows the team to maintain competitiveness while preparing for life after LeBron—whenever that day comes. It’s a smart, forward-thinking move that blends immediate need with long-term planning.
From LaRavia’s perspective, joining the Lakers is a golden opportunity. Playing in Los Angeles comes with pressure, but it also offers unparalleled exposure and development potential. He’ll be learning from some of the greatest basketball minds in the game and playing alongside seasoned professionals who understand what it takes to win. That kind of environment can accelerate a young player’s development, and LaRavia appears poised to take full advantage.
What makes LaRavia especially intriguing is his versatility. He can play both forward positions, and in small-ball lineups, he can even slide into a stretch four role. His shooting mechanics are smooth, his release is quick, and his ability to move off the ball creates spacing that benefits ball-dominant stars like LeBron and Davis. Defensively, he competes with effort and intelligence—qualities that often go underappreciated but are critical to a team’s success over the grind of an 82-game season.
LaRavia also brings a competitive edge and a chip-on-the-shoulder mentality. Having been lightly recruited out of high school and transferred colleges before making his mark at Wake Forest, he understands the value of perseverance. That mindset aligns perfectly with the Lakers’ identity—a franchise built on both iconic stars and hard-nosed role players who do the dirty work.
While LaRavia may not be a household name yet, he now has the platform to change that narrative. Every game at Crypto.com Arena will be a chance for him to prove he belongs, to show why the Lakers were wise to bring him aboard, and to help push LA toward another deep playoff run. With the Lakers’ roster continuing to take shape, LaRavia’s role will depend on how quickly he adapts and where he can make the biggest impact. But there is little doubt he will be given the opportunity.
It’s worth noting how the Lakers have strategically assembled a roster this offseason that emphasizes youth, shooting, and defensive versatility. Alongside players like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Max Christie, LaRavia adds another young, hungry piece to the puzzle. In a Western Conference loaded with talent and athleticism, depth will be essential, and LaRavia could find himself playing key minutes in games that matter.
From a fan’s perspective, the move is an exciting one. Lakers Nation always embraces players who play hard, respect the game, and leave everything on the floor—and LaRavia checks all those boxes. He may not make nightly highlight reels just yet, but his game is built for longevity and impact. Expect fans to quickly recognize the value he brings, especially if he can consistently knock down threes, defend, and make smart plays under pressure.
Of course, the spotlight in LA is never dim. Every possession is scrutinized, and expectations are sky-high. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Jake LaRavia, it’s that he thrives when he’s underestimated. He doesn’t shy away from the challenge—he embraces it. Now wearing the iconic purple and gold, LaRavia has the stage, the support, and the chance to make his mark on Lakers history.
As training camp approaches and the 2025 season nears, all eyes will be on how the Lakers mesh their new pieces with their established core. Chemistry will be key, and competition for playing time will be fierce. But LaRavia has already shown that he’s not afraid of earning his place. With his blend of skill, effort, and maturity, he’s more than capable of carving out a role and making meaningful contributions from day one.
In many ways, LaRavia’s story is just beginning. He’s stepping into a franchise with 17 championship banners hanging from the rafters, a legacy shaped by legends like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James. The weight of that history can be overwhelming for some—but it can also be inspiring. For LaRavia, it’s an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to be part of something bigger than himself.
Jake LaRavia may not be the flashiest name added to the Lakers’ roster this summer, but he could prove to be one of the most important. In a league that increasingly values versatility, shooting, and basketball IQ, LaRavia brings a rare blend of all three. His arrival in LA is more than just a roster move—it’s a strategic step in the Lakers’ pursuit of Banner No. 18.
And for LaRavia, the message is clear: the bright lights are on, the fans are watching, and the city of Los Angeles is ready to welcome him with open arms. All that’s left now is for him to rise to the occasion.
Welcome to LA, Jake LaRavia—where bright lights meet big dreams, and every moment is a chance to shine.
