Jake LaRavia joins Lakers with $12 million two-year deal
Apr 12, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia (3) dribbles as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers have secured their first recruit of this free agency period. According to ESPN and Shams Charania of The Athletic, Jake LaRavia has committed to the California franchise for two years and $12 million fully guaranteed. This signing comes just moments after Dorian Finney-Smith’s departure to Houston.
Free agent forward Jake LaRavia has agreed to a two-year, $12 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. LaRavia had a strong finish after joining the Sacramento Kings last season. pic.twitter.com/hXw9E1PzZV
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025
The 23-year-old forward, drafted 19th overall in 2022, had been playing for Sacramento since February after being traded by the Grizzlies. Dan Woike of The Athletic confirms that LaRavia was the « priority target » for the Lakers at the 3-4 position once Dorian Finney-Smith chose to join the Rockets.
A promising profile despite difficult beginnings
Jake LaRavia hasn’t managed to establish himself permanently with his two previous teams. Over his first three seasons in the league, he averaged 6.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, with an encouraging 37% success rate from 3-point range. His complete stats for the 2024-2025 season show 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 20.4 minutes per game, with an impressive shooting accuracy of 47.5%, including 42.3% from three.
The former Wake Forest player had his best performances in a Grizzlies jersey before his trade. In 47 games with Memphis, he converted 44.4% of his three-point attempts, and the team showed better results when he was on the court. These performances actually led Zach Kleiman, the Grizzlies’ basketball operations director, to admit after the season that he had probably made a mistake in declining the $5.16 million option for 2025-2026.
Next season, Jake LaRavia will be tasked with giving LeBron James and Rui Hachimura rest, alongside Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber. According to salary expert Yossi Gozlan, this contract might use part of the Lakers’ mid-level exception, leaving them about $8.3 million for other recruits, particularly at the center position where the team has urgent needs.
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