Jake LaRavia emphasized the Los Angeles Lakers’ progress in team defense and chemistry during Tuesday’s postgame interview at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
“To be honest, I think just our chemistry is getting better like off the court and on the court and I think you can see it and just the way we’re playing together offensively. And then obviously defense I think is probably the biggest growth for us,” LaRavia said.
The forward noted improvements in team defense down the stretch, stressing trust and communication. “Just as far as being able to collectively play a full game of team defense and, you know, down the stretch being able to get stops and trust your backside help,” he added. LaRavia credited both on- and off-court growth for the team’s current performance. “Earlier on we did have some new players… I think it’s just been growing. It’s been getting better again on and off the court.”
LaRavia also discussed his personal defensive approach since the All-Star break. “I feel like I’ve been defending all year. I just play hard, try and keep the ball in front of me. Knowing the other players’ tendencies helps. Being physical, using my hands, trying to get steals and deflections. But really just trying to be physical I think is the biggest thing,” he said.
The Lakers extended their winning streak to four games with a 127-113 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Luka Doncic led the team with 42 points and 12 assists, while Deandre Ayton added 18 points and nine rebounds. Austin Reaves scored 19, and LeBron James, LaRavia, and Rui Hachimura each contributed 14 points. The win followed the Lakers’ clinching of the Pacific Division title and a top-six Western Conference playoff seed.
LaRavia framed the matchup as a benchmark for the team’s playoff readiness and upcoming game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. “Yeah, 100%. I mean, I feel like we’ve been in a couple playoff games here recently. This is obviously going to be another one, you know, best team in the West. So, it’s going to be a good test for us as we’re nearing the playoffs,” he said.
He emphasized physicality and teamwork as key factors in measuring the team’s progress. “We’re going to have to be physical. We’re going to have to play defense. Collectively, we’re going to have to just play together as a team.”
Cleveland was led by Jarrett Allen with 18 points and James Harden with 17, while Donovan Mitchell scored 10 points on 4-of-10 shooting. The Cavaliers briefly led early but trailed 65-53 at halftime after the Lakers shot 53.2% in the first half. Los Angeles maintained control through the third quarter, leading 110-83 entering the final period. The Lakers finished with 54% shooting overall.
