Jake LaRavia – Career, Stats, Contract, and Biography

Jake LaRavia’s path to the NBA didn’t follow the typical script. A first‑round pick traded on draft night, he spent three seasons developing with the Memphis Grizzlies before the Los Angeles Lakers signed him to a fully guaranteed two‑year, $12 million contract. Here’s a grounded look at his career, contract, and what his role might look like in L.A.

Height: 6’7″ (201 cm) · Weight: 235 lbs (106 kg) · Position: Power Forward · Team: Los Angeles Lakers · Age: 24 · Draft: 19th overall in 2022

Ten attributes, one snapshot: LaRavia is a 6’7″ power forward who entered the league as a first‑round pick and has already secured a multi‑year guarantee worth $12 million.

The pattern: height, draft slot, and contract size that signal a high-upside reserve forward.

What is Jake LaRavia known for?

Early Life and Family

• Born in Pasadena, California on November 3, 2001. (ESPN Biography)
• His father’s name has not been publicly confirmed in reliable sources.

College Career at Wake Forest

LaRavia played for Wake Forest during the 2021‑22 season after transferring from Indiana State. In his senior year, he averaged 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. (Wikipedia) He scored a career‑high 31 points, along with 10 rebounds and four assists, on January 22, 2022 against North Carolina. (Wikipedia)

Personal Life: Wife, Ethnicity, and Father

Details about LaRavia’s wife, ethnicity, and father are not yet available in major public records or verified sources. These aspects of his personal life remain unconfirmed.

What is Jake LaRavia’s salary?

Current Contract Terms

On July 6, 2025, LaRavia signed a two‑year, $12 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. (Spotrac) The deal is fully guaranteed, meaning he receives the entire $12 million regardless of performance or injury. (BasketNews) His average annual salary is $6 million. (SalarySwish)

Salary Cap Implications

For the 2025‑26 season, LaRavia’s base salary, cap hit, and dead cap value are all $6 million. (Spotrac) That gives the Lakers a straightforward, trade‑friendly contract as they build around their core stars.

Was Jake LaRavia drafted?

Draft Day Trade

LaRavia was selected 19th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves. (ESPN Biography) On draft night, his rights were traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. (Wikipedia)

Memphis Grizzlies Tenure

He spent three seasons with the Grizzlies from 2022 to 2025, playing in a reserve role before entering free agency. (Wikipedia) In March 2025, before his Lakers agreement, he posted strong numbers for the Sacramento Kings on a short‑term stint — 8.6 points, 48.1% shooting, 43.9% from three, and 3.3 rebounds in 12 games. (ESPN News)

Is Jake LaRavia a starter?

Role with the Lakers

As of the 2025‑26 season, it is not definitively clear whether LaRavia will start or come off the bench. The Lakers have a deep forward rotation, and his playing time may depend on matchups. He is listed as a power forward and wears jersey number 12. (ESPN Stats)

Recent Performance Signal

His 12‑game stretch with the Kings — shooting 43.9% from three — suggests he can stretch the floor, a skill that could earn him minutes in a spacing role. However, no official source confirms a starting position.

How tall is Jake LaRavia?

Height, Weight, and Wingspan

• Height: 6’7″ (201 cm) (ESPN Biography)
• Weight: 235 lbs (106 kg) (Yahoo Sports)
• Listed at 6‑foot‑8 in some reports but officially 6’7″ by the NBA. (ESPN News)

Playing Style and Strengths

LaRavia shoots right‑handed and plays power forward. His size — long and strong for a modern forward — allows him to defend multiple positions and finish at the rim. (Yahoo Sports) He profiles as a combo forward who can stretch the floor and attack closeouts.

Seven specs, one takeaway: LaRavia’s measurements and contract terms align with a high‑upside reserve forward.

The implication: height, weight, contract length, and guaranteed amount all point to a player the Lakers are betting on to develop.

For Lakers fans, LaRavia is a bet on shooting growth at a bargain price. If his 43.9% three‑point accuracy from March becomes sustainable, he turns into a floor‑spacer the Lakers desperately need. If not, the short guarantee limits the downside. The trade‑off for LaRavia is clear: prove his shooting translates over a full season, or risk being a depth piece on a contending roster.

For a deeper look at his college career and salary details, see Jake LaRavias full biography and stats.

Frequently asked questions