Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka

Lakers Complete First Free Agent Signing

The Los Angeles Lakers have completed their first free agent signing, agreeing to sign Jake LaRavia a two-year contract worth $12 million, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Lakers Sign Free Agent Jake LaRavia

A first-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, LaRavia arguably just had the best season of his young career.

Though he actually averaged his career-high in scoring (10.8 points per game) the season prior, he was far sharper at both ends in 2024-25. In 66 games, he averaged 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.9 steals in 20.4 minutes per game. He also shot a career-high 42.3 percent from 3.

Ultimately, the 23-year-old’s blend of youth, athleticism, versatility, and efficiency make him an intriguing addition to their second unit. In fact, with Dorian Finney-Smith now heading to the Houston Rockets, there’s already a hole that he can fit in. Whether LaRavia can make an immediate impact, let alone whether he can stay in Los Angeles longer will depend on if his performance last season was just a flash in the pan though.

Mar 22, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Jake LaRavia (33) during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

To that point, LaRavia played just 70 games his first two seasons. In that time, he shot 38.9 percent from the field and 33.9 percent from 3. The tools have always been there. However, the jury is still out on how well he can use them.

© Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

About Quenton S Albertie

Quenton Albertie stands as a seasoned authority in the realm of professional basketball, currently serving as the incisive LWOS Basketball Manager. His distinguished career is underscored by a profound expertise in deciphering the nuances of breaking NBA news, providing unparalleled NBA analysis, and offering keen insights into the predictive landscape of the NBA Draft. As a credentialed media member covering the Atlanta Hawks, Quenton’s on-the-ground experience grants him an intimate perspective, directly informing his authoritative content and fostering trust among dedicated readers. With a meticulous approach to reporting and a passion for the sport, he consistently delivers content that is both timely and deeply analytical. You can explore more of Quenton's extensive portfolio on MuckRack. For ongoing updates and engaging discussions, connect with Quenton on X. He is unwavering in his commitment to delivering high-quality, expertly vetted basketball journalism.