In a significant move early in the NBA free agency period, the Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly secured forward Jake LaRavia on a two-year, $12 million contract. The news, first broken by ESPN's Shams Charania, marks a key addition to the Lakers' roster as they look to build a competitive team.
LaRavia, who split the 2024-25 season between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Sacramento Kings, is expected to provide valuable depth and shooting for Los Angeles. In the previous season, he averaged 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.
The 23-year-old forward ended the last season on the sidelines with a fractured thumb, which caused him to miss the final ten games. His recovery and readiness for the upcoming season will be closely watched.
Prior to his professional career, LaRavia was a standout player at Wake Forest. He was originally drafted 19th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves before being traded to the Grizzlies. He later joined the Kings as part of a trade during the 2024-25 season. His signing with the Lakers signifies a new chapter for the young forward and a strategic acquisition for the purple and gold.
