The Los Angeles Lakers won a “small bidding war” among several teams to sign Jake LaRavia at the start of free agency, sources tell ESPN. Despite their glaring need for a center, LaRavia was reportedly the Lakers’ top priority in free agency after losing Dorian Finney-Smith.
In 66 games last season with the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings, LaRavia averaged 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 42.3 percent on three-pointers. LaRavia was an unrestricted free agent after the Grizzlies declined their fourth-year option on him.
LaRavia’s two-year, $12 million contract is fully guaranteed and the Lakers could use Early Bird rights to re-sign him when he’s a free agent again in 2027. LaRavia is represented by Aaron Reilly, who also represents Austin Reaves.