Lakers fans, let’s be honest. Jake LaRavia is not the type of signing that should excite anyone when it comes to building a championship team.
After the Los Angeles Lakers made him their first free-agent call this offseason, it IS clear that something has shifted in Hollywood. This move is a far cry from the star-studded acquisitions the Lakers are known for, and frankly, it is a sign of the challenges ahead.
LaRavia is not a bad player, but he is a long way from the headline name the Lakers should be targeting if they are serious about competing for a title in 2026. After all, the Grizzlies traded him away as a filler in a three team deal just last season.
That should say something. For a team with LeBron James and Luka Doncic on the roster, it is hard to see LaRavia as the key addition that puts them over the top.
Potential alone does not win championships
Sure, he has got potential. He has been praised by new head coach JJ Redick, and under his leadership, there is a possibility that LaRavia could develop into something more. But potential alone does not win championships, and right now, that is all LaRavia is…potential.
The Lakers are in win-now mode with LeBron getting older and Luka potentially looking to leave soon. They can’t afford to take a flyer on a player who has not consistently proven himself at the NBA level.
LaRavia feels like a huge step back for a franchise built on superstar acquisitions
The Lakers have always been a franchise known for acquiring game-changers. From Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to even getting LeBron to leave Cleveland and come rep the purple and gold.
Los Angeles has historically attracted superstar talent. So, the idea that LaRavia is the answer to the Lakers’ problems feels like a huge step back for the team.
Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart are solid, but the Lakers need bolder moves
To be fair, the Lakers did make some solid moves with Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart. Both bring important elements to the team: Ayton for his size and rebounding, and Smart for his high-level of defense.
However, both players were bought out by their previous teams. They weren’t exactly the most sought-after free agents on the market, which only highlights the Lakers’ struggle to make bold moves.
The team still needs a quality wing defender, and there is hope that they could trade for one. With LeBron’s time in the league running out and Luka’s future uncertain, the Lakers need to be aiming higher.