Latest news with #LaRavia
USA Today
06-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
James Worthy is bullish on Lakers' acquisition of Jake LaRavia
A lot of people are talking about the Los Angeles Lakers getting center Deandre Ayton to agree to a two-year contract. While Ayton comes with some real concerns, he is a potent offensive threat and a strong rebounder, and his arrival should go a long way in plugging the gaping crater the Lakers have had at the 5 spot. But they also got forward Jake LaRavia to agree to a two-year, $12 million contract. This move has flown somewhat under the radar, but there are some in the NBA community who feel he may turn out to be a gem for the team. James Worthy, the Lakers Hall of Famer from their Showtime squads of the 1980s, seems bullish on LaRavia. He said during the "Lake Show" podcast that the 23-year-old will thrive offensively in L.A. 'I like him,' Worthy said. 'Coming to play for JJ Redick, who encourages you to take the three when you open. 'Playing with the biggest magnet in the game, Luka [Doncic], eight out of 10 plays he gets into the paint, there are four players that are collapsing around him, he's going to be able to find those guys if you can move to the level and get in eyesight.' Worthy also pointed out that L.A.'s two other main stars will help LaRavia get good shots. 'I think he'll find some shots. LeBron is another guy that breaks down the defence, Austin Reaves, he can break down the defense. 'So if you're a savvy guy that knows how to drop down to the level of the ball, and be in sight, you are going to benefit from that.' LaRavia hit 42.3% of his 3-point attempts this past season, and that is a skill the Lakers definitely need more of, especially since it looks like Redick wants them to be a high-volume 3-point shooting team. He can also attack the basket off the dribble a bit, and he may be an underrated defender, especially when it comes to getting steals and deflections. During the 2024-25 season, LaRavia averaged 12.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.7 steals per 36 minutes.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers Mocked After Signing 'First Call' Free Agent
Lakers Mocked After Signing 'First Call' Free Agent originally appeared on Athlon Sports. It has been an interesting few days for the Lakers, and not the good kind of interesting. More like the kind of interesting that leaves observers with furrowed brows and scratching their heads. Advertisement The Lakers were delivered some bad news on LeBron James on Sunday when he opted in to the final year of his contract with the team, but did not seek the usual one-and-one deal (one year signed, plus a player option) he has always gotten in the past. That, combined with an obtuse statement from agent Rich Paul, who indicated that the Lakers' looking to the future does not align with James' end-of-career plans, has sparked speculation that this will be James' last season in Los Angeles. After that, the Lakers were ditched by December trade acquisition Dorian Finney-Smith, who signed a four-year deal with the accelerating Houston Rockets--a team that seems to have pulled far ahead of the Lakers in the Western Conference hierarchy. Sacramento Kings forward Jake LaRavia (33) warms up before a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images Meanwhile, the Thunder are the defending champs, and in addition to Houston, the Mavericks have improved, the Spurs have improved, and the Nuggets have improved. A strong argument can be made that the Lakers are in danger of slipping back into play-in territory, given the strength of the West. Advertisement Amid all that came the team's big opening free-agent splash on Monday afternoon: They signed Jake LaRavia to a two-year, $12 million contract. LaRavia averaged 6.9 point and 3.9 rebounds in 20.4 minutes per game last season, split between the Kings and Grizzlies. Apparently, GM Rob Pelinka really, really wanted LaRavia. 'According to league sources, LaRavia was the Lakers' first call when free agency officially opened at 3 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday," The Athletic reported. "In his conversation with Rob Pelinka and Lakers coach JJ Redick, LaRavia and his team were impressed with the ways Pelinka sold the strengths of the Lakers' brand and Redick's detailed vision for how he'd like to use the young wing.' Fans were not impressed. Advertisement "First call was not to a center but a 6'8 3/4 that shoots 37% from three and 75% from the FT line," one noted. "Premium Lakers delusion & copium," another added. "Hyping up randoms now," one wrote. "Rob Pelinka is literally shopping in the expired food bins, he is a poverty GM," another exasperated fan added. It was not just fans who were perturbed. Gilbert Arenas, the controversial former NBA star and longtime Lakers fan, could not believe that LaRavia was the Lakers' Day One priority. 'Never in my life have I seen a bench player signed so fast in free agency," Arenas said in a social media post. "This is what we doing now, Lakers? Huh? Huh? Signing Jake from All State. ... We coulda got him the last day, right before training camp. You could have had him try out. He averaged six points--you could have had him try the (expletive) out." Advertisement Welcome the Lakers, Jake LaRavia! Related: Lakers Get Clear Message on LeBron James Trade From Rich Paul This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Los Angeles Lakers Made Jake LaRavia Their Top Free Agency Priority With a $12 Million Deal
(Image Source - Getty Images) People expected the Los Angeles Lakers to target a center on Day 1. Instead, they made their first free-agency call to Jake LaRavia, a 23-year-old wing who's now secured for $12 million over two years. That early choice wasn't just a temporary fix for Dorian Finney-Smith—it was a statement. The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to think bigger, smarter, and younger, with Pelinka and Redick putting together a team that can evolve both now and later. Pelinka and Redick Bet on Jake LaRavia's Defensive IQ and Versatility to Anchor the New Rotation In a surprising twist for fans who thought the Lakers would go after a seasoned center, L.A. reached out to LaRavia first — and they did it with enthusiasm. As reported by Dan Woike from The Athletic, sources within the league have confirmed that LaRavia was the Lakers' initial contact as soon as free agency kicked off at 3 p.m. PT. During that call, Rob Pelinka and J.J. Redick both highlighted how LaRavia's defensive intelligence and 3-and-D capabilities align perfectly with their developing strategy. LaRavia is signing with L.A. for a two-year deal worth $12 million guaranteed, as first reported by Shams Charania from The Athletic and confirmed by multiple sources. At just 23 years old, he adds youthful energy, boasting a 37.1% career shooting percentage from beyond the arc over 136 NBA games, along with a renewed sense of stability to the wing position—especially after Finney-Smith left to join the Houston Rockets on a four-year, $53 million contract. