Jake LaRavia officially signed a two-year, $12 million fully guaranteed contract with the Los Angeles Lakers this week and shared why he chose to join the franchise.
The 23-year-old forward told that finding the right fit for his development was the biggest factor in his decision. “I was trying to decide which team was the best fit, where I could see my role expanding and seeing my potential as a player continue to grow,” LaRavia said, via Mike Trudell.
He added that the Lakers’ roster construction and development staff aligned with his goals. “I think the development process is going to be great for me,” he said. “I think as far as the way the team is set up, I’ll fit right in.”
LaRavia, who was drafted in 2022, became a free agent after the Memphis Grizzlies declined his fourth-year option and traded him to the Sacramento Kings at the trade deadline. In the 2024–25 season, he appeared in 66 games, averaging 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while shooting 42.3 percent from three-point range.
The Lakers reportedly view him as a replacement for Dorian Finney-Smith, who signed with the Houston Rockets earlier in free agency. LaRavia believes his versatility will help him succeed in Los Angeles.
“I’m pretty versatile on both sides of the ball,” he said. “Being able to space the floor, playing off guys like LeBron, Luka and Austin. And then defensively just being able to take on that toughest matchup is something that I’ve been growing on as my years have gone on.”
LaRavia described himself as a “3 and D connector type player” and expressed excitement about playing alongside the Lakers’ stars while continuing to improve his game.
His move to Los Angeles also carries a personal connection. LaRavia noted that his father, a lifelong Lakers fan who grew up in Pasadena, was emotional when he heard the news.
“My dad is super excited. He grew up out here; Pasadena is where me and all my brothers were born. My dad was a big fan of Magic growing up, so when he got the news, he was on the verge of tears. Don’t tell him I said that,” LaRavia said with a smile.
