Jake LaRavia

Jacob Glen LaRavia (born November 3, 2001) is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A 6-foot-7 forward weighing 235 pounds, LaRavia has developed into a versatile “3-and-D” connector, valued for his shooting efficiency and high basketball IQ.

As of February 11, 2026, LaRavia is experiencing a career-best season as a regular starter for the Lakers, providing floor spacing and defensive toughness alongside superstars LeBron James and Luka Dončić.

 

Early Life 

High School

LaRavia was born in Pasadena, California, but moved to Indianapolis at age five. He attended Lawrence Central High School, where he was a late bloomer. It wasn’t until the senior year that he took on a leading role, averaging 17.3 points and 6.8 rebounds while leading the program to its first sectional title in seven years. He earned Indiana All-Star honors before committing to Indiana State.

College Career 

Indiana State (2019–2021)

LaRavia made an immediate impact, earning MVC All-Freshman honors. In his sophomore season, he averaged 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds, earning Second-team All-MVC recognition.

Wake Forest (2021–2022)

Following a coaching change at Indiana State, LaRavia transferred to the ACC. He became a national standout, averaging 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. He recorded a career-high 31 points against North Carolina and was named to the All-ACC Second Team.

NBA Career

Memphis Grizzlies & Sacramento Kings (2022–2025)

Selected 19th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, LaRavia was traded on draft night to the Memphis Grizzlies. He spent three seasons in Memphis, occasionally rotating to the G League’s Memphis Hustle to refine his game. In early 2025, he had a brief stint with the Sacramento Kings before entering free agency.

Los Angeles Lakers (2025–Present)

In July 2025, LaRavia signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. The move was a “homecoming” for the Pasadena-born forward, whose father grew up a die-hard Lakers fan.

2025–2026 Season

LaRavia has flourished in Los Angeles, appearing in 53 games (32 starts) as of February 11, 2026. He is currently averaging 9.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 46.2% from the field. 

Career Highlights & Awards

• All-ACC Second Team (2022)
• All-MVC Second Team (2021)
• MVC All-Freshman Team (2020)
• NBA Draft: 19th Overall (2022)

Personal Life

LaRavia is the son of Jeff and Becky LaRavia and has multiple brothers. He is vocal about his Christian faith, which he credits as the fuel for his career. He is currently engaged and remains active in youth basketball development in both Indianapolis and Los Angeles.