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Let boAt bring the cinema home Boat Buy Now Undo L.A.'s goals go beyond just LaRavia. The front office, still reeling from missing Brook Lopez and Clint Capela, has set its sights on Deandre Ayton—who won't be off waivers until Wednesday—as their struggling center. With LaRavia signed, the Lakers have turned a missing wing into a clever launchpad for ongoing roster enhancements. Focusing on LaRavia shows that the Lakers are embracing youth and adaptability. Bringing in some perimeter versatility is a savvy move for cap management—L.A. keeps its mid-level exception options open and creates room for possible center changes in 2027. Plus, it's significant that LaRavia has the same agents as Austin Reaves, who helped out during their summer training—making it easier for him to fit into the locker room and lineup. Meanwhile, LeBron James has decided to take his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season. His agent, Rich Paul, pointed out that there are "no trade discussions" at the moment. However, James is hopeful that the Lakers will assemble a competitive lineup. This scenario creates some pressure on L.A. to support both Dončić and James, all while juggling their current competitiveness and future cap flexibility. Also Read: Draymond Green reveals what Golden State Warriors must do after pairing Stephen Curry with Jimmy Butler They're developing through clever depth, youthful spirit, and flexibility. Sure, the center situation is still a significant worry, but this wing-first tactic eases the sting of losing Finney-Smith and allows time to acquire a big player. As the Pelinka-Redick era unfolds, LaRavia could become the cornerstone of a fresh, energetic Lakers core—one aimed at keeping LeBron engaged and paving the way for a championship. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Express Tribune
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Jake LaRavia contract at Lakers revealed: LA lose Dorian Finney-Smith, but sign Jake LaRavia
The Los Angeles Lakers have lost a key piece of their rotation, as forward Dorian Finney-Smith has agreed to a four-year, $53 million contract with the Houston Rockets, sources told The Los Angeles Times on Monday. Finney-Smith declined a $15.3 million player option with the Lakers prior to free agency. In response, the Lakers acted swiftly, securing 6-foot-7 forward Jake LaRavia. LaRavia confirmed the news on his Instagram account, posting a story. According to LA Times report, LaRavia signs a two-year, $12 million deal. LaRavia spent last season with Memphis and Sacramento, averaging 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. He shot an efficient 47.5% from the field and 42.3% from beyond the arc. Finney-Smith was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in December in exchange for three second-round picks and players. Known for his versatility and defensive intensity, he became a trusted option for head coach JJ Redick throughout the 2024–25 season, often taking on multiple roles across the court. The 31-year-old previously played alongside Luka Dončić in Dallas and was regarded as a veteran presence within the Lakers' locker room. His departure leaves a gap on the defensive end, but the addition of LaRavia signals the Lakers' intent to maintain wing depth and shooting strength as they reshape the roster for the upcoming campaign. NBA free agency officially opened Monday afternoon, and teams are already making high-impact moves, with the Lakers positioning themselves to stay competitive in the Western Conference.
Newsweek
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Jake LaRavia Sends First Message to Lakers Fans After Free Agency Deal
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Los Angeles Lakers have been surrounded with rumors heading into NBA free agency. Now that the market is officially opened, things have been slow but one move has already been made. After seeing Dorian Finney-Smith leave town to sign with the Houston Rockets, the Lakers brought in 23-year-old forward Jake LaRavia in their first free agency signing. LaRavia is not a household name. However, he played well during the 2024-25 season split between the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings. He could become a solid role piece for Los Angeles if all pans out. Jake LaRavia #33 of the Sacramento Kings warms up before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Golden 1 Center on March 17, 2025 in Sacramento, California. Jake LaRavia #33 of the Sacramento Kings warms up before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Golden 1 Center on March 17, 2025 in Sacramento, California. Photo byRob Pelinka still has a lot of work to do, but LaRavia is a sleeper signing who could yield surprising results. Read more: Lakers Make Intriguing $12 Million Signing To Begin NBA Free Agency Following the news of the two sides agreeing to terms on a two-year, $12 million contract, LaRavia took to his Instagram account to send his first message to his new fans. "LAKESHOWWWWW," he wrote. "Hope Lakers fans as excited as I am. Let's work." Clearly, he could not be more excited to be joining the stories franchise. Playing for the Lakers is a childhood dream for most players. During the 2024-25 NBA season with the Grizzlies and Kings, LaRavia played in 66 games. He averaged 6.9 points per game to go along with 3.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.9 steals, while shooting 47.5 percent from the floor and 42.3 percent from the three-point arc. At just 23 years old, as previously mentioned, there is still room for LaRavia to develop. Los Angeles is getting a young piece that could improve quite a bit over the next two years. Read more: Lakers, LeBron James Rumors Receive Huge Update Granted, there is a chance that LaRavia may not crack the rotation. This could be a $6 million per season deal that doesn't pan out to being an impact addition. That being said, he has displayed a good work ethic and improvement. He's starting to come into his prime and has three years of NBA experience under his belt. There are reasons to hope that he can take a leap in year four. Expect to continue hearing a lot of rumors about the Lakers moving forward. Rob Pelinka still has a lot of work to do to build a championship contender around LeBron James and Luka Doncic. LaRavia is a nice piece, but there's more that needs to be done. For more on the Los Angeles Lakers and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
