Who Is Jake LaRavia and Why Did the Lakers Sign Him?
Jake LaRavia wasn’t the name Lakers fans expected to see when free agency opened in 2025 — but he was Rob Pelinka’s first signing. With social media already dragging the move and questions swirling about roster direction, fans are asking the same thing: Who is Jake LaRavia, and what does he actually bring to the table?
Before you jump on the bandwagon or tear the move apart, here are 5 key facts you need to know about Jake LaRavia after his surprise signing with the Lakers.
LaRavia was just the first move — but the pattern runs deep.
Don’t miss our breakdown of the Top 5 Lakers Roster Mistakes by Rob Pelinka 👉 Read it here to see why fans are already sounding the alarm.
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1. Drafted 19th Overall in 2022 — Then Immediately Traded
Jake LaRavia was selected with the 19th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he never suited up for them. He was traded that same night to the Memphis Grizzlies, who saw enough in his two-way potential to make him part of their long-term plans. The move showed early belief in his skillset — even if the results haven’t fully materialized yet.
2. Shined at Wake Forest After Transferring from Indiana State
Jake LaRavia spent three years in college — two at Indiana State and one at Wake Forest. After showing promise in the Missouri Valley Conference, he transferred to Wake for the 2021–22 season and immediately became a standout in the ACC.
In his lone year at Wake Forest, LaRavia averaged 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, while shooting a highly efficient 55.9% from the field and 38.4% from three.
His versatility, unselfish play, and two-way potential earned him Second Team All-ACC honors and pushed him into first-round draft conversations.
3. Split 2024–25 Between Memphis and Sacramento
LaRavia spent most of the 2024–25 season bouncing between two rosters. He started the year with the Memphis Grizzlies and was later traded to the Sacramento Kings, appearing in a combined 66 games between both teams.
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Across those appearances, he averaged 6.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in just under 20 minutes per game. While his counting stats weren’t eye-popping, he quietly shot a respectable 44.1% from the field and 40.4% from three — showing growth as a floor-spacer and rotational forward.
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4. Jake LaRavia Has the Frame and Stroke — But Needs to Prove He Fits
At 6’7″, 235 pounds, Jake LaRavia has the size and shooting touch to thrive in a modern offense. He shot over 40% from three in 2024–25, showing potential as a stretch-four who can space the floor and move off-ball — traits that matter when you’re playing next to high-usage stars like Luka Dončić and LeBron James.
On paper, LaRavia could be a clean fit. He doesn’t need the ball to be effective, can knock down open looks, and has the size to switch on defense. But he hasn’t shown the consistency or assertiveness to lock down minutes on any roster so far. With LeBron aging and the Lakers in win-now mode, the margin for error is slim. Pelinka is betting LaRavia can figure it out — fast.
5. LaRavia Was Pelinka’s First Free Agent Call — and Lakers Fans Lost It
When the clock struck 3 p.m. Pacific to open 2025 NBA free agency, Lakers fans expected Rob Pelinka to go after proven vets — maybe a center, maybe a shooter, maybe anyone who could help LeBron and Luka win now.
Instead, his first call was to Jake LaRavia — and that’s not speculation. Multiple league sources confirmed it, and the backlash was immediate.
Rob Pelinka’s first call when free agency opened was to Jake LaRavia, per @DanWoikeSports
“According to league sources, LaRavia was the Lakers’ first call when free agency officially opened at 3 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday. In his conversation with Rob Pelinka and Lakers coach… pic.twitter.com/hX1f21ByfM
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 1, 2025
With glaring needs at center and veteran depth, Pelinka’s move left fans questioning the plan — or whether there was one at all. LaRavia may develop into a useful rotation piece, but opening free agency with a low-profile forward didn’t inspire confidence. In L.A., optics matter — and this one missed the mark.
Jake LaRavia: Quick Facts & FAQs
How tall is Jake LaRavia?
Jake LaRavia is 6’7″ (2.01m) tall and weighs approximately 235 pounds.
Who is Jake LaRavia?
Jake LaRavia is a professional basketball player and stretch forward, drafted 19th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. He played college ball at Indiana State and Wake Forest, and signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025 after stints with the Grizzlies and Kings.
How old is Jake LaRavia?
LaRavia was born on November 3, 2001, making him 23 years old as of July 2025.
Where is Jake LaRavia from?
He’s from Indianapolis, Indiana, and played high school basketball at Lawrence Central.
Jake LaRavia stats
Through his first three NBA seasons, Jake LaRavia has appeared in 123 games, averaging 5.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. He’s a career 43.2% shooter from the field and 38.6% from three, showing solid potential as a floor-spacing forward.
Jake LaRavia contract
LaRavia signed a two-year deal with the Lakers in 2025, though financial details have not been made public as of publishing.
Jake LaRavia trade
He was traded midseason from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Sacramento Kings during the 2024–25 campaign.
Jake LaRavia salary
LaRavia earned $3.2 million during the 2024–25 season. He signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025, averaging $6 million per year.
