The Los Angeles Lakers can’t hide their excitement about Jake LaRavia, and he has them already reconsidering his role. The 6’8 wing is a unique talent capable of defending multiple positions, spacing the floor, and making plays. He could be the versatile option Los Angeles needs playing off Luka Doncic and LeBron James, and the 23-year-old is still improving.
Head coach JJ Redick has been impressed by LaRavia since the Lakers signed him to a two-year $12 million contract this offseason. He is working hard and standing out as the Lakers look to leap into serious title contention. Redick already mentioned the 6’8 wing has become a lock in the rotation over Dalton Knecht. His role could quickly expand beyond the 20-minute per game spot the 23-year-old played the last two seasons.
LaRavia shot 42.3 percent from 3-point range last season, but must increase his volume. Luka and LeBron are elite shot creators, but the young wing must be ready to fire whenever he gets an open look. If he’s shooting over 40 percent, LaRavia will keep climbing the rotation.
Jake LaRavia already has the Lakers reconsidering his role
LaRavia is the ninth-highest paid player on the Lakers. He is earning more than Marcus Smart from Los Angeles, but less when his buyout dollars from Washington are considered. Some were wondering if LaRavia would even be in the nightly rotation after the offseason dust settled.
With LeBron and Smart sidelined in the early stages of training camp, the 23-year-old has seized his opportunity. He is working with the starters and has already cemented himself as the seventh man. Given Smart’s injury history and LeBron’s age, LaRavia will get plenty of chances to start and play over 30 minutes this season.
He has a shot to win the fifth starter battle if he proves to be the best 3-and-D option for coach Redick. The Lakers will start Luka, LeBron, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton. The final place was a competition between Rui Hachimura and Smart, but LaRavia is quickly inserting his name into the mix.
It is difficult to believe the Grizzlies declined his fourth-year team option just before LaRavia broke out. It was all the talented youngster needed to take his game to another level. His shooting has drastically improved, and Memphis was 6.3 points per 100 possessions better with him on the floor in 47 games last season.
Jake LaRavia will be a key piece for the Lakers this season after an impressive training camp. He has already cemented his place in the nightly rotation and could quickly become a starter. Marcus Smart has played in just 54 games in the last two seasons combined. He will miss time, as will the rest of their top six. LaRavia is taking advantage of the current opportunity and is ready to thrive whenever his number is called.
The Los Angeles Lakers have found a hidden gem in Jake LaRavia. His impact on both ends of the floor will play a key role in helping the franchise navigate the regular season and be seen as a true contender entering the playoffs. His game may pop even more on the biggest stage as 6’8 wings tend to do. JJ Redick is already reconsidering how much to use him, and LaRavia’s minutes will only increase from here.