The Los Angeles Lakers signed Jake LaRavia to a two-year $12 million contract in the offseason, and he made his former team regret declining his fourth-year player option on Friday night. The Grizzlies drafted the 6’7 forward with the 19th overall pick in 2022, but gave up on him after two disappointing years. LaRavia instantly played better and is quickly becoming a key rotation piece in LA.
The 24-year-old had 18 first-half points against his former team and made an impact on both ends of the floor in the 128-121 victory. The Lakers were without four players on Friday night, including two starters.