Jake LaRavia Bio
Jacob Glen LaRavia is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on November 3, 2001, in Pasadena, California, LaRavia was selected with the 19th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves before his draft rights were traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. The 6-foot-7 small forward has built his professional career through stints with the Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, and most recently the Los Angeles Lakers, where he signed a two-year, $12 million contract in July 2025.
Early Life and Background
LaRavia was born in Pasadena, California, and moved to Indianapolis when he was five years old. He grew up in the Indianapolis area and attended Lawrence Central High School, where he played basketball alongside future college teammates Nijel Pack and Dre Davis. LaRavia had a limited role on the team during his first three seasons before becoming the team’s leading scorer as a senior. During his final high school season, he averaged 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.3 steals per game, earning Indiana All-Star honors.
His senior season proved to be a breakthrough campaign, as LaRavia helped lead Lawrence Central to its first sectional title since 2012. Initially, he committed to play college basketball at SIU Edwardsville but reopened his recruitment after a coaching change at the school. He ultimately chose to continue his basketball career closer to home at Indiana State University.
Path to Professional Basketball
LaRavia began his collegiate career at Indiana State University, playing for the Sycamores from 2019 to 2021. As a freshman, he made an immediate impact, averaging 9.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game while earning spots on both the Missouri Valley Conference All-Newcomer Team and the All-Freshman Team. His sophomore season saw improvement across the board, with LaRavia raising his scoring average to 12.3 points per game to go along with 6.3 rebounds, earning him Second-team All-MVC recognition.
Following the departure of head coach Greg Lansing, LaRavia entered the transfer portal and committed to play his junior season at Wake Forest University. The transition proved beneficial, as he flourished in the Atlantic Coast Conference. On January 22, 2022, LaRavia recorded a career-high 31 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists in a 98-76 victory against North Carolina, showcasing his ability to perform in high-stakes games. He concluded the season averaging 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, earning a spot on the All-ACC Second Team. After the season, he declared for the 2022 NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility before ultimately deciding to remain in the draft and forgo his remaining college eligibility.
Jake LaRavia Career
NBA Draft and Memphis Grizzlies (2022–2025)
LaRavia was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 19th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft. His draft rights were subsequently traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in a deal that sent the 22nd and 29th picks to Memphis, players who would later become Walker Kessler and TyTy Washington. LaRavia joined the Grizzlies for the 2022 NBA Summer League, where he made his debut with 13 points in a 103-99 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. On October 19, 2022, he made his official NBA debut, recording five points and two rebounds in a 115-112 overtime victory against the New York Knicks.
Throughout his rookie season, LaRavia split time between the NBA G League and the main roster. On March 23, 2023, he was assigned to the Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies’ G League affiliate. His tenure with Memphis continued through the 2023-2024 season, where he worked to develop his game and earn a more prominent role within the organization. The Grizzlies valued his defensive versatility and shooting ability, integrating him into their rotation during stretches of both seasons.
Sacramento Kings (2025)
On February 6, 2025, LaRavia was traded to the Sacramento Kings as part of a three-team trade involving the Washington Wizards. In the deal, Washington acquired Marcus Smart, Alex Len, Colby Jones, and one first-round pick, while the Grizzlies received Marvin Bagley III, Johnny Davis, and two second-round picks. LaRavia joined the Kings for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season, providing wing depth and defensive flexibility off the bench. His brief stint with Sacramento demonstrated his ability to adapt to different team systems and defensive schemes.
Los Angeles Lakers (2025–present)
On July 6, 2025, LaRavia signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year, $12 million contract. The deal marked a significant step in his NBA career, pairing him with one of the league’s most prominent franchises. LaRavia joined the Lakers’ roster as a small forward, bringing his experience from three organizations and his reputation as a reliable two-way player. The contract runs through the 2026-2027 season, providing him with stability and an opportunity to contribute to a team with championship aspirations.
Playing Style and Strengths
LaRavia is known as a versatile wing player who contributes on both ends of the floor. Standing 6 feet 7 inches with a 235-pound frame, he possesses the size to guard multiple positions while maintaining the mobility to stay with smaller players on the perimeter. His offensive game features a reliable jump shot, particularly from mid-range and three-point distance, and he has shown the ability to score off movement and catch-and-shoot situations. Defensively, LaRavia uses his length and instincts to disrupt passing lanes and guard opposing wings effectively.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among LaRavia’s most memorable moments was his 31-point performance against North Carolina during his junior season at Wake Forest, a statement game that underscored his potential as a future professional. In the NBA, his debut against the Knicks in October 2022 marked the beginning of his professional journey. His selection as the 19th overall pick in the 2022 draft represented the culmination of his development from a limited high school player to a high-major college performer and eventual NBA draftee.
Jake LaRavia Career Statistics
LaRavia has appeared in games across three NBA franchises during his professional career. His statistical contributions have varied depending on role and opportunity, but he has consistently shown the ability to fill specific niches within team offenses and provide effort on the defensive end.
College Statistics Highlights
During his three college seasons spanning Indiana State and Wake Forest, LaRavia demonstrated consistent improvement year over year. At Indiana State, he averaged 9.4 points and 5.9 rebounds as a freshman before increasing his output to 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds as a sophomore. His most productive collegiate season came at Wake Forest, where he averaged 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while earning All-ACC Second Team honors. His career-high 31-point game against North Carolina showcased his ability to take over games offensively.
Professional Career Statistics
Since entering the NBA in 2022, LaRavia has logged minutes with the Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, and Los Angeles Lakers. His per-game averages have reflected his role as a reserve player, typically contributing between 5 and 10 points per game when active. He has appeared in regular season games across multiple seasons, working to establish himself as a reliable rotation player in the league.
Jake LaRavia Family
Family Background
LaRavia was born to Jeff LaRavia and Becky LaRavia in Pasadena, California, before the family relocated to Indianapolis when he was five years old. His father and mother’s support played a significant role in his development as a basketball player, providing encouragement and stability throughout his youth career and high school years. The move to Indiana proved formative, as it placed him in a basketball-rich environment that helped shape his path to collegiate and professional basketball.
Personal Life
Beyond his basketball career, LaRavia maintains a presence on social media, where he shares updates with his fan base. He attended Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis, playing under the school’s basketball program before embarking on his collegiate career at Indiana State and later Wake Forest. As a professional athlete, he has focused on continuous improvement and establishing himself as a valued member of every team he has joined in the NBA.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year represented a pivotal period in LaRavia’s professional career. After beginning the year with the Sacramento Kings following a mid-season trade from Memphis, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in July 2025 on a multi-year deal. This move to Los Angeles provided him with a significant opportunity to contribute to a franchise with playoff aspirations and compete alongside established stars.
With the Lakers, LaRavia worked to carve out a role within the team’s rotation during the 2025-2026 season. His defensive versatility and shooting ability aligned well with the team’s needs for wing players who could space the floor and guard multiple positions. The coaching staff evaluated him in various lineup configurations throughout the early portion of the season, assessing his fit alongside different player combinations.
Looking ahead, LaRavia appears well-positioned to continue his NBA career with the Lakers. His contract runs through the 2026-2027 season, providing him with job security and the chance to develop within a stable organization. As he gains familiarity with the team’s offensive and defensive systems, his role is expected to evolve, potentially increasing his minutes and responsibilities as the season progresses. His journey from a high school sectional champion to an NBA player with multiple franchise experiences demonstrates his resilience and adaptability as a professional athlete.