Jake LaRavia was traded to the Kings by the Grizzlies at the 2025 trade deadline following an inconsistent Memphis spell full of injuries. Shortly after, LaRavia signed a two-year $12 million deal with the Lakers last offseason. Unfortunately for the Lakers, they are coming to a Jake LaRavia realization the Grizzlies are already familiar with. Jake LaRavia is a capable player; however, he is not always consistent.
Jake LaRavia played all 82 games of the regular season with the Lakers, averaging 8.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.8 stocks (steals and blocks) in 25.1 minutes per game. LaRavia plays with energy and is able to provide some value on the defensive end. Surprisingly, he shot just 32.1% from behind the arc despite showing some growth as a perimeter shooter late last season.
Unfortunately, despite contributing in the rotation, Jake LaRavia is having a rough playoff run. It is certainly fair to question how much playing time he should get the rest of the playoffs.
The playoffs have been a major struggle for LaRavia
Even though the main purpose of the Lakers signing LaRavia was to boost their defensive depth and add shooting, he has struggled significantly with his first ever taste of NBA playoff basketball. In eight playoff games, LaRavia is averaging just 3.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.3 stocks in 14.3 minutes. While he has provided some value defensively, his offense has been close to a non-factor. With Luka Doncic being out, the Lakers need plenty of players to step up, and LaRavia hasn't answered the call.
In 24 minutes of game action in the second round so far, LaRavia has scored just 3 total points and struggled on the defensive end. Granted, the Oklahoma City Thunder have a tremendous defense and have a decent chance to return to the NBA Finals. However, it is not exactly ideal for Lakers fans to see how much LaRavia has struggled. Rookie wing Adou Thiero and second-year Bronny James arguably deserve more playing time than LaRavia at this point.
The Grizzlies weren't exactly wrong to move on
Truthfully, the main purpose of trading Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia last year was to create space for Jaren Jackson Jr.'s contract extension. While Smart has had a very strong impact for the Lakers, it appears the Grizzlies made the right choice moving on from LaRavia. LaRavia was averaging 7.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in the 47 games he played with the Grizzlies in the 2024-25 season.
Even though LaRavia had played well enough to get his option picked up in Memphis, the Grizzlies opted against it and appear to be right. The Grizzlies already have multiple promising wing players on the roster, such as GG Jackson II and Jaylen Wells, and will have the flexibility to keep upgrading the roster.
Jake LaRavia's hustle was fun to watch in Memphis, and it felt like he was somewhat turning a corner in his last season with the Grizzlies. However, the Lakers are realizing that he is not the most consistent option for a team trying to win.
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