Jake LaRavia Bio
Jacob Glen LaRavia is an American professional basketball player who plays as a small forward for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He wears jersey number 12 and stands 6 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 235 pounds. After a strong college career split between Indiana State and Wake Forest, LaRavia was selected 19th overall in the 2022 NBA draft and has since built his reputation as a versatile forward with a well-rounded skill set.
Born in Pasadena, California, LaRavia has played for the Memphis Grizzlies, spent time with the Sacramento Kings in early 2025, and joined the Lakers on a two-year contract in July 2025. Known for his rebounding, playmaking, and defensive instincts, he represents one of the more intriguing young forwards in the league.
Early Life and Background
Jacob Glen LaRavia was born on November 3, 2001, in Pasadena, California, to parents Jeff LaRavia and Becky LaRavia. When Jake was five years old, his family relocated from California to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he would eventually grow up and begin developing his basketball career. The move introduced him to a strong basketball culture in the Midwest, and it was in Indianapolis that he first became serious about the game.
LaRavia attended Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis, where he played alongside future college standouts Nijel Pack and Dre Davis. For most of his high school career, his role on the team was limited, but everything changed during his senior season. He became the team’s leading scorer and averaged 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.3 steals per game, earning Indiana All-Star honors. He also led Lawrence Central to its first sectional title since 2012, cementing his status as a college prospect.
Originally, LaRavia committed to play college basketball at SIU Edwardsville, but after a coaching change at the program, he reopened his recruitment. He ultimately chose Indiana State, setting the stage for his first chapter in college basketball.
Path to Basketball
LaRavia’s path to professional basketball began in earnest at Indiana State, where he played two seasons for the Sycamores from 2019 to 2021. As a freshman, he averaged 9.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, and his strong play earned him spots on the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) All-Freshman and All-Newcomer Teams. These early honors signaled that he had the potential to develop into a conference-level star.
In his sophomore season, LaRavia raised his production, averaging 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. His performance was strong enough to earn him a selection to the Second-team All-MVC. Following the departure of Indiana State head coach Greg Lansing, LaRavia made the decision to transfer in search of a new opportunity at a higher-profile program.
He landed at Wake Forest, where he played his junior season in 2021–2022. With the Demon Deacons, he averaged 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, and he was named to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Second Team. On January 22, 2022, he produced a career-high 31 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists in a 98–76 win over North Carolina. After that junior season, LaRavia declared for the 2022 NBA draft and ultimately committed to remaining in the draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.
Jake LaRavia Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
LaRavia’s professional career began when he was selected 19th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2022 NBA draft. His draft rights were traded to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a deal that sent picks 22 and 29 to Minnesota, picks that would later become Walker Kessler and TyTy Washington. LaRavia joined the Grizzlies’ 2022 NBA Summer League roster, where he scored 13 points in his debut, a 103–99 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
On October 19, 2022, LaRavia made his regular-season NBA debut, recording five points and two rebounds in a 115–112 overtime win against the New York Knicks. As he adjusted to the NBA game, he was also assigned to the Memphis Hustle of the NBA G League on March 23, 2023, to continue his development and gain additional playing time.
Memphis Grizzlies Era (2022–2025)
During his time with the Memphis Grizzlies, LaRavia worked to establish himself as a rotation player at the small forward position. He appeared in games across multiple seasons, contributing as a versatile forward capable of scoring, rebounding, and defending. His willingness to take on a variety of roles, including stints with the Memphis Hustle in the G League, helped him refine his game against professional-level competition.
On February 6, 2025, LaRavia was part of a three-team trade that sent him from Memphis to the Sacramento Kings. The deal involved the Washington Wizards, who received Marcus Smart, Alex Len, Colby Jones, and a first-round pick, while the Grizzlies received Marvin Bagley III, Johnny Davis, and two second-round picks. LaRavia’s stint with Sacramento was brief, and he soon found himself on the move again.
Los Angeles Lakers Era (2025–Present)
On July 6, 2025, LaRavia signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, joining one of the league’s most storied franchises. The move marked a fresh chapter in his career and provided him with an opportunity to contribute to a team with championship aspirations. Wearing number 12, LaRavia slotted in as a forward option for the Lakers’ rotation.
At 6 feet 7 inches and 235 pounds, LaRavia brings a combination of size, length, and skill that fits well in the modern NBA game. His ability to play multiple positions, handle the ball, and make plays for teammates has made him a valuable piece of the Lakers’ roster. As he continues to develop, the Lakers era represents a critical opportunity for him to take another step forward in his career.
Driving Style and Strengths
On the basketball court, LaRavia is best known for his versatility as a forward. He can score from multiple levels, rebound effectively on both ends of the floor, and serve as a secondary playmaker thanks to his 3.7 assists per game during his junior season at Wake Forest. His combination of size, basketball IQ, and team-first mentality allows him to contribute in a variety of ways, whether as a scorer, a connector, or a defender.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of LaRavia’s career are his 31-point, 10-rebound, four-assist performance against North Carolina on January 22, 2022, his selection as the 19th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, and his high school leadership of Lawrence Central to its first sectional title since 2012. Each milestone has reflected his steady growth as a player.
Jake LaRavia Career Wins
Across his professional career, Jake LaRavia has steadily built his resume as a contributing member of winning teams, from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers. While he is still in the early stages of his NBA journey, his track record in college, where he earned All-Conference honors in both the MVC and the ACC, suggests that he is capable of performing at a high level when given the opportunity.
NBA Highlights
LaRavia made his NBA debut on October 19, 2022, in a 115–112 overtime win over the New York Knicks, where he recorded five points and two rebounds. He went on to play for the Memphis Grizzlies from 2022 to 2025, with a brief stint in the NBA G League with the Memphis Hustle from 2022 to 2024. In February 2025, he was traded to the Sacramento Kings before signing with the Los Angeles Lakers in July 2025.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his NBA work, LaRavia also gained experience with the Memphis Hustle of the NBA G League, where he continued to develop his game against professional competition. His college career, highlighted by All-MVC and All-ACC recognition, stands as one of the strongest stretches of his basketball journey to date.
Jake LaRavia Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jake LaRavia is the son of Jeff LaRavia and Becky LaRavia. His parents raised him in Indianapolis after the family moved from Pasadena, California, when he was five years old. Their support has been a steady presence throughout his basketball career, from his early days at Lawrence Central High School to his current role with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Personal Life
LaRavia was born on November 3, 2001, and grew up in Indianapolis after being raised there from the age of five. He attended Lawrence Central High School, where he played alongside teammates who would go on to college basketball success of their own. As of the most recent available information, LaRavia remains focused on his professional basketball career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a year of significant transition for Jake LaRavia. After spending the bulk of his early NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies, he was traded to the Sacramento Kings on February 6, 2025, as part of a three-team deal. His time in Sacramento offered him a brief opportunity to contribute in a new system before the offseason brought another major change.
On July 6, 2025, LaRavia signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, giving him long-term stability and a clear role within a championship-caliber organization. The contract runs through 2027 and reflects the Lakers’ confidence in his potential as a versatile forward.
Looking ahead, LaRavia is expected to compete for minutes at the small forward position in Los Angeles. With his size, passing ability, and defensive versatility, he has the tools to carve out a meaningful role on a deep Lakers roster. The 2025 season represents a fresh start and an opportunity to showcase his development on one of the NBA’s biggest stages.
