Jake LaRavia says he viewed Lakers as best fit for him in free agency

When Jake LaRavia thought about where to play next season, the Lakers became his clear answer.

So much goes into NBA free agency from the player’s perspective. Factors like fit, years, finances and location all play a role in why they pick one place over another.

For Jake LaRavia, taking his talents to Southern California wasn’t exactly a difficult decision.

During his introductory press conference, he explained why the Lakers were a team he wanted to play for.

“I was just trying to decide which team was the best fit, where I can see my role expanding and seeing my potential as a player continue to grow,” LaRavia said. “There’s really not much to say; it’s the Lakers. It’s a huge organization. It’s the biggest market. I think the development process here is going to be great for me. I think as far as the way the team’s set up, I think I’ll fit right in. I’ve talked with JJ [Redick] when I had first signed, and I really see myself having a good role here, and I’m just excited to play with this team.”

LaRavia already has lots of ties to this team and Los Angeles. His father, who grew up in Pasadena, was thrilled to hear his son would be a Laker.

LaRavia himself is undoubtedly looking forward to playing with his friend, Lakers star Austin Reaves. The two are both clients of Aaron Reilly of AMR Agency.

In fact, before free agency officially kicked off, LaRavia was literally in a car with Reaves during a podcast appearance, laughing about the possibility of joining the Lakers.

Good vibes can certainly help sway a decision, but more is often needed.

With the Lakers signing LaRavia to a two-year, $12 million deal, he gets a pay increase and, with Dorian Finney-Smith off the team, he has the opportunity to prove he’s worth much more than that.

Playing for the Lakers has plenty of perks, from the prestige of the brand to the perfect weather, but for a young LaRavia, he will be getting far more attention here than he did in Memphis or Sacramento.

If he plays well, then the entire NBA will be put on notice regarding his game. He’ll be playing on national TV often and we’ve seen plenty of players join the Lakers, ball out and then earn huge paydays afterwards.

Malik Monk is a player who accomplished that as a Laker. He played for Los Angeles during the 2021-22 season and after having a career year, he signed a two-year, $19 million contract with the Kings.

If things go right for LaRavia, this can be a win-win scenario for him and the franchise. The Lakers can have a wing player they trust, and LaRavia can show how good he is when given a bigger role.

There’s still a long way to go before we see this partnership in practice, but LaRavia landed in L.A., wants to be here and is excited to play for head coach JJ Redick.

That’s a great place to be at for the beginning of what is hopefully a very successful two years for LaRavia in a purple and gold jersey.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.