Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said he expected Jake LaRavia to thrive long before the forward put on a purple-and-gold jersey.
Speaking to reporters before Wednesday night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, Redick disclosed that LaRavia was “the first person I called in free agency,” adding that the 23-year-old’s two-way versatility made him a priority target.
“There aren’t many guys who can influence a game without falling into one of the typical NBA archetypes,” Redick said, noting LaRavia’s ability to rebound, pass, defend and space the floor. He likened the skill set to the all-around contributions Josh Hart provides the New York Knicks.
The 6-foot-7 wing split last season between the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings before signing with the Lakers over the summer. Through the opening stretch of the 2025-26 campaign, LaRavia has rewarded the club with strong defense and timely shooting, highlighted by a breakout offensive performance in a recent win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Redick believes the next step is volume. LaRavia knocked down better than 42 percent of his three-pointers a year ago on limited attempts, and the coach envisions the forward settling into a 25- to 30-minute role once the roster is fully healthy. “He’s going to get a lot of open looks,” Redick said, “and we want him to take them.”
LaRavia’s emergence comes weeks after a viral moment in which Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards openly wondered who the former first-round pick was. The Lakers forward later laughed off the clip, saying he found the exchange amusing.
LaRavia’s blend of passing, spacing and defensive instincts has quickly made him a staple in Redick’s rotation, and the organization anticipates further growth as the season progresses.
Source: Lakers Nation
