The Los Angeles Lakers signed Jake LaRavia to a two-year $12 million contract in the offseason, and he made his former team regret declining his fourth-year player option on Friday night. The Grizzlies drafted the 6’7 forward with the 19th overall pick in 2022, but gave up on him after two disappointing years. LaRavia instantly played better and is quickly becoming a key rotation piece in LA.
The 24-year-old had 18 first-half points against his former team and made an impact on both ends of the floor in the 128-121 victory. The Lakers were without four players on Friday night, including two starters. LaRavia was in the opening group for Rui Hachimura, and it was the perfect move. He made seven of his first ten field goals and just looked the rotation forward every NBA wants.
Grizzlies gave up on the young talent way too soon, and LaRavia keeps making their mistake look worse. He had 13 points, five rebounds, and three steals in his first game with the Lakers against Memphis. LaRavia was even better to open the new year for LA.
Jake LaRavia puts it on his former team
LaRavia has all the tools to be the 3-and-D wing every team covets. He shot just 33.9 percent from 3-point range in his first two seasons and struggled to get on the floor. The Grizzlies decided to prioritize other wings and give up on the former first-round draft pick. LaRavia shot 42.3 percent from long range last season and allowed Memphis to get some value in a deadline deal with the Kings and Wizards.
The Lakers were ecstatic to get the unrestricted free agent on the opening night of signings. He was just what LA needed. An athletic wing with size and untapped potential. LaRavia has already had some special games, and the wing had another one against his former team.
The Grizzlies have a losing record and are fighting to make the postseason. They could use another wing to help them. LaRavia would look great next to Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., but Memphis gave up on him way too quickly.
LaRavia finished with 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block in 37 minutes on Friday night against the Grizzlies. He helped seal the win with a late 3-pointer just as the shot clock expired. Los Angeles doesn’t win without Jake, and the Grizzlies certainly felt that.
LaRavia downplayed the impact on doing it against his former team after the contest, but fans know it had to be sweet. The Grizzlies made a mistake, and the 24-year-old keeps making them pay for it.
The Los Angeles Lakers desperately needed a win. They had lost four of the last five coming in and were playing atrocious defense. LA needed a spark, and Jake LaRavia offered it against his former team. Hopefully, this is the start of a larger role for the 6’7 forward. The Lakers need him, especially if they get this version every night. Fans certainly hope so.