A New Face, A New Chapter — The Lakers Quietly Make Their Latest Move. What Role Will Jake LaRavia Play in LA’s Big Picture?
The Los Angeles Lakers have officially added another young piece to their evolving roster, welcoming forward Jake LaRavia to Hollywood. While the move might not generate the same level of noise as blockbuster trades or free agency signings, make no mistake — this acquisition could have ripple effects on the Lakers’ 2025-26 campaign.
The Quiet Arrival
LaRavia, a 22-year-old forward out of Wake Forest, comes to LA after spending the past two seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. Though he hasn’t been a headliner in NBA circles, his upside, versatility, and work ethic have quietly earned him respect around the league. The Lakers, always on the hunt for smart, two-way players to complement their stars, clearly see value in his skill set.
What LaRavia Brings to the Table
At 6’8″ with solid shooting mechanics and defensive instincts, LaRavia fits the mold of the modern NBA forward. His ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and play within a system could make him an ideal role player for a Lakers team looking to deepen its rotation.
During his time in Memphis, LaRavia showed flashes of potential, averaging 6.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in limited minutes last season. His perimeter shooting, particularly from the corners, has steadily improved, and he’s proven capable of making the right reads on both ends of the floor.
A Subtle But Smart Move
The Lakers’ front office has made it clear that this offseason isn’t just about headline-grabbing moves — it’s about building sustainable depth. With veterans like LeBron James and Anthony Davis carrying much of the load, and young stars like Cooper Flagg waiting in the wings, pieces like LaRavia are essential to bridging the gap.
As Head Coach JJ Redick crafts his vision for this new-look Lakers squad, players like LaRavia represent flexibility. Need size on the wing? Defensive coverage? A capable shooter off the bench? LaRavia quietly checks those boxes.
The Big Picture
Make no mistake: the spotlight in LA will remain on LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and top pick Cooper Flagg. But championship teams are built on more than just stars — they thrive on depth, chemistry, and players willing to embrace their role.
For Jake LaRavia, this is more than just a change of scenery — it’s an opportunity to carve out a spot on basketball’s grandest stage. And for the Lakers, it’s another calculated step toward building a roster capable of making noise deep into the postseason.
The move may not dominate the headlines — but it might just matter when the games count most.
