Jake LaRavia, the Lakers' hope: "Redick wants me to be myself, play freely, and do what I know how to do"

Of all the signings that Los Angeles Lakers made this summer, the most unknown is Jake LaRavia. Selected in the first round of the 2022 draft, the forward has shown flashes of his potential during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings, although he has not yet been able to establish himself.

Now, in Los Angeles, he has the opportunity to secure a real role as a two-way forward. Improving perimeter defense was a priority for the Lakers' management, and LaRavia fits that profile, as well as bringing a 37.1% accuracy from three-point range throughout his career.

Regarding his role in the team, he explained what JJ Redick has conveyed to him. "Since I arrived, everything has gone very well, we have had many conversations, JJ and I," he pointed out during Media Day. "About my role, he told me to just be myself on the court, that he won't ask me to do one or two specific things. He wants me to go out there and play how I know, to be a basketball player."

LaRavia himself highlighted that the coach trusts in his abilities. "He knows how hard I play. He knows that I make plays that help win, that I make the right decision. I can also be a connector on the court. Obviously, I will bring shooting and defense to the team. All he wants is for me to go out and play freely, to be a basketball player and to compete at the end of the day."

Fit with LeBron James and Luka Doncic

The forward is confident that his style will mesh well alongside the Lakers' stars. "I believe I can complement Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James very well with how they play," he stated. "Providing space on offense and, on defense, easing the pressure by guarding the top rival forward. And also, as I said, playing hard, making winning plays, diving on the floor. You will see it soon, on October 21 when the season starts. I go out every night to try to win, to have an impact on victory, and that's what this organization represents. I am excited to put on a show."

The opportunity will be there for LaRavia to show what he can offer on the big stage that the Lakers represent. If he manages to defend at the highest level and score open threes, it will be difficult for Redick to leave him out of the rotation.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Jake LaRavia, la ilusión de los Lakers: "Redick quiere que sea yo mismo, que juegue libre y haga lo que sé hacer"