The Los Angeles Lakers agreed with Jake LaRavia to an absolute steal of a contract to open free agency. The 6’8 wing is one of the most underrated young players in the league. Memphis declined a team option to make him a free agent, but the Lakers just got a 23-year-old who shot 42.3 percent from 3-point range last season.
LaRavia struggled in his first two years, but the young talent is still improving. His shooting and defense took significant steps forward in the 2024-25 season. He produced a 0.8 value over replacement player (VORP) and a 0.104 win shares per 48 minutes. That means the Lakers signed an above-average player for just $6 million per year over the next two.
LaRavia was the Dorian Finney-Smith replacement after the Lakers let him walk in free agency. It was odd to let Luka Doncic’s closest teammate go, but LA replaced him with a younger player featuring a similar skill set at half the price.
Lakers got an absolute steal in Jake LaRavia
The 23-year-old averaged 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.9 steals in 20.4 minutes per game last season. He shot 47.5 percent from the field and is a career 75.1 percent free throw shooter. Those are strong per-minute numbers, and LaRavia could be a significant difference-maker if he scales those stats up in a larger role.
Luka Doncic brings the best out of the shooters around him. His ability to get into the paint and draw the defense is otherworldly. LaRavia shot 43.9 percent off the catch and 45.5 percent on wide-open triples last season. There will be plenty of those in LA, and the 6’8 forward could be one of the best shooters in the league on the Lakers.
Every dollar counts in the second apron era, so getting a 3-and-D wing at $6 million per year was a steal. LaRavia will play an important role and give head coach JJ Redick some depth. The 23-year-old could be even better in his fourth NBA season and may thrive playing next to number 77.
Lakers fans may not be familiar with LaRavia’s game. He barely played in his first two seasons with the Grizzlies, but Memphis selected him in the top 20 in the 2022 draft for a reason. His talent is just beginning to show, so credit to Rob Pelinka and the front office for going after a young talent at a bargain.
The Los Angeles Lakers are just getting started but their first deal was an absolute steal. Fans will soon know who Jake LaRavia is. Expect him to play a key role and outplay his bargain contract. Rob Pelinka did well in finding Finney-Smith’s replacement, but the Lakers still have work to do. Stay tuned to see what is next.